Clay County

As of the latest available data, Clay County, SD, has a population of approximately 14,000 people. The racial composition is about 89% White, 3.5% Black or African American, 2.5% Native American, 1.6% Asian, and 3.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median age is roughly 26.5 years, largely influenced by the presence of the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. The county comprises approximately 5,000 households, with a median household income of around $44,000. The population density is about 30 people per square mile.

As of 2020, Clay County, SD had around 5,600 housing units. The median home value was approximately $166,900. The owner-occupancy rate stood at roughly 62%, with renter-occupied housing at 38%. The median gross rent was about $725. Approximately 1.5% of housing units were vacant. The majority of homes were single-family detached houses.

Clay County, SD, holds regular elections for various federal, state, and local positions. The county comprises approximately 14,000 residents. In a typical election year, positions up for election may include:

1. Federal: U.S. House Representative.
2. State: Governor, State Legislature (District 17), and other state offices.
3. Local: County Commissioners (5-member board), Sheriff, Auditor, and other county officials.

In the 2022 general election, key candidates included:

• Governor: Kristi Noem (R, incumbent) vs. Jamie Smith (D).
• State Representative (District 17): Richard Vasgaard (R) and Sydney Davis (R).
• County Commission: Republicans and Democrats typically contest these seats; recent candidates included Travis Mockler (R) and John Hammond (D).

Voter turnout varies, often around 60% in presidential years. Local issues and ballot measures also feature regularly. For detailed, updated info, visit the Clay County Auditor's Office or official election websites.

Clay County, SD, particularly influenced by the presence of the University of South Dakota, demonstrates higher educational attainment levels than both state and national averages. As of recent data, approximately 95% of residents aged 25 and older have completed high school, compared to the national average of around 88%. Additionally, about 45% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly surpassing the national average of 32.1%, and the South Dakota state average of 29.7%. This elevated level of educational attainment is reflective of the academic opportunities within the county, driven largely by the university's impact.

As of the latest data, Clay County, SD has a civilian labor force participation rate of approximately 65.4%, slightly higher than the national average of 61.7% and the South Dakota state average of 68.1%. The unemployment rate in Clay County stands at around 3.5%, comparable to the state average of 2.8% and below the national rate of 3.9%.

Top industries in Clay County include Education and Health Services, employing around 40% of the workforce, driven largely by institutions such as the University of South Dakota. Manufacturing employs about 15%, and Retail Trade accounts for 12%, both aligning with state trends but showing higher educational sector concentration compared to the national landscape. The Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting industry also plays a significant role, reflective of broader state employment patterns but less so at the national level.

These figures underscore the local employment landscape's unique aspects, particularly the prominence of education-related employment.

Clay County, South Dakota, has a median household income of approximately $47,000, which is lower than the state median household income of about $59,000 and the national median of around $68,700. This suggests that Clay County residents generally earn less than the average South Dakota resident and considerably less than the average American.

This income disparity points to potential economic challenges within Clay County compared to broader state and national contexts.

As of the latest data, Clay County, South Dakota, has relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. Here are some key statistics:

• Violent Crime Rate: 150.7 per 100,000 residents
• Property Crime Rate: 1,258.6 per 100,000 residents

Detailed Crime Statistics (per 100,000 residents):

Clay County’s overall crime rate is below the national average, making it a relatively safe area.