Hanson County

As of the 2020 Census, Hanson County, South Dakota, has a population of approximately 3,461 people. The racial makeup is predominantly White, accounting for about 97.2%, with small percentages of Native American (1.2%), and other races. The median age is around 39.5 years. The county covers a total area of 436 square miles, with a population density of roughly 8 people per square mile. The median household income is $58,750, and the per capita income is approximately $30,113, with about 8.5% of the population living below the poverty line.

Hanson County, SD has a median home value of approximately $122,000. Around 72% of residents own their homes, and 28% are renters. The median rent is $610 per month. Housing units total around 1,300, with about 88% being single-family homes. The county experiences a low vacancy rate of about 8%. Most homes were built before the year 2000, reflecting an older housing stock. Housing affordability is relatively high, with 72% of residents spending less than 30% of their income on housing costs.

Hanson County, SD, holds elections for various offices, including county commissioners, sheriff, treasurer, and state representatives. Precincts are divided into 7 voting locations.

In the 2020 general election, 1,983 out of 3,435 registered voters participated, representing a 57.8% turnout.

Key positions and candidates:

• County Commissioner (varied by district): Incumbents and challengers generally run.
• Sheriff (2022 election): Incumbent Sheriff Brandon Wingert ran unopposed.
• State House (District 19): Candidates included Republicans Kent Peterson and Caleb Finck.
• President: In 2020, Donald Trump received 1,472 votes (74.3%), while Joe Biden received 498 votes (25.1%).

Local results reflect trends in rural South Dakota, often favoring Republican candidates. Voter engagement, particularly in presidential election years, provides a snapshot of local political leanings.

Hanson County, SD, has an educational profile that varies across different levels. According to the most recent data, approximately 91% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma, which is slightly higher than the national average of around 88% and South Dakota’s state average of about 90%. However, only about 17% of the population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is lower than both the national average of 32% and the state average of 28%. This suggests that while high school attainment in Hanson County is relatively robust, higher education completion lags behind broader trends observed nationwide and statewide.

As of the latest data, Hanson County, South Dakota has a labor force participation rate of around 70%, with an unemployment rate of approximately 3.0%, slightly below both the national average of around 3.5% and the state average of 2.8%. The top industries in Hanson County include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, which employ about 30% of the workforce. This is significantly higher compared to the national average of 1.3%. Other notable sectors are manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare. Agriculture dominates the local economy due to the rural setting while manufacturing and retail provide stable employment akin to state levels but still below national proportions. The healthcare sector is growing, contributing to around 8% of jobs, compared to 14% nationwide.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation.

As of the latest data, Hanson County, South Dakota, has an average household income of approximately $63,000. In comparison, the median household income in the United States is around $68,700, while the state of South Dakota's median household income is approximately $59,900. Therefore, Hanson County's average income is slightly higher than the state average but still below the national average.

This comparison highlights that while Hanson County fares well within the state, it lags somewhat behind the national average in terms of income.

As of the most recent data available, Hanson County, South Dakota, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The county's small population contributes to fewer reported crimes.

Here is a table depicting the count of different crime types based on the latest annual statistics:

The total crime rate in Hanson County stands at approximately 2.7 per 1,000 residents, making it safer than the majority of U.S. counties. It's important to consult local law enforcement for the most updated and detailed crime statistics.