Perkins County, SD

County

Add Comparison
    2024 Population
    3,001
    US Senator
    John Thune
    Republican Party
    US Senator
    Mike Rounds
    Republican Party
    US Representative
    Dusty Johnson
    Republican Party
    2024 Median Age
    44
    0.917% 1-year increase
    2024 Poverty Rate
    13.7%
    16.8% 1-year increase
    2024 Median Household Income
    $66,908
    2.22% 1-year growth
    2024 Median Property Value
    $114,600
    8.22% 1-year growth
    2024 Employed Population
    1,508
    3.77% 1-year decline

    About

    None of the households in Perkins County, SD reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

    99.6% of the residents in Perkins County, SD are U.S. citizens.

    In 2024, the median property value in Perkins County, SD was $114,600, and the homeownership rate was 78.4%.

    Most people in Perkins County, SD drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 14.7 minutes. The average car ownership in Perkins County, SD was 2 cars per household.

    About the photo: Petrified Wood Park, Lemmon SD. Petrified Wood Park was built from 1930-32 by town men under the command of visionary Ole S. Quammen, an amateur geologist. The park became city property in 1954 when it was donated by Quammen's heirs.
    Photo by Keith Ewing
    United StatesSouth Dakota

    Population & Diversity

    Perkins County, SD is home to a population of 3k people, from which 99.6% are citizens. As of 2024, 1.3% of Perkins County, SD residents were born outside of the country (39 people).

    In 2024, there were 20.5 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (2.76k people) in Perkins County, SD than any other race or ethnicity. There were 135 Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) and 35 American Indian & Alaska Native (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    Population & Diversity

    Citizenship

    99.6%
    2024 Citizenship
    99.7%
    2023 Citizenship

    As of 2024, 99.6% of Perkins County, SD residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in Perkins County, SD was 99.7%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

    The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Perkins County, SD compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Diversity

    Race and Ethnicity

    The 3 largest ethnic groups in Perkins County, SD
    1. White (Non-Hispanic)
      2.76k ± 129
    2. Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic)
      135 ± 61
    3. American Indian & Alaska Native (Non-Hispanic)
      35 ± 31
    1.07%
    Hispanic Population
    32 people

    In 2024, there were 20.5 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (2.76k people) in Perkins County, SD than any other race or ethnicity. There were 135 Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) and 35 American Indian & Alaska Native (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    1.07% of the people in Perkins County, SD are hispanic (32 people).

    The following chart shows the 8 races represented in Perkins County, SD as a share of the total population.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Global Diversity

    The PUMS dataset is not available at the County level, so we are showing data for South Dakota.
    Most Common Origin
    1. Mexico
      3,429 ± 1,435 people
    2. Guatemala
      2,883 ± 1,316 people
    3. Ethiopia
      2,826 ± 1,303 people

    In 2024, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of South Dakota was Mexico, the natal country of 3,429 South Dakota residents, followed by Guatemala with 2,883 and Ethiopia with 2,826.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Foreign-Born Population

    1.3%
    2024 Foreign-Born Population
    39 people
    1.31%
    2023 Foreign-Born Population
    40 people

    As of 2024, 1.3% of Perkins County, SD residents (39 people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Perkins County, SD was 1.31%, meaning that the rate has been decreasing.

    The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Perkins County, SD compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Military

    Veterans

    Most Common Service Period
    1. Vietnam
      130 ± 55
    2. Gulf War (2001-)
      36 ± 27
    3. Korea
      10 ± 13

    Perkins County, SD has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 3.61 times greater than any other conflict.

    The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in Perkins County, SD.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Health

    89.3% of the population of Perkins County, SD has health coverage, with 32.3% on employee plans, 8.89% on Medicaid, 21.5% on Medicare, 24.6% on non-group plans, and 2% on military or VA plans.

    Primary care physicians in Perkins County, SD see 2,819 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (2,819 patients). Compare this to dentists who see null patients per year, and mental health providers who see 472 patients per year.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 48.1% were men and 51.9% were women.

    Coverage

    Patient to Clinician Ratios

    2,819 to 1
    Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Perkins County, SD

    Primary care physicians in Perkins County, SD see an average of 2,819 patients per year. This represents a 0% change from the previous year (2,819 patients).

    The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in Perkins County, SD in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Health Care Diversity

    In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 24.4% under 18 years, 15.2% between 18 and 34 years, 34.5% between 35 and 64 years, and 25.9% over 64 years.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 48.1% were men and 51.9% were women.

    The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Uninsured People

    10.7%
    Uninsured
    32.3%
    Employer Coverage
    8.89%
    Medicaid
    21.5%
    Medicare
    24.6%
    Non-Group
    2%
    Military or VA

    Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in Perkins County, SD grew by 28.4% from 8.35% to 10.7%.

    The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Perkins County, SD changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Health Indicators

    Health Outcomes

    Indicator

    In 2025, the average number of mentally unhealthy days reported in past 30 days (age-adjusted) was 4.45 in Perkins County, SD.

    The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Perkins County, SD.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Health Behaviors

    Indicator

    In 2025, the percentage of the adult population (age 18 and older) that reports a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (age-adjusted) was 33.5% in Perkins County, SD.

    The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Perkins County, SD.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Clinical Care

    Indicator

    In 2025, the percentage of population under age 65 without health insurance was 11.7% in Perkins County, SD.

    The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Perkins County, SD.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Economy

    The economy of Perkins County, SD employs 1.51k people. In 2024, the largest industries in Perkins County, SD were Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting (473 people), Educational Services (167 people), and Health Care & Social Assistance (132 people), and the highest paying industries were Information ($98,750), Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services ($78,125), and Utilities ($73,542).

    Employment

    Occupations

    1.51k
    2024 Value
    ± 155
    −3.77%
    1 Year decline
    ± 15.2%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Perkins County, SD declined at a rate of −3.77%, from 1.57k employees to 1.51k employees.

    The most common job groups, by number of people living in Perkins County, SD, are Management Occupations (447 people), Office & Administrative Support Occupations (216 people), and Farming, Fishing, & Forestry Occupations (118 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Perkins County, SD.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Unemployment Insurance Claims

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for South Dakota.

    This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in South Dakota (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

    The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Industries

    Employment by Industries

    1.51k
    2024 Value
    ± 155
    −3.77%
    1 Year decline
    ± 15.2%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Perkins County, SD declined at a rate of −3.77%, from 1.57k employees to 1.51k employees.

    The most common employment sectors for those who live in Perkins County, SD, are Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting (473 people), Educational Services (167 people), and Health Care & Social Assistance (132 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Perkins County, SD, though some of these residents may live in Perkins County, SD and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Median Earnings by Industry

    $51,994
    Median earning men ± $4,945
    $32,863
    Median earning women ± $3,623

    The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Information ($100,417), Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($83,333), and Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($71,786).

    The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($57,857), Public Administration ($53,000), and Educational Services, & Health Care & Social Assistance ($49,479).

    View Data
    Save Image

    Employment by Industry Sector

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for South Dakota.
    Y-Axis
    2.37%
    Year-over-year growth
    Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

    As of February 2023, there are 450k people employed in South Dakota. This represents a 2.37% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

    Right after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during April 2020, a general dip can be seen across industry sectors, resulting in an overall decline in employment by 8.96%.

    The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in South Dakota.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Establishments by Size

    The industries with the most establishments
    1. 20
      Other Services (except Public Administration)
    2. 11
      Retail Trade
    3. 10
      Health Care and Social Assistance

    The visualization shows the distribution of establishments by industry and by size according to the number of employees.

    The visualization shows the number of establishments and its share across establishment sizes.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Payroll by Industry Sector

    The industries with the highest total annual payroll
    1. $5.45k
      Health Care and Social Assistance
    2. $4.68k
      Wholesale Trade
    3. $4.58k
      Utilities

    The chart shows the total annual payroll and the average annual payroll by industry.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Civics

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in South Dakota went to Donald J. Trump with 63.4% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (34.2%), followed by Robert Kennedy (1.68%).

    John Thune and Mike Rounds are the senators currently representing the state of South Dakota. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    Perkins County, SD is currently represented by Dusty Johnson in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

    Presidential Elections

    Voting results are not available for Perkins County, SD. Showing the available data for South Dakota.
    2024 Election Results
    1. Donald J. Trump (63.4%)
      Republican Party
    2. Kamala Harris (34.2%)
      Democratic Party
    3. Robert Kennedy (1.68%)
      Independent Party

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in South Dakota went to Donald J. Trump with 63.4% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (34.2%), followed by Robert Kennedy (1.68%).

    The following chart shows the popular vote results in South Dakota for each registered party from 1976 to 2024.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Senator Elections

    US Senators from South Dakota

    Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for South Dakota.
    John Thune
    Senator from South Dakota3
    Assumed office on January 3, 2005
    Mike Rounds
    Senator from South Dakota2
    Assumed office on January 3, 2015

    John Thune and Mike Rounds are the senators currently representing South Dakota.

    In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    The following chart shows elected senators in South Dakota over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

    View Data
    Save Image

    US Representative Elections

    US Representatives from Perkins County, SD

    Dusty Johnson
    District at-large Representative
    Republican Party

    Perkins County, SD is currently represented by Dusty Johnson (Republican Party).

    Members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms, and the following chart shows the how the member for Perkins County, SD have changed over time starting in 2008.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Housing & Living

    The median property value in Perkins County, SD was $114,600 in 2024, which is 0.344 times smaller than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $105,900 to $114,600, a 8.22% increase. The homeownership rate in Perkins County, SD is 78.4%, which is higher than the national average of 65.2%.

    People in Perkins County, SD have an average commute time of 14.7 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Perkins County, SD is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

    In 2025, 10.2% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Perkins County, SD. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 3.74%.

    Housing

    Property

    $114,600
    Median Property Value 2024
    ±$15,529
    $1,026
    Median Property Taxes
    ±$129

    The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Perkins County, SD the largest share of households pay taxes in the $800 - $1,499 range.

    The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Perkins County, SD compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

    View Data
    Save Image
    View Data
    Save Image

    Rent vs Own

    78.4%
    Homeownership
    2024
    67.4%
    Homeowners with Mortgage
    2024

    In 2024, 78.4% of the housing units in Perkins County, SD were occupied by their owner. This percentage declined from the previous year's rate of 78.9%.

    This chart shows the percentage of owner in Perkins County, SD compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Equity

    Household Income

    Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.
    $66,908
    Median Household Income
    ± $9,644
    1.31k
    Number of Households
    ± 150

    In 2024, the median household income of the 1.31k households in Perkins County, SD grew to $66,908 from the previous year's value of $65,455.

    The following chart displays the households in Perkins County, SD distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $125k - $150k range.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Wage Distribution

    The closest comparable wage GINI for Perkins County, SD is from South Dakota.
    0.44
    2024 Wage GINI in South Dakota
    0.443
    2023 Wage GINI in South Dakota

    In 2024, the income inequality in South Dakota was 0.44 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.642% decline from 2023 to 2024, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for South Dakota was lower than than the national average of 0.474. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in South Dakota in comparison to the national average.

    This chart shows the number of workers in South Dakota across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Transportation

    Commuter Transportation

    Most Common Commute in 2024
    1. Drove Alone (56.9%)
    2. Worked At Home (32.9%)
    3. Carpooled (5.25%)

    In 2024, 56.9% of workers in Perkins County, SD drove alone to work, followed by those who worked at home (32.9%) and those who carpooled to work (5.25%).

    The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Commute Time

    14.7 minutes
    Average Travel Time

    Using averages, employees in Perkins County, SD have a shorter commute time (14.7 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 2.87% of the workforce in Perkins County, SD have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

    The chart below shows how the median household income in Perkins County, SD compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

    View Data
    Save Image
    View Data
    Save Image

    Car Ownership

    2 cars
    Average Number

    The following chart displays the households in Perkins County, SD distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Perkins County, SD have 2 cars.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Poverty

    Severe Housing Problems

    In 2025, 10.2% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Perkins County, SD. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 3.74%.

    The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the population living with severe housing problems.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Poverty & Diversity

    13.7% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Perkins County, SD (406 out of 2.96k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 12 - 14, followed by Females 35 - 44 and then Females 6 - 11.

    The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Perkins County, SD is White, followed by Native American and Two Or More.

    The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Children in Poverty

    In 2025, 18.3% of the children was living in poverty in Perkins County, SD. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 1.3%.

    The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the children living in poverty.

    View Data
    Save Image

    Security

    Crimes & Accidents

    Indicator

    In 2022, the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population was 16.5 in Perkins County, SD. From 2014 to 2022, the indicator declined 6.11% per 100,000 population.

    The graph shows the trend in the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population.

    View Data
    Save Image