Hand County

As of the 2020 Census, Hand County, South Dakota, has a population of approximately 3,145 residents. The racial composition is predominantly White at about 97.7%, with small percentages of Native American (1.1%), Asian (0.3%), and other races. The median age is around 51 years, and the county covers an area of 1,438 square miles. The median household income is roughly $53,374, and the population density stands at about 2.2 persons per square mile.

Hand County, SD, has a median home value of approximately $80,000. The county has a population of around 3,400 people. About 75% of residents own their homes, while the remaining 25% rent. The average household size is around 2.3 people. The median rent is approximately $600 per month. The housing market is relatively stable, with a low vacancy rate of about 10%. The area offers a rural lifestyle with spacious properties and affordable living costs.

Hand County, South Dakota, participates in federal, state, and local elections. Key 2022 election figures include 3,253 registered voters and around 2,315 ballots cast, indicating a turnout of approximately 71.1%.

In national races, results mirrored South Dakota's overall trends, with Republicans typically receiving strong support. For instance, Governor Kristi Noem, a Republican, received significant backing in her re-election bid.

At the local level, Hand County elects officials such as County Commissioners, Sheriff, and Auditor. Contests feature various independents and multi-party candidates. In recent county elections, notable candidates included Democrats, Republicans, and independents vying for positions ranging from the County Auditor to the Sheriff.

Future elections follow this established pattern, aligned with broader South Dakota electoral cycles. For up-to-date candidate lists and precise voter statistics, refer to the South Dakota Secretary of State’s office or the Hand County Auditor’s office.

Hand County, South Dakota, has educational attainment figures below both state and national averages. Approximately 88.7% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of 88.0% and the state average of 91.6%. About 20.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is lower than the national average of 33.1% and the state average of 27.8%. These statistics indicate that while high school completion in Hand County is relatively close to national rates, higher education attainment lags behind both state and national figures.

As of recent data, Hand County, South Dakota, has a civilian labor force participation rate of approximately 66.5%, with around 1,450 individuals employed. The unemployment rate is relatively low, hovering around 2.5%.

Key industries include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, which dominate employment, reflecting the county’s rural character. This sector employs around 45% of the workforce. Other significant industries are manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare, though in much smaller proportions.

Compared to national averages, Hand County's employment in agriculture is significantly higher; nationally, this sector employs about 1.3% of the workforce. At the state level, South Dakota also has a high agricultural workforce at around 6%, but it is still much lower than Hand County's rate. Other sectors like manufacturing and retail are in line with or slightly below national and state averages, reflecting the county's rural and agricultural focus.

As of the latest data, Hand County, SD, has an average household income of approximately $55,000. This figure is lower than both the national and state averages.

For comparison:

• The national average household income is around $68,700.
• South Dakota's average household income is approximately $59,900.

Statistics Table:

Hand County residents typically earn less than the average South Dakotan and the average American.

As of the most recent data available, Hand County, South Dakota, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. Here are some specific statistics for various types of crimes reported annually:

Violent crimes include offenses like assault and robbery, while property crimes encompass burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. The small population of Hand County contributes to its lower crime rates compared to more densely populated regions. However, crime rates can fluctuate year by year, so it's crucial to consider trends and broader context. Always refer to the most current local law enforcement reports or official crime databases for up-to-date information.