Harding County

As of the latest available data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Harding County, South Dakota, has a population of approximately 1,311 residents. The racial composition is predominantly White (over 95%), with smaller percentages of Native American, Asian, African American, and other races. The median age is around 47 years. The county covers a total area of approximately 2,678 square miles, giving it a very low population density. The median household income is around $50,000, and about 10% of the population lives below the poverty line.

As of 2021, Harding County, SD, has a median home value of approximately $116,000, well below the national average. The median rent is around $600 per month. The county has about 729 housing units, with a homeownership rate of about 71.3%. The population density is low, contributing to spacious living conditions. Renters occupy around 18% of homes. Housing stock primarily consists of single-family homes, with limited options for apartments or multi-family units.

Note: These values are estimates and can fluctuate based on the latest data.

As of the most recent elections, Harding County in South Dakota holds various local, state, and federal elections. Local elections include positions such as County Commissioners, Sheriff, and County Auditor. Voter turnout in Harding County tends to vary, with the 2020 general election showing approximately 1,200 registered voters and a turnout rate of about 82%.

Key positions and recent candidates include:

• County Commissioners: Candidates often come from the local ranching and farming communities.
• Sheriff: Recent candidates include veterans from law enforcement and local businesses.
• State Legislature: Harding County is part of South Dakota's 28th Legislative District, which votes for state senators and representatives.
• Federal Offices: Voters participate in choosing U.S. Senators and Representatives for South Dakota's At-Large Congressional District.

For the most accurate and current information, it's recommended to check the Harding County Auditor's Office or the South Dakota Secretary of State website.

As of recent data, Harding County, SD, exhibits lower educational attainment compared to state and national averages. Approximately 87.5% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the South Dakota average of 91.4% and the national average of 88.0%. For higher education, around 16.0% of Harding County's adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which lags behind the state average of 29.3% and the national average of 33.1%. This data reflects lower levels of educational attainment in Harding County relative to broader state and national metrics.

As of the latest available data, Harding County, SD, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 60%. Unemployment rates are typically low, often below 3%, reflecting the rural nature of the county. Top industries in Harding County include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, which employ about 38% of the workforce, followed by retail trade (12%) and education services, healthcare, and social assistance (10%).

In comparison, the national average for employment in agriculture is around 1.7%, showing Harding County's significant reliance on this sector. The state of South Dakota also has higher agricultural employment than the national average, though not as high as Harding County. Retail trade and the healthcare sectors are more in line with state and national averages, indicating a broader similarity in service-oriented employment but with a unique agricultural dominance locally.

As of recent data, Harding County, South Dakota, has a median household income of approximately $40,000 per year. This figure is significantly lower than both the national median household income, which stands around $68,700, and the South Dakota state median, which is approximately $59,600.

The figures highlight that Harding County's median income is about 57% of the national median and 67% of the state's median, indicating a lower economic standing relative to broader benchmarks.

Note: These values are approximate and subject to change with new data. Ensure to check the latest census or economic reports for the most current information.

As of the most recent data available, Harding County, SD has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 10.5 incidents per 1,000 residents annually. This figure encompasses various types of crimes, ranging from violent crimes to property crimes.

Crime Statistics Table (per 1,000 residents annually)

Note: The data above reflects national and local databases last updated in the given year.

Efforts to maintain safety and community-focused policing contribute to these low crime rates. Always refer to local authorities or the most recent reports for updated statistics.