Ziebach County, South Dakota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Ziebach County is located in South Dakota with a total population of 2,410. It is the 53rd most populous county out of 66 in South Dakota. The county encompasses 2 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Ziebach County is 36.6 years. This is 3% lower than the state median of 37.7 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Ziebach County is $47,333. This is 35% lower than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 40% lower. The poverty rate stands at 38.2%. This is 218% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 24.2%. This is 706% higher than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $101,700. Housing costs are 57% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Ziebach County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 53.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 22% lower than the state average of 68.6%.

Race & Ethnicity

Ziebach County is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.2%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (27.1%) is well below the state average of 80.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 4.6%.

Education

14.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 55% lower than the state rate of 31.1%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.8%.