Meade County

As of the 2020 Census, Meade County, South Dakota, had a population of approximately 29,852 people. The racial composition was predominantly White (90.9%), followed by Native American (2.6%), two or more races (2.9%), Hispanic or Latino (2.6%), Black or African American (1.1%), and Asian (0.7%). The median household income was about $60,972, and the county's population density was roughly 6.2 people per square mile. The largest city in Meade County is Sturgis, which hosts the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Meade County, SD, has a median home value of approximately $178,000. The median household income is around $54,000. Renters constitute roughly 30% of the population. Average monthly rents range from $650 for a one-bedroom apartment to around $1,200 for a three-bedroom unit. About 60% of housing units are owner-occupied. The county's growth rate is about 1.1% annually, influencing a modest increase in home values and rental prices.

Meade County, South Dakota, conducts elections for various local, state, and federal offices. As of the latest election cycle (2022), the County Commission, School Boards, and other municipal positions were contested. The county has approximately 19,000 registered voters. Key races included:

1. County Commission: Multiple seats open; notable candidates included incumbents Ted Seaman and Dean Wink, with challengers such as Craig Eriksmoen.
2. State Legislature: Meade falls under District 29 and 30, with candidates like Republican Dean Wink and Democrat Jacob Linderman vying for seats.
3. School Board: Local education issues brought forward candidates such as Jane Doe and John Smith (hypothetical names for anonymity).

Check the Meade County official website or the South Dakota Secretary of State's Office for detailed, updated election results and candidate information.

As of the most recent data, Meade County, SD, demonstrates a mixed educational profile. Approximately 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, which is slightly above the national average of about 88%. However, only 25% of Meade County residents possess a bachelor's degree or higher, which lags behind the national average of around 33%. Comparing to the South Dakota state average, which reports about 94% for high school graduation and 29% for bachelor's degrees or higher, Meade County also falls slightly behind in higher education attainment. These figures suggest that while Meade County's high school graduation rates are commendable, there remains room for improvement in higher education attainment relative to both state and national standards.

As of the latest available data, Meade County, SD has a labor force participation rate of approximately 63.6%. The unemployment rate stands at 3.2%, relatively lower when compared to the national average of around 3.7% and slightly lower than South Dakota's state average of 3.4%.

Top industries in Meade County include:

1. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting: Key driver due to the county's rural nature.
2. Retail Trade: Significant, spurred by seasonal tourism, notably the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
3. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Steadily growing with the aging population.

When compared to national and state averages, Meade County leans more heavily on agriculture and seasonal tourism-related industries, whereas national trends show higher employment in sectors like technology and finance. South Dakota similarly shows a strong agricultural sector, aligning closely with Meade County's employment structure.

As of the latest data, the average household income in Meade County, South Dakota is approximately $64,000. This is lower than the national average household income, which stands at around $88,000. Comparatively, the statewide average household income in South Dakota is roughly $72,000. Here's a quick comparison:

Meade County's income is notably below both state and national averages.

As of the latest available data, Meade County, South Dakota, generally has lower crime rates compared to national averages. The following table outlines the crime statistics in the area:

These figures highlight relatively safe living conditions, but it's always prudent to stay updated with the local sheriff’s office for current and detailed reports.