Union County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Union County, SD, had a population of approximately 16,811. The racial makeup was 94.3% White, 1.0% Asian, 0.6% Black or African American, and 1.0% Native American, with 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race made up 2.1% of the population. The median household income was around $79,531, and the median age was 40.4 years. Union County comprises several towns, with Elk Point as the county seat.

As of recent data, Union County, SD, offers a median home value of approximately $288,000. Average monthly rent costs around $850. Homeownership rate stands at 80.2%. The housing market has a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and rental apartments. New constructions and developments are contributing to a 1-2% annual growth in housing stock. The area typically sees around 15-20 homes sold per month.

As of my last update, Union County, SD, hosts several local, state, and national elections. Key information includes:

1. Voter Registration: Approximately 9,000 registered voters.
2. Turnout: Varies by election, often around 70% in presidential elections, lower in midterms and local races.

Recent Candidates:

• County Commission: Typically, 3-5 seats; notable recent candidates include Democrats and Republicans.
• Sheriff: Key contenders in past elections included incumbent Dan Limoges and challenger Tom Slattery.
• State Legislature (District 16):
  • Senate: Republican Sen. Jim Bolin and Democratic challengers.
  • House: Multiple seats; recent elections had candidates like Republicans Kevin Jensen, David Anderson, and Democratic contenders.
• National Representatives:
  • U.S. House: Dusty Johnson (R), recent challengers include Democrats and Independents.
  • U.S. Senate: John Thune (R), past opponents included Democrats like Dan Ahlers.

For the most up-to-date data, check local sources or the Union County official website.

Union County, South Dakota, boasts a notably educated population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau data, approximately 93.4% of residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, which is above the national average of 88%. Furthermore, around 31.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, surpassing the national average of 33.1%. Compared to South Dakota's state average of 92.5% high school graduates and 29.7% bachelor’s degree holders, Union County residents are relatively well-educated. With a focus on higher education attainment, the county reflects a commitment to education that exceeds both state and national metrics.

As of recent data, Union County in South Dakota has a labor force participation rate of approximately 73%. The unemployment rate is relatively low, around 2.8%, reflecting a robust job market.

Top Industries:

1. Manufacturing:
   • Significant due to the presence of major facilities, employing about 20% of the workforce.
2. Retail Trade:
   • Makes up around 15% of employment.
3. Educational Services and Health Care:
   • Combined, they account for roughly 18% of jobs.
4. Construction:
   • Employs around 10% of the workforce.

Comparisons:

• National Averages: The U.S. unemployment rate floats around 3.5%–4%. Manufacturing and healthcare are also leading industries nationally but constitute about 10% and 13% of jobs, respectively.
• State Averages: South Dakota’s unemployment rate is around 3%. The manufacturing sector in South Dakota generally employs about 12% of the workforce, indicating Union County has a higher reliance on this sector compared to the state average.

As of the latest data:

• The median household income in Union County, SD is approximately $76,000.
• This is higher than both the state average for South Dakota, which stands at around $61,000, and the national average of about $67,500.

Statistics Table:

Union County exhibits a stronger earning potential compared to the state and national figures, reflecting a relatively affluent local economy.

Union County, South Dakota, generally has lower crime rates compared to national averages. As of the latest available data, the crime rate remains below the national median. Here are the approximate annual crime statistics:

Union County's violent crime rate is about 1.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime stands at approximately 14 incidents per 1,000 residents. These numbers suggest a relatively safe environment, with property crimes being more prevalent than violent crimes. Please note that these values are subject to change based on the latest crime reports and census data.