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

Total population
17,664
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$81,395/yr
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,997
0.5% year-over-year change

Hughes County population

How many people live in Hughes County

Hughes County is home to 17,664 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50% of Hughes County locals are male, and 50% are female.

Total population
17,664
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50%
8,828
Female
50%
8,836
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,828 50% -0.3%
Female 8,836 50% -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 Hughes County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.1% are children under 15, then 10.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26% of the population, while another 25.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.1%
15 to 24
10.2%
25 to 44
26%
45 to 64
25.7%
Over 65
18%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,545 20.1% -0.4%
15 to 24 1,811 10.2% -3.6%
25 to 44 4,586 26% 0.0%
45 to 64 4,534 25.7% -1.2%
Over 65 3,188 18% 2.2%
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 Hughes County, 98.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.5%
Non-citizens
0.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 17,348 98.2% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 270 1.5% 14.4%
Non-citizens 46 0.3% 35.3%
Racial breakdown
White
80.7%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
11%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.5%
Other
1.1%
Value Percent
White 14,252 80.7%
Black or African American 9 0%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,941 11%
Asian 116 0.7%
Two or more races 1,149 6.5%
Other 197 1.1%

Households in Hughes County

A peek inside Hughes County households

Hughes County has 7,253 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61% are families, while the remaining 39% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,253
-0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,830
Family households
4,423
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,830 39% 0.8%
Family households 4,423 61% -1.9%
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 Hughes County

The housing landscape of Hughes County

Hughes County's housing consists of 7,997 units, with 64.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.4% 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 12.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,997
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,133 64.2%
1 unit, attached 194 2.4%
2 units 125 1.6%
3 or 4 units 206 2.6%
5 to 9 units 465 5.8%
10 to 19 units 227 2.8%
20 to 49 units 288 3.6%
50 or more units 323 4%
Mobile home 1,022 12.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 14 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
44
2.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Hughes County

In Hughes County, the median construction year is 1978. About 9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.6% 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 718 9% -14.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 94 1.2% -23.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 944 11.8% -14.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 805 10.1% 10.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,759 22% 25.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,004 12.6% -13.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 905 11.3% 9.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,038 13% 10.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 686 8.6% -12.2%
Built in 2020 or later 44 0.6% 2.3%
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.

Hughes County occupancy rates

Out of the 7,253 occupied housing units in Hughes County, 72% are owner-occupied, while 28% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,253
-0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,032
Owner occupied
5,221
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,032 28% 11.9%
Owner occupied 5,221 72% -5.1%
Unoccupied housing units
9.3%
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.

Hughes County housing costs

Housing costs in Hughes County come to a median of $1,093 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $990.

Median housing costs per month
$1,093/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 Hughes County
$990/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 Hughes County

Hughes County education at a glance

About 32% of the population in Hughes County went to high school, while 19.4% pursued college studies. Another 10.8% earned an associate degree and 23.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 145 1.1% -12.1%
High school diploma 4,277 32% -5.0%
College diploma 2,587 19.4% -3.0%
Associate degree 1,449 10.8% -3.5%
Bachelor's degree 3,168 23.7% -1.5%
Graduate degree 1,726 12.9% 30.8%
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 Hughes County

How much people earn in Hughes County

The average annual household income in Hughes County was $99,105 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 $81,395, reflecting a +3.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Hughes County
$99,105/year
6.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Hughes County
$81,395/year
3.1% year-over-year change

Hughes County income by age

In Hughes County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $82,500. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $110,823 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $36,818, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $50,137 in earnings. Overall, 91.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $36,818 15.5%
25 - 44 $82,500 -0.7%
45 - 64 $110,823 7.0%
Over 65 $50,137 5.5%
Above poverty level
15,196
Below poverty level
1,481
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 15,196 91.1% 0.2%
Below poverty level 1,481 8.9% 1.6%

Employment in Hughes County

Workforce and job types in Hughes County

The job market in Hughes County is powered by 8,918 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.7% run their own businesses, 40.6% are employed by private companies, and 33% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,918
-0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
7,303
Blue collar
1,615
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,303 81.9% -3.9%
Blue collar 1,615 18.1% 15.6%
Employer type
Self employees
13.7%
Private companies
40.6%
Governmental workers
33%
Not for profit companies
12.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,218 13.7% 0.6%
Private companies 3,618 40.6% 5.8%
Governmental workers 2,943 33% -5.6%
Not for profit companies 1,139 12.8% -8.8%
Unemployment rate
1.0%
62.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Hughes County stands at 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 Hughes County

How people get around in Hughes County

Commuting methods vary: 90.5% 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 8,011 90.5% -0.8%
Bus or trolleybus 48 0.5% -7.7%
Ferryboat 42 0.5% 23.5%
Bicycle 20 0.2% 25.0%
Walk 279 3.2% 1.1%
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 Hughes County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
57501 17,326 7,043 $81,791 $100,596
57522 521 245 $72,188 $84,109
57536 277 133 $53,125 $102,578

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FAQs about Hughes County demographics 

What is the total population of Hughes County?

Hughes County has a total population of 17,664 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 Hughes County?

The gender ratio in Hughes County is as follows:
  • 50% males (8,828 residents)
  • 50% females (8,836 residents)

What is the median age in Hughes County?

The median age in Hughes County is 39.5.

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

The age distribution in Hughes County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.1% (3,545 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.2% (1,811 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26% (4,586 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.7% (4,534 residents)
  • Over 65: 18% (3,188 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Hughes County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Hughes County is as follows:
  • White: 80.7% (14,252 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (9 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 11% (1,941 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (116 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.5% (1,149 residents)
  • Other: 1.1% (197 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.2% of the population in Hughes County.

How many housing units are there in Hughes County?

There are 7,997 housing units in Hughes County, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Hughes County has a total of 7,253 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Hughes County?

Hughes County has a median household income of $81,395, representing a +3.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 99% in Hughes County, with a workforce of 8,918 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.9% (7,303 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.1% (1,615 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.7% (1,218 residents)
  • Private companies: 40.6% (3,618 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 33% (2,943 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.8% (1,139 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