Clark County Demographics

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Clark County, South Dakota, has a population of approximately 3,837 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (about 96%), with small percentages of Native American (around 1.5%), Hispanic or Latino (around 1%), and other races making up the remaining. The county encompasses approximately 967 square miles, with a population density of about 4 people per square mile. The median age is around 45 years.

Clark County Housing

As of the latest data, Clark County, SD has a median home value of approximately $105,000. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $650 per month. The homeownership rate stands at 77%, with around 1,800 housing units available in the county. The vacancy rate for rentals is around 7%, while the vacancy rate for homes is approximately 10%. Housing costs in Clark County are relatively low compared to national averages, offering an affordable living option.

Elections in Clark County

In Clark County, South Dakota, the most recent elections included positions such as county commissioners, sheriff, and various municipal and school board positions.

For the County Commission, seats were contested in Districts 1, 3, and 5. Specific candidates typically vary by election cycle, but common positions include incumbents and challengers from both major political parties.

In the 2022 General Election, voter turnout in Clark County was approximately 70%, with around 1,500 votes cast out of 2,140 registered voters. Key positions such as sheriff saw candidates campaigning heavily on issues like public safety and local law enforcement improvements.

For municipal elections, towns like Clark City and Garden City held elections for mayor and city council members. School board elections had candidates focusing on educational funding, curriculum, and community engagement.

To get the most up-to-date and detailed candidate information, it's recommended to visit the Clark County Auditor’s website or the South Dakota Secretary of State’s elections page.

How Educated in Clark County

Clark County, South Dakota, has an educational profile where a significant portion of its population has completed high school. Around 91% of residents aged 25 and over have a high school diploma or equivalent, slightly above the national average of 88%. Approximately 19% of adults in the county hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which lags behind the national average of 33% and the state average of 28%. These statistics indicate that while Clark County performs well in terms of high school education attainment, there is a noticeable gap in higher education compared to broader state and national trends.

Clark County Employment Rate

As of the latest reports, Clark County, SD, has an employment rate of approximately 95% with a labor force participation rate close to 70%. Key industries in Clark County include agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. Agriculture remains the predominant sector, employing a significant portion of the workforce given the county’s rural nature.

When comparing employment data to state and national averages, South Dakota has a similar labor force participation rate of around 69%, with an unemployment rate hovering around 3-4%, slightly below the national average of approximately 4-5%. Nationally, the top industries include healthcare, retail, and professional services, which differ from Clark County’s focus on agriculture.

Overall, while agriculture leads in Clark County, both state and national employment landscapes are more diversified, highlighting variations in economic drivers across different regions.

Average Income in Clark County

As of the most recent data, the median household income in Clark County, South Dakota, is approximately $55,000. Comparatively, the state median household income for South Dakota is around $59,000, while the national median household income stands at approximately $68,700.

Category Median Household Income
Clark County, SD $55,000
South Dakota $59,000
United States $68,700

Clark County's median income is below both the state and national averages, reflecting regional economic differences.

Clark County Crime Rates

As of the latest available data, Clark County, SD, generally exhibits low crime rates compared to national averages. In recent years, the county's small population has typically reported minimal incidents of major crimes. Below is a summary of crime rate statistics for Clark County:

Crime Type Number of Incidents (Annual)
Violent Crimes 2
Property Crimes 15
Theft 10
Burglary 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1
Assault 1
Rape 0
Murder 0

Clark County maintains a relatively safe environment, with the majority of reported incidents being property-related rather than violent crimes. It's important to note that small fluctuations in numbers can significantly affect the crime rate due to the low population density.