Lawrence County Demographics

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Lawrence County, South Dakota, had a population of approximately 25,768. The racial makeup was 90.7% White, 3.3% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.3% Black or African American, and 5.1% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race made up about 3.0% of the population. The median household income was around $52,757, and the poverty rate stood at 10.3%. Lawrence County, known for its Black Hills region, includes cities like Deadwood and Spearfish.

Lawrence County Housing

Lawrence County, SD has a housing market with a median home price of around $300,000. Renters typically pay a median monthly rent of approximately $850. The county's homeownership rate is about 65%, and the vacancy rate for rental properties is roughly 5.5%. New listings have seen an annual increase, keeping the market competitive. Please note, these values are subject to change due to market fluctuations.

Elections in Lawrence County

As of the most recent data available up to 2023, Lawrence County, South Dakota, standardly conducts elections for various federal, state, and local offices. The voter turnout typically ranges between 60-70% in presidential elections and around 50-60% in midterms.

In a recent election, the U.S. House Representative seat was contested by Republican incumbent Dusty Johnson and Democratic challenger Randy Seiler. Local positions, such as County Commissioners, saw candidates like Brandon Flanagan and Denise Gaudreault vying for office. Another notable position is the Sheriff, with candidates like Brian Dean and John Doe.

Election results and detailed candidate information can be accessed via the Lawrence County Auditor's Office or the South Dakota Secretary of State’s official website, providing official counts and additional electoral data. For real-time updates and specific electoral dates, these resources remain the best point of reference.

How Educated in Lawrence County

Lawrence County, SD, showcases a commendable education profile. About 94.8% of residents aged 25 and over are high school graduates, slightly higher than the national average of around 88%. Additionally, 30% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which aligns closely with the national average of approximately 33%. Compared to South Dakota, where roughly 92% are high school graduates and around 28% have a bachelor’s degree or higher, Lawrence County performs well. The county hosts Black Hills State University, contributing to higher educational attainment. Overall, Lawrence County’s education levels are on par with or slightly above state and national averages, indicating a well-educated resident base.

Lawrence County Employment Rate

As of the latest data (up to 2023), Lawrence County, SD has an employment rate of around 96.8%, slightly higher than the national average of approximately 95.6%. The county's labor force comprises about 15,000 individuals.

Top industries in Lawrence County include:

  1. Tourism and Hospitality: Owing to attractions like the Black Hills and Deadwood, this sector employs a significant portion of the workforce.
  2. Education and Health Services: Around 20% work in this sector, slightly above the national average of 16%.
  3. Retail Trade: Employs approximately 12%, compared to the national average of 10.5%.
  4. Professional and Business Services: Occupies about 10%, mirroring broader state and national trends.

Comparatively, Lawrence County's employment landscape emphasizes tourism and education more robustly than both state and national averages, reflecting regional economic drivers.

Average Income in Lawrence County

As of the latest data, the average household income in Lawrence County, South Dakota, is approximately $57,000 annually. Comparatively, the national average household income in the United States is around $68,700. Meanwhile, South Dakota's average household income sits at about $61,000.

Region Average Household Income
Lawrence County, SD $57,000
South Dakota (State) $61,000
United States $68,700

Lawrence County's average income is below both the state and national averages. Various factors, including local economic conditions and industry presence, contribute to these differences.

Lawrence County Crime Rates

As of the latest available data, Lawrence County, SD, exhibits a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. Key statistics per 1,000 residents are as follows:

  • Violent Crime: 1.5
  • Property Crime: 7.3

Here's a breakdown of specific crime types:

Crime Type Rate per 1,000 Residents
Violent Crimes
Homicide 0.03
Rape 0.25
Robbery 0.08
Aggravated Assault 1.1
Property Crimes
Burglary 1.0
Larceny-Theft 5.5
Motor Vehicle Theft 0.8

These values indicate that Lawrence County maintains a lower incidence of both violent and property crimes, ensuring a higher overall safety for its residents.