Lake County

As of the 2020 Census, Lake County, SD, has a population of 12,453. The racial composition is approximately 93.1% White, 2.4% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.4% African American, and 3.5% Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is about $59,375. The county covers an area of 575 square miles, with a population density of 21.7 people per square mile. Age distribution shows 22.2% under 18, 17.7% 65 and older. The median age is 40.6 years.

As of recent data, Lake County, SD has a median home value around $200,000. Approximately 70% of housing units are owner-occupied, with a typical rent of $750-$900 per month. The vacancy rate stands at about 8%. Housing stock predominantly consists of single-family homes, with newer developments increasing. The county has seen moderate growth, with property values appreciating approximately 3-5% annually.

Lake County, South Dakota, manages local, state, and federal elections. As of my latest update, voter turnout often varies, with presidential elections seeing higher participation. In the 2020 presidential election, approximately 79% of registered voters in the county cast ballots.

Key elected positions include the County Commissioners, Sheriff, State’s Attorney, Treasurer, Register of Deeds, Auditor, and local school board members. For the 2022 election cycle, notable candidates:

• County Sheriff: Tim Walburg (Incumbent) ran unopposed.
• County Commissioners: Five seats with Marvin S. Westhoff, Aaron Johnson, and Corey Johnke among the recent candidates.
• State Legislative District 8:
  • Senate: Casey Crabtree (R) vs. Scott Parsley (D)
  • House: Multiple candidates - Randy Gross (R), Marli Wiese (R), Pam Cole (D), and Val Parsley (D).

For precise updates and full candidate lists, refer to the Lake County Auditor’s Office or official website.

As of the most recent data, Lake County, SD, demonstrates a high level of educational attainment among its residents. Approximately 91% of adults aged 25 and older possess at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of around 88%. Furthermore, around 28% of adults in Lake County hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which closely aligns with the national average of about 32%. When compared to the state of South Dakota, where roughly 92% of adults have a high school diploma and about 29% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, Lake County's educational attainment is fairly consistent with state averages. Overall, Lake County, SD, showcases a well-educated population, mirroring broader educational trends seen nationally and statewide.

As of recent data, Lake County, SD, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 66.3%, with an unemployment rate of around 2.9%. The county's top industries include Manufacturing, Health Care and Social Assistance, Educational Services, Retail Trade, and Agriculture. Manufacturing accounts for about 20.5% of employment, Health Care and Social Assistance 18.1%, Educational Services 11.4%, Retail Trade 9.3%, and Agriculture 8.2%.

Compared to national averages, the unemployment rate in Lake County is lower (U.S. average around 3.8%). South Dakota overall has an unemployment rate of approximately 2.8%, close to Lake County's figures. The prevalence of manufacturing and agriculture in Lake County is higher than national averages, reflecting the county's specific economic focus areas. The health care and educational services sectors are also notably strong but align closely with state and national trends in these industries.

Sources can include local economic reports and census data, and actual values may vary slightly based on new data releases.

As of the latest available data, the median household income in Lake County, SD is approximately $54,000. Comparatively, the median household income for the state of South Dakota is around $59,900, and the national median household income is approximately $68,700. This means Lake County's median household income is below both the state and national averages.

Income Comparison Table

Lake County's income levels reflect its rural characteristics and economic composition, contributing to its lower median household income compared to broader benchmarks.

As of the most recent available data (2023), Lake County, South Dakota, has relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. The county's overall crime rate is approximately 2.5 incidents per 1,000 residents annually. Here is a breakdown of specific crime types:

These numbers indicate that violent crimes are especially rare, with property crimes being more prevalent but still low. Law enforcement efforts and community programs contribute to maintaining these low crime rates.