Day County

As of the 2020 Census, Day County, SD has a population of approximately 5,449. The racial composition is predominantly White (88.7%), followed by Native American (8.1%), with small percentages of other races. The median age is 49.4 years. Households total around 2,596 with an average household size of 2.07. The median household income is $54,697, and the poverty rate stands at 13.1%. The county's largest city is Webster.

As of the latest data, Day County, South Dakota, has a median home value of approximately $86,000. Homeownership rate stands at around 77%, while the median monthly rent is about $550. The county has a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and mobile homes. Housing market trends indicate a relatively stable market with modest annual appreciation rates. Most homes were built before 1970, suggesting an older housing stock. The average household size is 2.3 persons. Housing vacancy rates hover around 10%, providing some options for prospective buyers or renters.

Day County, South Dakota, participates in federal, state, and local elections. The elections typically include positions such as U.S. President, U.S. Senators, U.S. House Representatives, state governor, state legislators, and local roles like county commissioners, sheriff, and school board members. The voter turnout in Day County for the 2020 Presidential Election was approximately 80%. In local elections, candidates often vary each cycle, influenced by political dynamics and incumbencies. For the most recent county commission race, candidates included Alice Wernsmann (Republican) and Jerry Ruud (Democrat), with Wernsmann receiving 1,305 votes to Ruud's 978. Voter registration can be done online or at the county auditor's office. Election results are certified by the Day County Auditor, who ensures compliance with state and federal laws.

Day County, SD, has notable education statistics, albeit trailing somewhat behind national and state averages. Approximately 87.2% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, while around 16.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. In comparison, the national average for high school graduation is 88.5%, and about 33.1% of U.S. adults have a bachelor's degree or higher. South Dakota overall reports a roughly 91.3% high school graduation rate and 28.5% for bachelor's degrees. These figures indicate that while Day County's high school graduation rate aligns closely with broader averages, its rate of higher education attainment is significantly lower.

As of the latest data, Day County, SD, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 61%, with an unemployment rate of around 3.5%, slightly below the national average of 3.7% and the South Dakota state average of 3.1%.

Top industries in Day County include:

• Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (25%)
• Retail trade (14%)
• Education and healthcare (20%)
• Manufacturing (10%)
• Construction (6%)

In comparison, agriculture occupies a significantly higher proportion of employment in Day County than the national average of around 1.5%. Retail trade and healthcare have contributions similar to national averages (retail 11%, healthcare 13%). Manufacturing and construction are also aligned but slightly lower than national averages (manufacturing 8%, construction 6%).

Day County's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, reflective of broader trends in rural South Dakota, while still maintaining robust participation in other sectors common across the nation. These industries provide much of the employment opportunities for the county's residents.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Day County, South Dakota is approximately $52,000 annually. This is below both the national average and the state average. For context, the national average household income is around $68,700, while the state average for South Dakota is roughly $59,500.

Income Statistics Table

Day County’s income levels reflect the economic challenges facing many rural areas, often characterized by lower wages and reduced access to high-paying job opportunities compared to urban centers.

As of recent data, Day County, SD, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The most commonly reported crimes are property-related rather than violent crimes. Below is a table illustrating various types of crimes and their annual occurrence rates:

These numbers reflect a focus on preventing property crime, resulting in a safer environment for residents. Note that these figures are subject to change as new data becomes available.