2023 Hughes County, South Dakota Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Hughes County, South Dakota, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Hughes County, South Dakota Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Hughes County, South Dakota Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)

Key Demographic Indicators for Hughes County, South Dakota
The following statistics highlight Hughes County, South Dakota population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 17,732
- Median Age (Total)
- 39.3 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 38.3 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 40.3 years
Hughes County, South Dakota Age Distribution Comparison with South Dakota 2023
Compare Hughes County, South Dakota age demographics with South Dakota to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Hughes County, South Dakota | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 39.3 yrs | 38.7 yrs | +0.6 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 5.36% | 5.79% | -0.4pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 19.23% | 17.73% | +1.5pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 6.07% | 9.07% | -3.0pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 26.14% | 23.77% | +2.4pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 17.58% | 19.02% | -1.4pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 72.94 | 74.06 | -1.1 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 72.94
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 42.53 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 30.41 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Hughes County, South Dakota Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)

Diversity & Cultural Composition of Hughes County, South Dakota
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Hughes County, South Dakota are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 33.38
- Diversity Tier
- low
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with South Dakota
Compare Hughes County, South Dakota racial and ethnic demographics with South Dakota to understand regional diversity patterns.
Hughes County, South Dakota Diversity
33.38
lowSouth Dakota Diversity
36.56
lowRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Hughes County, South Dakota | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 80.69% | 78.97% | +1.7pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 11.06% | 7.18% | +3.9pp |
| Two or More Races | 4.39% | 5.19% | -0.8pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 3.06% | 4.86% | -1.8pp |
| Asian Alone | 0.77% | 1.69% | -0.9pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 0.02% | 1.81% | -1.8pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.00% | 0.02% | -0.0pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.00% | 0.28% | -0.3pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 33.38 | 36.56 | -3.18 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Hughes County, South Dakota Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)

Economic Snapshot for Hughes County, South Dakota
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Hughes County, South Dakota, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $78,981 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 7,316
Income Comparison with South Dakota
Compare Hughes County, South Dakota household income with South Dakota to understand regional economic patterns.
Hughes County, South Dakota
$78,981
South Dakota
$76,881
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Hughes County, South Dakota | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 8.16% | 10.20% | -2.0pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 10.81% | 9.22% | +1.6pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 10.76% | 11.10% | -0.3pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 17.43% | 18.35% | -0.9pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 36.54% | 33.89% | +2.6pp |
| $150,000 or more | 16.31% | 17.24% | -0.9pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to South Dakota.
Hughes County, South Dakota Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)

Real Estate Market Snapshot for Hughes County, South Dakota
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Hughes County, South Dakota, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $221,100
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 5,500 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with South Dakota
Compare Hughes County, South Dakota property values with South Dakota to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Hughes County, South Dakota
$221,100
South Dakota
$289,600
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Hughes County, South Dakota | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 4.93% | 5.00% | -0.1pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 2.85% | 3.04% | -0.2pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 5.78% | 6.41% | -0.6pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 25.80% | 15.61% | +10.2pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 52.25% | 53.05% | -0.8pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 8.09% | 16.18% | -8.1pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.29% | 0.71% | -0.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to South Dakota.
Hughes County, South Dakota Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)

Education Snapshot for Hughes County, South Dakota
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Hughes County, South Dakota, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 96.10%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 35.94%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 12,294
Education Level Comparison with South Dakota
Compare Hughes County, South Dakota educational attainment with South Dakota to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Hughes County, South Dakota
35.94%
Bachelor's+ in South Dakota
34.18%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Hughes County, South Dakota | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 3.90% | 5.97% | -2.1pp |
| HS Graduate | 27.39% | 27.86% | -0.5pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 32.77% | 31.99% | +0.8pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 25.21% | 22.97% | +2.2pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 10.74% | 11.21% | -0.5pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 96.10% | 94.03% | +2.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to South Dakota.
Hughes County, South Dakota Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)

Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Hughes County, South Dakota
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Hughes County, South Dakota, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 7.1%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 1,188
- Total Civilian Population
- 16,828
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with South Dakota
Compare Hughes County, South Dakota health insurance coverage with South Dakota to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Hughes County, South Dakota
7.1%
Uninsured in South Dakota
8.1%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Hughes County, South Dakota | South Dakota | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 5.3% | 7.4% | 8.0% | 8.1% |
| 18-34 years | 21.3% | 19.4% | 14.3% | 12.5% |
| 35-64 years | 5.3% | 5.2% | 9.8% | 8.2% |
| 65+ years | 0.8% | 0.0% | 0.7% | 0.7% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Hughes County, South Dakota Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)

Citizenship Snapshot for Hughes County, South Dakota
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Hughes County, South Dakota, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 99.8% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 154 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 34
Citizenship Comparison with South Dakota
Compare Hughes County, South Dakota citizenship and nativity with South Dakota to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Hughes County, South Dakota
99.8%
Citizenship in South Dakota
97.5%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Hughes County, South Dakota | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 98.5% | 95.2% | +3.3pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.0% | 0.1% | -0.1pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.0pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 0.9% | 1.6% | -0.7pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 0.2% | 2.5% | -2.3pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 99.8% | 97.5% | +2.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to South Dakota.
Hughes County, South Dakota Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)

Commuter Snapshot for Hughes County, South Dakota
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Hughes County, South Dakota, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 90.2%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 1.0%
- Work From Home Rate
- 5.1%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 8,947
Transportation Comparison with South Dakota
Compare Hughes County, South Dakota commuting patterns with South Dakota to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Hughes County, South Dakota
90.2%
Drove in South Dakota
87.5%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Hughes County, South Dakota | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 90.2% | 87.5% | +2.7pp |
| Public transportation | 1.0% | 0.2% | +0.8pp |
| Bicycle | 0.2% | 0.3% | -0.1pp |
| Walked | 3.1% | 3.0% | +0.1pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 0.5% | 1.0% | -0.5pp |
| Worked from home | 5.1% | 8.0% | -2.9pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to South Dakota.
Hughes County, South Dakota Employment by Class of Worker (2023)

Workforce Snapshot for Hughes County, South Dakota
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Hughes County, South Dakota by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 8,998
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with South Dakota
Compare Hughes County, South Dakota employment patterns with South Dakota to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Hughes County, South Dakota
16.3% (M) / 18.3% (F)
Government Employment in South Dakota
6.9% (M) / 9.6% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Hughes County, South Dakota | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 24.6% F: 19.4% | M: 36.9% F: 26.6% | M: -12.3pp F: -7.2pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 4.7% F: 9.1% | M: 4.4% F: 7.6% | M: +0.3pp F: +1.5pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 16.3% F: 18.3% | M: 6.9% F: 9.6% | M: +9.4pp F: +8.7pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 5.7% F: 1.7% | M: 5.1% F: 2.5% | M: +0.6pp F: -0.8pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to South Dakota.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Hughes County, South Dakota Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)

Veteran Community Snapshot for Hughes County, South Dakota
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Hughes County, South Dakota, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 1,214
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
384 veterans (31.6%)
Veteran Population Comparison with South Dakota
Compare Hughes County, South Dakota veteran demographics with South Dakota to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Hughes County, South Dakota
1,214
Total Veterans in South Dakota
54,527
- Hughes County, South Dakota: Vietnam Era Only (31.6%)
- South Dakota: Vietnam Era Only (33.1%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Hughes County, South Dakota | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 31.6% (384) | 33.1% (18,061) | -1.5pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 23.5% (285) | 16.3% (8,905) | +7.2pp |
| Gulf War Only | 14.1% (171) | 12.3% (6,712) | +1.8pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 13.0% (158) | 15.4% (8,391) | -2.4pp |
| Korean War Only | 7.0% (85) | 4.7% (2,570) | +2.3pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 5.5% (67) | 8.1% (4,423) | -2.6pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 5.3% (64) | 6.3% (3,421) | -1.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Hughes County, South Dakota Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)

Family Economic Security Snapshot for Hughes County, South Dakota
The following data categorizes families in Hughes County, South Dakota by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 5.5% (246 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 30.1% (1,356 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 64.5% (2,907 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with South Dakota
Compare Hughes County, South Dakota poverty levels with South Dakota to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Hughes County, South Dakota
5.5%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in South Dakota
6.6%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Hughes County, South Dakota | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 5.5% (246) | 6.6% (15,716) | -1.1pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 30.1% (1,356) | 27.9% (66,011) | +2.2pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 64.5% (2,907) | 65.4% (154,783) | -0.9pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 2.6% | 3.4% | -0.8pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 0.1% | 1.6% | -1.5pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 2.8% | 1.6% | +1.2pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 0.4% | 2.2% | -1.8pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 2.1% | 2.8% | -0.7pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 2.7% | 3.1% | -0.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to South Dakota.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Hughes County, South Dakota SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)

SNAP Participation Snapshot for Hughes County, South Dakota
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Hughes County, South Dakota, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 473 (6.47% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 325 (68.71% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 7,316
SNAP Participation Comparison with South Dakota
Compare Hughes County, South Dakota SNAP participation with South Dakota to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Hughes County, South Dakota
6.47%
473 householdsSNAP Participation in South Dakota
7.11%
27,163 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Hughes County, South Dakota | South Dakota | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 32.98% (156) | 2.11% (10) | 10.61% (2,882) | 2.42% (658) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 20.51% (97) | 0.00% (0) | 6.27% (1,702) | 4.02% (1,093) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 11.42% (54) | 2.11% (10) | 24.23% (6,581) | 6.07% (1,650) |
| Nonfamily Households | 3.81% (18) | 27.06% (128) | 1.06% (288) | 45.32% (12,309) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 473 (6.47% of households) | 27,163 (7.11% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.