Mellette County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Mellette County, South Dakota had a population of 2,231. The racial composition was approximately 71.9% Native American, 23.4% White, and small percentages of other races. The median household income was around $33,750, with 33.7% of the population living below the poverty line. The county covers an area of 1,311 square miles with a population density of about 1.7 persons per square mile. Its seat is White River.

As of the latest data, Mellette County, SD has a median home value of approximately $55,000. The homeownership rate is around 70%, with a median monthly owner cost of $825 without a mortgage. Renters constitute about 30% of the population, with a median gross rent of $450 per month. The housing stock is predominantly single-family homes, with about 1,300 housing units in total. The vacancy rate is about 15%.

Mellette County, SD, participates in various federal, state, and local elections. As of the most recent election cycle:

• Presidential Elections: Reflect historical trends with Republican candidates often gaining the majority. In 2020, Donald Trump received 61% of the vote, while Joe Biden garnered 36%.

• Congressional Elections: The county votes in South Dakota's At-Large Congressional District. In 2022, Republican incumbent Dusty Johnson secured a majority with a significant lead.

• Local Elections: The Mellette County Commission, traditionally split into different districts, conducts elections for commissioner seats, sheriff, and other local offices. Voting percentages and the number of candidates vary per election.

Detailed breakdowns of specific numerical values and candidate names are available on the South Dakota Secretary of State’s website or Mellette County's official site for the most current and precise data.

Mellette County, South Dakota, shows lower education attainment levels compared to national and state averages. Approximately 82.4% of Mellette County residents possess at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of 88%. When it comes to higher education, only about 11.1% of county residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly below the national average of 33.1% and the South Dakota state average of 28.5%.

These statistics indicate that Mellette County faces educational challenges, with lower rates of both high school and college completion relative to broader state and national benchmarks. Efforts to boost educational attainment in the county could be crucial for socioeconomic development.

As of the latest available data, Mellette County, SD has a small workforce, reflective of its overall population size. The employment rate in Mellette County is around 50%, with the labor force participation rate being around 60%. The unemployment rate hovers near 7%, which is higher than the national average of approximately 4% and the South Dakota state average of around 3%.

Top industries in Mellette County include Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting, which employ about 35% of the workforce. This is significantly higher than the national average for this sector, which is around 1%. The Educational Services, and Health Care and Social Assistance industries also constitute a substantial portion of employment, with about 20% of the workforce, compared to around 23% nationally and 27% at the state level.

The Retail Trade sector employs about 10% of the county's workforce, somewhat lower than the national average of approximately 12% and the South Dakota state average.

As of the latest available data, the median household income in Mellette County, SD is approximately $27,188. This is significantly lower than both the national median household income, which stands around $68,700, and the South Dakota state median, which is roughly $58,275.

Income Comparison

Mellette County's income levels highlight economic challenges in this region, as they lag behind state and national averages.

As of the most recent available data, Mellette County, South Dakota, is considered to have a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. Here is a summary of the crime statistics:

Please note that crime rates can vary year by year, and local law enforcement agencies may have more up-to-date statistics. Always refer to official sources for the most current information.