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

Total population
2,145
-5.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,906/yr
7.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,205
-3.4% year-over-year change

McPherson County population

How many people live in McPherson County

McPherson County is home to 2,145 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of McPherson County locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
2,145
-5.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
1,056
Female
50.8%
1,089
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,056 49.2% -6.3%
Female 1,089 50.8% -5.4%
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 McPherson County is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.1% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.4% of the population, while another 22.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 33.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
50
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.1%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
18.4%
45 to 64
22.1%
Over 65
33.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 323 15.1% -18.0%
15 to 24 243 11.3% -0.4%
25 to 44 394 18.4% -5.3%
45 to 64 474 22.1% -9.4%
Over 65 711 33.2% 1.4%
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

At the same time, 0.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,139 99.7% -5.4%
Non-citizens 6 0.3% -62.5%
Racial breakdown
White
96.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
2.9%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 2,076 96.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 4 0.2%
Two or more races 62 2.9%

Households in McPherson County

A peek inside McPherson County households

McPherson County has 915 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.4% are families, while the remaining 41.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
915
2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
381
Family households
534
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 381 41.6% 6.4%
Family households 534 58.4% -0.7%
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 McPherson County

The housing landscape of McPherson County

McPherson County's housing consists of 1,205 units, with 84.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.8% 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 5.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,205
-3.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,020 84.6%
1 unit, attached 22 1.8%
2 units 5 0.4%
3 or 4 units 56 4.6%
5 to 9 units 4 0.3%
10 to 19 units 7 0.6%
20 to 49 units 19 1.6%
Mobile home 68 5.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 4 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
1
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in McPherson County

In McPherson County, the median construction year is 1962. About 25.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 310 25.7% -14.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 123 10.2% 12.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 122 10.1% -35.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 207 17.2% -1.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 173 14.4% 16.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 121 10% 19.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 42 3.5% -4.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 51 4.2% 37.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 55 4.6% 19.6%
Built in 2020 or later 1 0.1% 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.

McPherson County occupancy rates

Out of the 915 occupied housing units in McPherson County, 81.3% are owner-occupied, while 18.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 24.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
915
2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
171
Owner occupied
744
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 171 18.7% 0.6%
Owner occupied 744 81.3% 2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
24.1%
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.

McPherson County housing costs

Housing costs in McPherson County come to a median of $601 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $594.

Median housing costs per month
$601/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 McPherson County
$594/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 McPherson County

McPherson County education at a glance

About 35% of the population in McPherson County went to high school, while 11% pursued college studies. Another 15.4% earned an associate degree and 21.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 232 13.4% -13.8%
High school diploma 607 35% -15.0%
College diploma 191 11% -8.6%
Associate degree 266 15.4% 18.2%
Bachelor's degree 366 21.1% 18.4%
Graduate degree 70 4% 1.4%
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 McPherson County

How much people earn in McPherson County

The average annual household income in McPherson County was $106,329 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +17.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,906, reflecting a +7.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in McPherson County
$106,329/year
17.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in McPherson County
$66,906/year
7.9% year-over-year change

McPherson County income by age

In McPherson County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,083. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $94,271 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $48,500, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $48,558 in earnings. Overall, 86.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $48,500 58.4%
25 - 44 $74,083 2.8%
45 - 64 $94,271 6.7%
Over 65 $48,558 24.1%
Above poverty level
1,701
Below poverty level
257
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,701 86.9% -7.0%
Below poverty level 257 13.1% -3.0%

Employment in McPherson County

Workforce and job types in McPherson County

The job market in McPherson County is powered by 1,010 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 24.6% run their own businesses, 45.2% are employed by private companies, and 15% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,010
-8.7% year-over-year change
White collar
727
Blue collar
283
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 727 72% -5.5%
Blue collar 283 28% -16.0%
Employer type
Self employees
24.6%
Private companies
45.2%
Governmental workers
15%
Not for profit companies
15.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 249 24.6% 5.5%
Private companies 456 45.2% -19.1%
Governmental workers 151 15% -5.0%
Not for profit companies 154 15.2% 4.8%
Unemployment rate
1.1%
57.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in McPherson County stands at 1.1%, 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 McPherson County

How people get around in McPherson County

In McPherson County, the average commute time is 18 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 77.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 9.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
18 min
-7.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 777 77.1% -11.5%
Motorcycle 1 0.1% N/A
Walk 99 9.8% -13.9%
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 McPherson County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
58439 385 80 $73,611 $71,215
57437 1,074 556 $49,276 $102,125
57448 404 196 $66,538 $87,460
57456 670 276 $75,833 $87,279
57457 108 53 $140,417 $179,862
57481 271 121 $68,125 $89,298

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FAQs about McPherson County demographics 

What is the total population of McPherson County?

McPherson County has a total population of 2,145 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 -5.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in McPherson County?

The gender ratio in McPherson County is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (1,056 residents)
  • 50.8% females (1,089 residents)

What is the median age in McPherson County?

The median age in McPherson County is 50.

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

The age distribution in McPherson County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.1% (323 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (243 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.4% (394 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.1% (474 residents)
  • Over 65: 33.2% (711 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of McPherson County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of McPherson County is as follows:
  • White: 96.8% (2,076 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (4 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.9% (62 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.7% of the population in McPherson County.

How many housing units are there in McPherson County?

There are 1,205 housing units in McPherson County, reflecting a -3.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

McPherson County has a total of 915 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in McPherson County?

McPherson County has a median household income of $66,906, representing a +7.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.9% in McPherson County, with a workforce of 1,010 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72% (727 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28% (283 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 24.6% (249 residents)
  • Private companies: 45.2% (456 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15% (151 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.2% (154 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