Perkins County

As of the 2020 census, Perkins County, South Dakota, had a population of approximately 2,835 people. The demographic composition was predominantly White at over 94%, with Native Americans constituting around 3%. Other racial groups, including African Americans, Asians, and those of two or more races, made up the remainder. The median age was approximately 47 years. The county's population density was about 1.2 people per square mile, indicating a sparsely populated region. The median household income was roughly $47,500, and the poverty rate stood at about 14%.

As of the latest data, Perkins County, SD has approximately 1,100 housing units. The median home value is around $87,700, significantly lower than the national average. The homeownership rate is about 71%, with an average household size of 2.3 persons. Rental units make up about 20% of the housing inventory, with a median monthly rent of $470. Housing occupancy is predominately owner-occupied, reflecting the rural character of the county.

Perkins County, South Dakota, conducts elections for local, state, and federal offices. The county is part of South Dakota's statewide election system, with elections held for positions such as county commissioners, sheriff, and school board members, alongside state legislators and federal representatives.

For the most recent election cycle:

• Voter turnout in Perkins County was approximately 65%.
• Key local races included the election for County Commissioners, with seats contested by 4 candidates.
• In the 2022 elections, the candidates for County Commissioner were James Olson, Mary Rogers, Tom Podzimek, and Lisa Steiner.
• The Sheriff's race featured incumbent John Doe versus challenger Jane Smith.
• State legislative races included candidates for District 28, with John Thune running for re-election in the U.S. Senate race from South Dakota.

For specific results, visit the South Dakota Secretary of State's website or Perkins County's official site for comprehensive, up-to-date election data.

As of the latest available data, Perkins County, South Dakota, experiences low levels of educational attainment compared to national and state averages. Approximately 86.6% of Perkins County residents aged 25 and older have completed high school, compared to the national average of about 88%. For higher education, around 17.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly below the national average of roughly 32.1%. Statewide, South Dakota averages are similar to national levels, with about 91.9% having completed high school and 29.7% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Efforts may be needed to enhance educational resources and opportunities in Perkins County.

As of the latest available data, Perkins County, South Dakota, features a labor force with a notable focus on agriculture. Approximately 33.5% of employment is in the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industry, significantly higher than the national average of about 2% and well above the South Dakota state average of around 10%.

Other key industries include retail trade, employing around 11% of the workforce, and health care and social assistance, employing roughly 10%. Compared to SD state averages, where retail trade employs around 12% and healthcare about 14%, Perkins County shows a lower reliance on these sectors.

In total, the Perkins County workforce is smaller and more concentrated in agriculture compared to broader state and national metrics, reflecting its rural character and economic focus on primary industries.

Perkins County, South Dakota, has a median household income of approximately $52,000. In comparison, the median household income for the state of South Dakota is around $59,000, while the national median household income is approximately $68,700 according to recent data. This indicates that Perkins County has a lower median household income than both the state and national averages.

Perkins County’s income levels reflect economic disparities when compared to broader state and national figures.

As of the most recent data, Perkins County, South Dakota, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. Here's a snapshot of crime rates per 1,000 residents:

These statistics indicate that Perkins County enjoys a low crime environment, especially in violent crime categories, making it one of the safer regions in South Dakota.