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

Total population
1,148
5.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$80,441/yr
7.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
688
-2.0% year-over-year change

Harding County population

How many people live in Harding County

Harding County is home to 1,148 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 55.8% of Harding County locals are male, and 44.2% are female.

Total population
1,148
5.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
55.8%
640
Female
44.2%
508
Value Percent YoY change
Male 640 55.8% 6.3%
Female 508 44.2% 3.7%
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 Harding County is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.8% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.5% of the population, while another 30.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
46.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.8%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
19.5%
45 to 64
30.8%
Over 65
20.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 204 17.8% 11.5%
15 to 24 128 11.2% 39.1%
25 to 44 224 19.5% -3.9%
45 to 64 354 30.8% -3.0%
Over 65 238 20.7% 8.7%
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 Harding County, 98.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,131 98.5% 6.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 15 1.3% -6.2%
Non-citizens 2 0.2% -77.8%
Racial breakdown
White
91.4%
Black or African American
1.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 1,049 91.4%
Black or African American 17 1.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0.5%
Two or more races 58 5%
Other 18 1.6%

Households in Harding County

A peek inside Harding County households

Harding County has 498 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.6% are families, while the remaining 42.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
498
1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
211
Family households
287
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 211 42.4% 2.9%
Family households 287 57.6% -0.3%
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 Harding County

The housing landscape of Harding County

Harding County's housing consists of 688 units, with 66.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.3% 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 24.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
688
-2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 459 66.7%
1 unit, attached 2 0.3%
2 units 6 0.9%
3 or 4 units 38 5.5%
5 to 9 units 4 0.6%
10 to 19 units 6 0.9%
Mobile home 167 24.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 6 0.9%
Homes built since 2020
6
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Harding County

In Harding County, the median construction year is 1973. About 19.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 134 19.5% -17.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 62 9% -15.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 77 11.2% -15.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 33 4.8% 50.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 112 16.3% -3.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 88 12.8% -6.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 50 7.3% 66.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 80 11.6% 33.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 46 6.7% -14.8%
Built in 2020 or later 6 0.9% N/A
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.

Harding County occupancy rates

Out of the 498 occupied housing units in Harding County, 76.5% are owner-occupied, while 23.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 27.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
498
1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
117
Owner occupied
381
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 117 23.5% 3.5%
Owner occupied 381 76.5% 0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
27.6%
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.

Harding County housing costs

Housing costs in Harding County come to a median of $697 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $521.

Median housing costs per month
$697/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 Harding County
$521/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 Harding County

Harding County education at a glance

About 34.9% of the population in Harding County went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 8.2% earned an associate degree and 27% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 29 3.3% -9.4%
High school diploma 307 34.9% 2.0%
College diploma 204 23.2% -8.5%
Associate degree 72 8.2% 41.2%
Bachelor's degree 238 27% 12.3%
Graduate degree 30 3.4% -16.7%
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 Harding County

How much people earn in Harding County

The average annual household income in Harding County was $104,230 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $80,441, reflecting a +7.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Harding County
$104,230/year
-5.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Harding County
$80,441/year
7.6% year-over-year change

Harding County income by age

In Harding County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $80,156. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,250 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $60,625, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $78,125 in earnings. Overall, 94% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $60,625 4.3%
25 - 44 $80,156 1.2%
45 - 64 $84,250 3.8%
Over 65 $78,125 21.8%
Above poverty level
1,056
Below poverty level
67
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,056 94% 4.1%
Below poverty level 67 6% 11.7%

Employment in Harding County

Workforce and job types in Harding County

The job market in Harding County is powered by 687 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 29.3% run their own businesses, 43.5% are employed by private companies, and 19.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
687
1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
485
Blue collar
202
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 485 70.6% 6.1%
Blue collar 202 29.4% -7.3%
Employer type
Self employees
29.3%
Private companies
43.5%
Governmental workers
19.1%
Not for profit companies
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 201 29.3% -16.9%
Private companies 299 43.5% 7.5%
Governmental workers 131 19.1% 33.7%
Not for profit companies 56 8.2% -1.8%
Unemployment rate
0.9%
-14.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Harding County stands at 0.9%, 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 Harding County

How people get around in Harding County

In Harding County, the average commute time is 19 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 69% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 11.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
19 min
10.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 470 69% 9.8%
Walk 80 11.8% 8.1%
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 Harding County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
58649 354 151 $68,839 $79,832
58653 700 292 $85,714 $92,661
57724 167 92 $61,146 $77,364
57649 273 100 $84,500 $147,625
57650 17 4 $0 $0
57651 191 54 $94,559 $118,750
57720 518 264 $79,091 $100,011
57755 101 45 $68,125 $105,869
57760 966 391 $65,054 $76,435

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FAQs about Harding County demographics 

What is the total population of Harding County?

Harding County has a total population of 1,148 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 +5.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Harding County?

The gender ratio in Harding County is as follows:
  • 55.8% males (640 residents)
  • 44.2% females (508 residents)

What is the median age in Harding County?

The median age in Harding County is 46.3.

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

The age distribution in Harding County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.8% (204 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (128 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.5% (224 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.8% (354 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.7% (238 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Harding County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Harding County is as follows:
  • White: 91.4% (1,049 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.5% (17 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5% (58 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (18 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.5% of the population in Harding County.

How many housing units are there in Harding County?

There are 688 housing units in Harding County, reflecting a -2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Harding County has a total of 498 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Harding County?

Harding County has a median household income of $80,441, representing a +7.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 99.1% in Harding County, with a workforce of 687 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.6% (485 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.4% (202 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 29.3% (201 residents)
  • Private companies: 43.5% (299 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.1% (131 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.2% (56 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