Pennington County

As of the 2020 Census, Pennington County, SD had a population of approximately 109,222. The racial composition was 81.6% White, 10.3% Native American, 3.1% two or more races, 1.2% African American, and 0.9% Asian. Hispanic or Latino origin comprised 5.8%. The median household income was around $56,724, with 13.9% of the population below the poverty line. The population density was about 52 people per square mile, and the area covers roughly 2,784 square miles.

As of 2023, Pennington County, SD, has a median home value of approximately $285,000. The county's homeownership rate is around 68%, with about 32% of residents renting. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around $900 per month. Housing growth remains steady, with a mix of historical and new developments. The average household size is 2.5 persons, and the vacancy rate hovers near 5%.

Pennington County, SD, conducts elections for various local, state, and federal positions. Key elections include those for the Board of County Commissioners, Sheriff, State's Attorney, and county auditors.

For the 2022 election cycle, voter turnout was approximately 65,000 out of 70,000 registered voters.

Major candidates in recent elections were:

• County Commissioners: Ron Buskerud, Deb Hadcock, Lloyd LaCroix
• Sheriff: Kevin Thom, involving various party candidates
• State's Attorney: Mark Vargo (Incumbent)

The county also includes electoral contests for state legislative districts and ballot measures, with candidates varying each cycle. For up-to-date information, always check the Pennington County Election Office's official website or authoritative sources.

Pennington County, SD, showcases a varied educational landscape. Approximately 93.7% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma, surpassing the national average of around 88.5% but slightly trailing the South Dakota state average of about 94%. Around 29.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which aligns closely with the national average of 32.1% and is higher than the state average of about 28.5%. These figures highlight Pennington County's strong commitment to secondary education while also indicating a competitive stance in higher education relative to state and national trends.

As of the latest data, Pennington County, SD has an employment rate that closely aligns with state and national trends. The unemployment rate in Pennington County was around 3.2%, compared to South Dakota's average of 2.8% and the national average of 3.7%.

Top industries in Pennington County include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and government services. Healthcare employs approximately 14% of the workforce, retail trade accounts for around 12%, and government services also make up about 14%. These sectors have higher employment shares compared to both state and national levels, reflecting the county's strong service-oriented economy.

Additionally, accommodation and food services significantly contribute to employment, indicative of the county's tourism appeal, particularly around attractions like Mount Rushmore.

Overall, Pennington County's employment landscape is robust, with key industries mirroring broader state trends while maintaining a unique focus on tourism-driven sectors.

Pennington County, SD, has a median household income of approximately $60,000 as of the latest data. This compares to the national median household income of around $67,500 and the South Dakota state median of about $59,896.

Pennington County's median income is slightly higher than the state average but lower than the national average. This indicates a regional economic status that aligns closely with state trends but falls short of the national economic level.

As of the latest data available, Pennington County, South Dakota, has a varied crime rate. Here's a summary of recent statistics:

Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents

• Violent Crime: 3.5
• Property Crime: 20.4
• Total Crime Rate: 23.9

Type of Crimes & Statistics Table

These figures reflect crime rates that concern local authorities and residents, aiming for improved safety and security initiatives.