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

Total population
5,205
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,104/yr
-6.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,931
0.2% year-over-year change

Dewey County population

How many people live in Dewey County

Dewey County is home to 5,205 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50% of Dewey County locals are male, and 50% are female.

Total population
5,205
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50%
2,602
Female
50%
2,603
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,602 50% -0.1%
Female 2,603 50% -0.9%
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 Dewey County is 28, with the population distributed as follows: about 32.6% are children under 15, then 14.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.3% of the population, while another 19.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 10% are 65 or older.

Median age
27.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
32.6%
15 to 24
14.6%
25 to 44
23.3%
45 to 64
19.5%
Over 65
10%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,699 32.6% 1.2%
15 to 24 761 14.6% 0.5%
25 to 44 1,211 23.3% -3.0%
45 to 64 1,016 19.5% -1.1%
Over 65 518 10% 0.0%
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 Dewey County, 99.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 21% of locals are Caucasian, 0.5% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,169 99.3% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 17 0.3% 325.0%
Non-citizens 19 0.4% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
21%
Black or African American
0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
74.2%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.2%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,094 21%
Black or African American 27 0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3,862 74.2%
Asian 3 0.1%
Two or more races 219 4.2%

Households in Dewey County

A peek inside Dewey County households

Dewey County has 1,692 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68% are families, while the remaining 32% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,692
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
542
Family households
1,150
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 542 32% 6.3%
Family households 1,150 68% -1.8%
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 Dewey County

The housing landscape of Dewey County

Dewey County's housing consists of 1,931 units, with 75.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.5% 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 13.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,931
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,459 75.6%
1 unit, attached 48 2.5%
2 units 33 1.7%
3 or 4 units 24 1.2%
5 to 9 units 25 1.3%
10 to 19 units 34 1.8%
20 to 49 units 40 2.1%
Mobile home 268 13.9%
Homes built since 2020
11
266.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dewey County

In Dewey County, the median construction year is 1978. About 9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 173 9% 4.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 77 4% -4.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 147 7.6% -9.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 272 14.1% 17.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 389 20.2% -10.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 275 14.2% -17.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 292 15.1% 8.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 204 10.6% 9.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 91 4.7% 49.2%
Built in 2020 or later 11 0.6% 266.7%
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.

Dewey County occupancy rates

Out of the 1,692 occupied housing units in Dewey County, 61.2% are owner-occupied, while 38.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,692
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
656
Owner occupied
1,036
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 656 38.8% 1.2%
Owner occupied 1,036 61.2% 0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
12.4%
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.

Dewey County housing costs

Housing costs in Dewey County come to a median of $663 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $692.

Median housing costs per month
$663/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 Dewey County
$692/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 Dewey County

Dewey County education at a glance

About 54.7% of the population in Dewey County went to high school, while 18.7% pursued college studies. Another 8.3% earned an associate degree and 11.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 67 2.1% -19.3%
High school diploma 1,754 54.7% -1.6%
College diploma 600 18.7% 0.7%
Associate degree 265 8.3% -14.8%
Bachelor's degree 359 11.2% 7.8%
Graduate degree 164 5.1% 4.5%
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 Dewey County

How much people earn in Dewey County

The average annual household income in Dewey County was $68,205 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,104, reflecting a -6.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dewey County
$68,205/year
-1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dewey County
$54,104/year
-6.6% year-over-year change

Dewey County income by age

In Dewey County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,875. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $62,292 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $31,635, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $35,625 in earnings. Overall, 67.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $31,635 -58.0%
25 - 44 $61,875 4.7%
45 - 64 $62,292 -2.3%
Over 65 $35,625 -15.3%
Above poverty level
3,365
Below poverty level
1,635
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,365 67.3% -1.1%
Below poverty level 1,635 32.7% 1.3%

Employment in Dewey County

Workforce and job types in Dewey County

The job market in Dewey County is powered by 1,801 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.9% run their own businesses, 24.3% are employed by private companies, and 47.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,801
-7.2% year-over-year change
White collar
1,390
Blue collar
411
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,390 77.2% -6.5%
Blue collar 411 22.8% -9.5%
Employer type
Self employees
15.9%
Private companies
24.3%
Governmental workers
47.3%
Not for profit companies
12.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 287 15.9% -10.0%
Private companies 438 24.3% -6.6%
Governmental workers 852 47.3% -16.2%
Not for profit companies 224 12.4% 64.7%
Unemployment rate
13.9%
-12.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dewey County stands at 13.9%, 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 Dewey County

How people get around in Dewey County

Commuting methods vary: 80.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.4% 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 1,413 80.7% -6.4%
Bus or trolleybus 11 0.6% -15.4%
Walk 42 2.4% -22.2%
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 Dewey County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
57442 1,772 823 $65,625 $87,860
57601 3,422 1,650 $66,003 $86,958
57625 3,775 1,172 $43,235 $64,511
57630 11 9 $0 $105,333
57633 445 183 $78,750 $108,244
57636 104 41 $112,375 $113,100
57652 265 53 $19,327 $24,955
57656 1,000 371 $66,094 $84,522
57657 247 75 $0 $67,509
57661 177 56 $55,000 $45,563

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FAQs about Dewey County demographics 

What is the total population of Dewey County?

Dewey County has a total population of 5,205 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 -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dewey County?

The gender ratio in Dewey County is as follows:
  • 50% males (2,602 residents)
  • 50% females (2,603 residents)

What is the median age in Dewey County?

The median age in Dewey County is 27.7.

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

The age distribution in Dewey County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 32.6% (1,699 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.6% (761 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.3% (1,211 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.5% (1,016 residents)
  • Over 65: 10% (518 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dewey County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dewey County is as follows:
  • White: 21% (1,094 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.5% (27 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 74.2% (3,862 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.2% (219 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.3% of the population in Dewey County.

How many housing units are there in Dewey County?

There are 1,931 housing units in Dewey 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 Dewey County and what is the average household size?

Dewey County has a total of 1,692 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dewey County?

Dewey County has a median household income of $54,104, representing a -6.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 86.1% in Dewey County, with a workforce of 1,801 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.2% (1,390 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.8% (411 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.9% (287 residents)
  • Private companies: 24.3% (438 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 47.3% (852 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.4% (224 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