Day County, SD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,437
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,033/yr
6.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,440
0.2% year-over-year change

Day County population

How many people live in Day County

Day County is home to 5,437 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of Day County locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
5,437
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
2,715
Female
50.1%
2,722
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,715 49.9% -1.2%
Female 2,722 50.1% 0.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Day County is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 18% are children under 15, then 10.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.3% of the population, while another 23.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
10.8%
25 to 44
21.3%
45 to 64
23.3%
Over 65
26.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 981 18% 0.8%
15 to 24 586 10.8% -3.8%
25 to 44 1,156 21.3% 6.5%
45 to 64 1,265 23.3% -6.8%
Over 65 1,449 26.6% 1.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Day County, 97.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,306 97.6% -1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 53 1% 39.5%
Non-citizens 78 1.4% 457.1%
Racial breakdown
White
84.1%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
9.8%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.8%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 4,572 84.1%
Black or African American 2 0%
American Indian and Alaska Native 534 9.8%
Asian 4 0.1%
Two or more races 316 5.8%
Other 9 0.2%

Households in Day County

A peek inside Day County households

Day County has 2,371 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.2% are families, while the remaining 40.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,371
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
968
Family households
1,403
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 968 40.8% -0.4%
Family households 1,403 59.2% 2.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Day County

The housing landscape of Day County

Day County's housing consists of 3,440 units, with 85.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,440
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,929 85.2%
1 unit, attached 47 1.4%
2 units 17 0.5%
3 or 4 units 97 2.8%
5 to 9 units 103 3%
10 to 19 units 95 2.8%
20 to 49 units 5 0.2%
Mobile home 147 4.3%
Homes built since 2020
23
-4.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Day County

In Day County, the median construction year is 1967. About 27.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 953 27.7% -8.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 282 8.2% -1.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 277 8% 3.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 292 8.5% -5.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 501 14.6% -8.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 195 5.7% -12.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 285 8.3% 82.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 315 9.2% 10.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 317 9.2% 8.2%
Built in 2020 or later 23 0.7% -4.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Day County occupancy rates

Out of the 2,371 occupied housing units in Day County, 74.6% are owner-occupied, while 25.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 31.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,371
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
603
Owner occupied
1,768
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 603 25.4% 6.3%
Owner occupied 1,768 74.6% -0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
31.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Day County housing costs

Housing costs in Day County come to a median of $769 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $660.

Median housing costs per month
$769/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Day County
$660/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Day County

Day County education at a glance

About 39.2% of the population in Day County went to high school, while 20.6% pursued college studies. Another 16.3% earned an associate degree and 16.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 97 2.3% -29.7%
High school diploma 1,652 39.2% 0.2%
College diploma 867 20.6% -0.9%
Associate degree 686 16.3% 0.3%
Bachelor's degree 681 16.1% 2.1%
Graduate degree 237 5.6% 20.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Day County

How much people earn in Day County

The average annual household income in Day County was $91,552 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,033, reflecting a +6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Day County
$91,552/year
6.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Day County
$66,033/year
6.0% year-over-year change

Day County income by age

In Day County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $93,056. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $90,192 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $48,636, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $51,205 in earnings. Overall, 85% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $48,636 5.8%
25 - 44 $93,056 12.5%
45 - 64 $90,192 5.6%
Over 65 $51,205 6.8%
Above poverty level
4,441
Below poverty level
787
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,441 85% -2.2%
Below poverty level 787 15% 6.2%

Employment in Day County

Workforce and job types in Day County

The job market in Day County is powered by 2,480 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 22% run their own businesses, 55.7% are employed by private companies, and 15% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,480
-0.0% year-over-year change
White collar
1,787
Blue collar
693
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,787 72.1% -1.1%
Blue collar 693 27.9% 2.8%
Employer type
Self employees
22%
Private companies
55.7%
Governmental workers
15%
Not for profit companies
7.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 546 22% 1.9%
Private companies 1,382 55.7% 2.5%
Governmental workers 373 15% -13.7%
Not for profit companies 179 7.2% 9.2%
Unemployment rate
2.1%
-3.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Day County stands at 2.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Day County

How people get around in Day County

Commuting methods vary: 83.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,034 83.6% 0.7%
Bus or trolleybus 10 0.4% 400.0%
Ferryboat 6 0.2% 0.0%
Walk 77 3.2% -26.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Day County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
57261 277 111 $77,813 $76,740
57273 1,165 430 $48,167 $68,717
57274 2,621 1,183 $68,083 $94,848
57422 174 82 $88,125 $97,982
57454 732 236 $81,250 $101,878
57468 279 128 $76,250 $129,952
57219 552 236 $51,900 $78,008
57239 358 186 $106,389 $114,856

Explore more communities

FAQs about Day County demographics 

What is the total population of Day County?

Day County has a total population of 5,437 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Day County?

The gender ratio in Day County is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (2,715 residents)
  • 50.1% females (2,722 residents)

What is the median age in Day County?

The median age in Day County is 44.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Day County?

The age distribution in Day County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18% (981 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.8% (586 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.3% (1,156 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.3% (1,265 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.6% (1,449 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Day County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Day County is as follows:
  • White: 84.1% (4,572 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (2 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 9.8% (534 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (4 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.8% (316 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (9 residents)

What percentage of the population in Day County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.6% of the population in Day County.

How many housing units are there in Day County?

There are 3,440 housing units in Day County, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Day County and what is the average household size?

Day County has a total of 2,371 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Day County?

Day County has a median household income of $66,033, representing a +6.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Day County?

The employment rate is 97.9% in Day County, with a workforce of 2,480 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.1% (1,787 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.9% (693 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 22% (546 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.7% (1,382 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15% (373 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.2% (179 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025