2023 Lincoln County, South Dakota Demographics | Data & Analysis

Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Lincoln County, South Dakota, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.

Lincoln County, South Dakota Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)

Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).

Total Population
68,286
Median Age
35.8 years
Median Household Income
$96,552
Bachelor's Degree+
42.50%
Uninsured Rate
3.7%
Total Households
26,645
Total Workers
38,492
Citizenship Rate
97.9%
Total Veterans
2,922
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
4.0%
Families in Poverty
754
SNAP Recipients
2.97%
Households w/ SNAP
791

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates

Lincoln County, South Dakota 2023 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Lincoln County, South Dakota by age group and gender, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of Lincoln County, South Dakota is 68,286. The median age of the population in Lincoln County, South Dakota is 35.8 years. The median age for males is 35.2 years, and for females it is 36.5 years.

The age distribution of the population in Lincoln County, South Dakota by age group is as follows:

Population Percentage by Age Group in Lincoln County, South Dakota, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 6.41%
5–17 years (children) 20.58%
18–24 years (young adults) 7.57%
25–34 years 14.15%
35–54 years 26.64%
55–64 years 10.42%
65 years and over (seniors) 14.23%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Lincoln County, South Dakota

The total dependency ratio in Lincoln County, South Dakota is 70.12. The youth dependency ratio is 45.91, and the old-age dependency ratio is 24.21. In demographic terms, the dependency ratio measures the size of the population typically not in the labor force (children under 18 and older adults 65+) relative to the working age (18-64) population. A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support the non-working age groups.

For more detailed reports, explore the demographics for each of the most populated ZIP Codes in Lincoln County, South Dakota, including Sioux Falls (57106) (51,780), and Sioux Falls (57108) (32,888).


What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Lincoln County, South Dakota?

Race and Ethnicity Distribution Chart for Lincoln County, South Dakota
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of Lincoln County, South Dakota is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.

The Diversity Index for Lincoln County, South Dakota is calculated at 19.20, suggesting a very low level of racial and ethnic diversity. This index measures the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.

The following table provides the breakdown of the population of Lincoln County, South Dakota by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Lincoln County, South Dakota, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 89.76%
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 2.88%
Two or More Races 2.86%
Black/African American Alone 2.15%
Asian Alone 1.59%
Some Other Race Alone 0.54%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 0.22%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.00%

Lincoln County, South Dakota 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Lincoln County, South Dakota.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in Lincoln County, South Dakota over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $96,552. This figure is based on a total of 26,645 households.

The distribution of household income in Lincoln County, South Dakota across various income brackets is as follows:

Household Income Distribution in Lincoln County, South Dakota, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 4.78%
$20,000 to $34,999 6.65%
$35,000 to $49,999 9.24%
$50,000 to $74,999 15.58%
$75,000 to $149,999 38.99%
$150,000 or more 24.76%

For detailed household income distribution reports on the ZIP Codes with the highest median household income in Lincoln County, South Dakota, explore the data for: Sioux Falls (57108) ($96,184), and Sioux Falls (57106) ($77,070).


Lincoln County, South Dakota 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Lincoln County, South Dakota.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Lincoln County, South Dakota is based on a total of 19,180 properties.

The property value distribution in Lincoln County, South Dakota across various value brackets is as follows:

Property Value Distribution in Lincoln County, South Dakota, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 1.40%
$25,000 to $49,999 1.24%
$50,000 to $99,999 2.25%
$100,000 to $199,999 11.31%
$200,000 to $499,999 62.57%
$500,000 to $999,999 19.91%
$1,000,000 or more 1.32%

Educational Attainment in Lincoln County, South Dakota (2023 Data)

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Lincoln County, South Dakota.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in Lincoln County, South Dakota, totaling 44,685 individuals.

95.92% of Lincoln County, South Dakota population has a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 42.50%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Lincoln County, South Dakota, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 4.08%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 23.59%
Some college or associate's degree 29.82%
Bachelor's Degree 27.93%
Graduate or professional degree 14.58%

What is the Health Insurance Coverage Rate in Lincoln County, South Dakota?

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Lincoln County, South Dakota.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for Lincoln County, South Dakota shows that 3.7% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 2,549 individuals out of a total population of 67,986 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 7.4% for males and 11.0% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 3.9% of males and 3.9% of females are uninsured.

Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare. In Lincoln County, South Dakota, uninsured rates for children are 1.9% for males and 1.0% for females, while seniors have rates of 0.0% for males and 0.0% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Lincoln County, South Dakota, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 1.9% 1.0%
18-34 years 7.4% 11.0%
35-64 years 3.9% 3.9%
65+ years 0.0% 0.0%

Lincoln County, South Dakota 2023 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Lincoln County, South Dakota based on U.S. Census data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for Lincoln County, South Dakota shows that 97.9% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 66,820 individuals out of a total population of 68,286 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 95.4% were born in the United States, 0.0% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 0.2% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 2.3% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (1,561 individuals), while 2.1% are non-citizens (1,466 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Lincoln County, South Dakota, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 95.4%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 0.0%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 0.2%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 2.3%
Not a U.S. citizen 2.1%
Total U.S. Citizens 97.9%

Lincoln County, South Dakota 2023 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Lincoln County, South Dakota.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for Lincoln County, South Dakota show that 86.7% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 33,066 workers out of a total workforce of 38,146 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 0.2% (63 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (1.7%) and bicycling (0.0%).

11.1% of workers in Lincoln County, South Dakota report working from home. An additional 0.3% use other means such as taxicabs, motorcycles, or other forms of transportation. These alternative commuting patterns reflect changing work arrangements and transportation preferences in the modern workforce.

Commuting Methods Distribution in Lincoln County, South Dakota, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 86.7% 33,066
Public transportation 0.2% 63
Bicycle 0.0% 5
Walked 1.7% 655
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 0.3% 133
Worked from home 11.1% 4,224
Total Workers - 38,146

Lincoln County, South Dakota 2023 Demographics: Employment by Class of Worker

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Lincoln County, South Dakota, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Lincoln County, South Dakota totals 38,492 workers. Of these, 19,627 (51.0%) are male and 18,865 (49.0%) are female.

The employment distribution by class of worker in Lincoln County, South Dakota is as follows:

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Lincoln County, South Dakota, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 14,934 (38.8%) 12,234 (31.8%)
Private Non-Profit 1,637 (4.3%) 3,955 (10.3%)
Government (All Levels) 1,815 (4.7%) 1,798 (4.7%)
  • Local Government 993 1,148
  • State Government 385 286
  • Federal Government 437 364
Self-Employed 1,234 (3.2%) 871 (2.3%)

Class of worker categorizes employed civilians by their employment arrangement. Private sector workers are employed by for-profit or non-profit companies. Government workers include those employed at local, state, or federal levels. Self-employed workers operate their own unincorporated businesses. Understanding the class of worker distribution provides insights into the economic structure and employment diversity of Lincoln County, South Dakota.


Lincoln County, South Dakota 2023 Demographics: Veterans by Period of Service

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Lincoln County, South Dakota, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 2,922 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Lincoln County, South Dakota.

The largest group of veterans served during Vietnam Era Only, accounting for 1,016 veterans (34.8% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Post-9/11 Only, with 734 veterans (25.1%).

The complete distribution of veterans by period of military service in Lincoln County, South Dakota is as follows:

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Lincoln County, South Dakota, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 1,016 34.8%
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 734 25.1%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 374 12.8%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 243 8.3%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 226 7.7%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 176 6.0%
Gulf War and Vietnam Era 90 3.1%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 45 1.5%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) 13 0.4%
Korean War and World War II 5 0.2%
Total Veterans 2,922 100.0%

Period of military service categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may have served during multiple periods, including World War II (December 1941–December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950–January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964–April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990–August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Understanding veteran demographics helps communities provide appropriate services, benefits, and support to those who have served.


Lincoln County, South Dakota 2023 Demographics: Families by Income-to-Poverty Ratio

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Lincoln County, South Dakota, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 18,653 families in Lincoln County, South Dakota.

Of these families, 754 (4.0%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 4,100 families (22.0%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 13,799 families (74.0%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

The complete distribution of families by income-to-poverty ratio in Lincoln County, South Dakota is as follows:

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Lincoln County, South Dakota, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 287 1.5%
50-74% of Poverty 190 1.0%
75-99% of Poverty 277 1.5%
100-124% of Poverty 339 1.8%
125-149% of Poverty 341 1.8%
150-174% of Poverty 338 1.8%
175-184% of Poverty 80 0.4%
185-199% of Poverty 340 1.8%
200-299% of Poverty 2,662 14.3%
300-399% of Poverty 3,010 16.1%
400-499% of Poverty 2,827 15.2%
500%+ of Poverty 7,962 42.7%
Total Families 18,653 100.0%

Income-to-poverty ratio measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold, which varies by family size and composition. A ratio below 1.00 (100%) indicates the family lives in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 represent families with low incomes who may still struggle financially despite being technically above the poverty line. Families with ratios of 2.00 (200%) or higher generally have more economic security. Understanding poverty distribution helps communities allocate resources and develop programs to support families in need.


Lincoln County, South Dakota 2023 Demographics: SNAP/Food Stamps Recipients

Stacked bar chart showing SNAP/Food Stamps recipient household composition by presence of children under 18 in Lincoln County, South Dakota, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 26,645 total households in Lincoln County, South Dakota. Of these, 791 households (2.97%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 486 (61.44%) have children under 18 years, while 305 (38.56%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Lincoln County, South Dakota, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 155 (19.60%) 82 (10.37%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 9 (1.14%) 91 (11.50%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 322 (40.71%) 0 (0.00%)
Nonfamily Households 0 (0.00%) 132 (16.69%)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help eligible households purchase nutritious food. SNAP participation rates and household composition patterns provide important insights into economic hardship and food security challenges in Lincoln County, South Dakota. Households with children under 18 often face greater nutritional needs, while households without children may include seniors, disabled individuals, or working adults facing economic challenges.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The age breakdown for the population of Lincoln County, South Dakota is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years6.41%
5–17 years (children)20.58%
18–24 years (young adults)7.57%
25–34 years14.15%
35–54 years26.64%
55–64 years10.42%
65 years and over (seniors)14.23%

The racial and ethnic composition of Lincoln County, South Dakota is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 89.76%, Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 2.88%, Two or More Races: 2.86%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Lincoln County, South Dakota is $96,552. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.

The household income distribution in Lincoln County, South Dakota is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 4.78%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 6.65%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 9.24%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 15.58%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 38.99%, High Income ($150,000+): 24.76%.

Approximately 47.05% of households in Lincoln County, South Dakota earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.

The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Lincoln County, South Dakota is: Less than $25,000: 1.40%, $25,000-$49,999: 1.24%, $50,000-$99,999: 2.25%, $100,000-$199,999: 11.31%, $200,000-$499,999: 62.57%, $500,000-$999,999: 19.91%, $1,000,000 or more: 1.32%.

There are 19,180 owner-occupied housing units in Lincoln County, South Dakota. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 21.23% of owner-occupied housing units in Lincoln County, South Dakota are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.

In Lincoln County, South Dakota, 42.50% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.

The educational attainment breakdown for Lincoln County, South Dakota (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 4.08%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 23.59%, Some college or associate's degree: 29.82%, Bachelor's degree: 27.93%, Graduate or professional degree: 14.58%.

In Lincoln County, South Dakota, 95.92% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.

In Lincoln County, South Dakota, 3.7% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 2,549 individuals out of a total population of 67,986 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Lincoln County, South Dakota. For young adults (18-34 years), 7.4% of males and 11.0% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 3.9% of males and 3.9% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Lincoln County, South Dakota have uninsured rates of 1.9% for males and 1.0% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 0.0% for males and 0.0% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Lincoln County, South Dakota, 97.9% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 68,286 people, 66,820 are U.S. citizens.

Lincoln County, South Dakota has 1,561 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 2.3% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.

The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Lincoln County, South Dakota is: 95.4% were born in the United States, 0.0% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 0.2% were born abroad of American parent(s), 2.3% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 2.1% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Lincoln County, South Dakota, 86.7% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 38,146 total workers, 33,066 use personal vehicles for their commute.

63 workers in Lincoln County, South Dakota use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 0.2% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Lincoln County, South Dakota include: 11.1% work from home, 1.7% walk to work, 0.0% bicycle, and 0.3% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Lincoln County, South Dakota. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.

According to the American Community Survey, Lincoln County, South Dakota has 38,492 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 38.8% of male workers and 31.8% of female workers in this category.

In Lincoln County, South Dakota, there are 1,815 male government workers and 1,798 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 4.7% of male workers and 4.7% of female workers.

Self-employment in Lincoln County, South Dakota includes 1,234 males (3.2%) and 871 females (2.3%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Lincoln County, South Dakota, 791 households (2.97% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 26,645 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Lincoln County, South Dakota, 486 (61.44%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.

SNAP recipients in Lincoln County, South Dakota include diverse household types. Among households with children, 322 (40.71%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 155 (19.60%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Lincoln County, South Dakota, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 2,922 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Lincoln County, South Dakota. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.

The most common period of military service for veterans in Lincoln County, South Dakota is Vietnam Era Only, with 1,016 veterans (34.8% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Post-9/11 Only, with 734 veterans (25.1%).

"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Lincoln County, South Dakota provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.

Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 55.3% of all veterans in Lincoln County, South Dakota. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 1,617 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.

In Lincoln County, South Dakota, 754 families (4.0% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 18,653 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.

"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Lincoln County, South Dakota, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.

Beyond families living in poverty, Lincoln County, South Dakota has 4,100 families (22.0%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 1,018 families (5.5%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.

In Lincoln County, South Dakota, 287 families (1.5%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 13,799 families (74.0%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.