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

Total population
2,388
-1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,045/yr
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,567
-0.1% year-over-year change

Potter County population

How many people live in Potter County

Potter County is home to 2,388 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.8% of Potter County locals are male, and 52.2% are female.

Total population
2,388
-1.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.8%
1,142
Female
52.2%
1,246
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,142 47.8% -3.2%
Female 1,246 52.2% -0.3%
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 Potter County is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.5% are children under 15, then 8.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.4% of the population, while another 22.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 30.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
49.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.5%
15 to 24
8.8%
25 to 44
20.4%
45 to 64
22.6%
Over 65
30.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 417 17.5% -10.9%
15 to 24 210 8.8% -7.5%
25 to 44 487 20.4% -6.7%
45 to 64 540 22.6% 0.9%
Over 65 734 30.7% 8.3%
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 Potter County, 98.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 93.3% of locals are Caucasian, 1.6% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.1%
Non-citizens
0.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,353 98.5% -2.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 27 1.1% 8.0%
Non-citizens 8 0.3% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
93.3%
Black or African American
1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.5%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 2,227 93.3%
Black or African American 37 1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 21 0.9%
Asian 15 0.6%
Two or more races 59 2.5%
Other 29 1.2%

Households in Potter County

A peek inside Potter County households

Potter County has 1,066 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59% are families, while the remaining 41% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,066
4.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
437
Family households
629
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 437 41% 18.8%
Family households 629 59% -3.7%
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 Potter County

The housing landscape of Potter County

Potter County's housing consists of 1,567 units, with 68.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 25.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,567
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,070 68.3%
2 units 22 1.4%
3 or 4 units 28 1.8%
5 to 9 units 38 2.4%
10 to 19 units 12 0.8%
Mobile home 397 25.3%
Homes built since 2020
7
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Potter County

In Potter County, the median construction year is 1974. About 16.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 253 16.2% -2.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 71 4.5% -1.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 173 11% -1.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 192 12.2% -12.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 242 15.4% -14.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 165 10.5% -3.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 119 7.6% 35.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 252 16.1% 12.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 93 5.9% 19.2%
Built in 2020 or later 7 0.4% 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.

Potter County occupancy rates

Out of the 1,066 occupied housing units in Potter County, 81.5% are owner-occupied, while 18.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 32% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,066
4.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
197
Owner occupied
869
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 197 18.5% -8.8%
Owner occupied 869 81.5% 8.0%
Unoccupied housing units
32.0%
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.

Potter County housing costs

Housing costs in Potter County come to a median of $719 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,008.

Median housing costs per month
$719/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 Potter County
$1,008/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 Potter County

Potter County education at a glance

About 42.5% of the population in Potter County went to high school, while 16.7% pursued college studies. Another 14% earned an associate degree and 21.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 17 0.9% 30.8%
High school diploma 808 42.5% -0.5%
College diploma 317 16.7% -11.7%
Associate degree 267 14% 18.7%
Bachelor's degree 415 21.8% 5.6%
Graduate degree 77 4% -1.3%
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 Potter County

How much people earn in Potter County

The average annual household income in Potter County was $89,555 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,045, reflecting a +0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Potter County
$89,555/year
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Potter County
$72,045/year
0.4% year-over-year change

Potter County income by age

In Potter County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $106,607. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $82,857 overall. Overall, 93.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $106,607 2.8%
45 - 64 $82,857 10.8%
Over 65 $53,152 -6.3%
Above poverty level
2,146
Below poverty level
143
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,146 93.8% 0.5%
Below poverty level 143 6.2% -20.6%

Employment in Potter County

Workforce and job types in Potter County

The job market in Potter County is powered by 1,158 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 25.2% run their own businesses, 54.8% are employed by private companies, and 14.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,158
-1.6% year-over-year change
White collar
838
Blue collar
320
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 838 72.4% -1.5%
Blue collar 320 27.6% -1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
25.2%
Private companies
54.8%
Governmental workers
14.5%
Not for profit companies
5.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 292 25.2% -2.3%
Private companies 634 54.8% -0.5%
Governmental workers 168 14.5% 0.0%
Not for profit companies 64 5.5% -12.3%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
-11.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Potter County stands at 2.6%, 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 Potter County

How people get around in Potter County

In Potter County, the average commute time is 14 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 88.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
14 min
15.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,001 88.3% 1.5%
Motorcycle 3 0.3% 0.0%
Walk 53 4.7% -11.7%
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 Potter County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
57442 1,772 823 $65,625 $87,860
57450 624 216 $86,833 $88,948
57455 137 54 $86,250 $96,165
57473 246 91 $23,750 $30,673
57475 99 47 $88,125 $182,611

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FAQs about Potter County demographics 

What is the total population of Potter County?

Potter County has a total population of 2,388 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 -1.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Potter County?

The gender ratio in Potter County is as follows:
  • 47.8% males (1,142 residents)
  • 52.2% females (1,246 residents)

What is the median age in Potter County?

The median age in Potter County is 49.9.

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

The age distribution in Potter County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.5% (417 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.8% (210 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.4% (487 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.6% (540 residents)
  • Over 65: 30.7% (734 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Potter County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Potter County is as follows:
  • White: 93.3% (2,227 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.6% (37 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (21 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (15 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.5% (59 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (29 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Potter County?

There are 1,567 housing units in Potter County, reflecting a -0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Potter County has a total of 1,066 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Potter County?

Potter County has a median household income of $72,045, representing a +0.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.4% in Potter County, with a workforce of 1,158 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.4% (838 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.6% (320 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 25.2% (292 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.8% (634 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.5% (168 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.5% (64 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