Get ready-to-use data, reports, analysis, and visualizations covering the demographics of South Dakota based on the current United States Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.
South Dakota 2024 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of South Dakota is 924,669. The median age of the population in South Dakota is 38.7 years. The median age for males is 37.7 years, and for females it is 39.7 years.
The age distribution of the population in South Dakota by age group is as follows:
Age Group | Percentage |
---|---|
Under 5 years | 5.79% |
5–17 years (children) | 17.73% |
18–24 years (young adults) | 9.07% |
25–34 years | 12.65% |
35–54 years | 23.77% |
55–64 years | 11.96% |
65 years and over (seniors) | 19.02% |
The total dependency ratio in South Dakota is 74.06. The youth dependency ratio is 40.95, and the old-age dependency ratio is 33.11. 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.
South Dakota 2024 Demographics: Race & Ethnicity Distribution

The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of South Dakota is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.
The Diversity Index for South Dakota is calculated at 36.56, suggesting a 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 South Dakota by race and ethnicity:
Racial/Ethnic Group | Percentage |
---|---|
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 78.97% |
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 7.18% |
Two or More Races | 5.19% |
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 4.86% |
Black/African American Alone | 1.81% |
Asian Alone | 1.69% |
Some Other Race Alone | 0.28% |
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.02% |
South Dakota 2024 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in South Dakota over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2024 inflation, was $76,881. This figure is based on a total of 382,302 households.
The distribution of household income in South Dakota across various income brackets is as follows:
Income Range | Percentage of Households |
---|---|
Less than $20,000 | 10.20% |
$20,000 to $34,999 | 9.22% |
$35,000 to $49,999 | 11.10% |
$50,000 to $74,999 | 18.35% |
$75,000 to $149,999 | 33.89% |
$150,000 or more | 17.24% |
South Dakota 2024 Demographics: Educational Attainment Distribution

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in South Dakota, totaling 623,296 individuals.
A significant portion of the population, 94.03%, has attained a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 34.18%.
The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:
Educational Attainment Level | Percentage of Population 25+ |
---|---|
Less than high school graduate | 5.97% |
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) | 27.86% |
Some college or associate's degree | 31.99% |
Bachelor's Degree | 22.97% |
Graduate or professional degree | 11.21% |
South Dakota 2024 Demographics: Health Insurance Coverage by Gender & Age

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for South Dakota shows that 8.1% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 73,403 individuals out of a total population of 905,334 people.
The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 14.3% for males and 12.5% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 9.8% of males and 8.2% 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 South Dakota, uninsured rates for children are 8.0% for males and 8.1% for females, while seniors have rates of 0.7% for males and 0.7% for females.
Age Group | Male Uninsured % | Female Uninsured % |
---|---|---|
Under 18 | 8.0% | 8.1% |
18-34 years | 14.3% | 12.5% |
35-64 years | 9.8% | 8.2% |
65+ years | 0.7% | 0.7% |
South Dakota 2024 Demographics: Nativity and Citizenship Status

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for South Dakota shows that 97.5% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 901,150 individuals out of a total population of 924,669 people.
The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 95.2% were born in the United States, 0.1% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 0.5% were born abroad of American parent(s).
Among the foreign-born population, 1.6% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (14,840 individuals), while 2.5% are non-citizens (23,519 individuals).
Nativity/Citizenship Status | Percentage |
---|---|
Born in the United States | 95.2% |
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas | 0.1% |
Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.5% |
U.S. citizen by naturalization | 1.6% |
Not a U.S. citizen | 2.5% |
Total U.S. Citizens | 97.5% |
South Dakota 2024 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for South Dakota show that 87.5% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 416,352 workers out of a total workforce of 475,913 people.
Public transportation usage stands at 0.2% (1,057 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (3.0%) and bicycling (0.3%).
Remote work has become an increasingly important commuting option, with 8.0% of workers in South Dakota working from home. An additional 1.0% 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.
Transportation Method | Percentage |
---|---|
Car, truck, or van | 87.5% |
Public transportation | 0.2% |
Bicycle | 0.3% |
Walked | 3.0% |
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means | 1.0% |
Worked from home | 8.0% |
Frequently Asked Questions
The age breakdown for the population of South Dakota is as follows:
Age Group | Percentage |
---|---|
Under 5 years | 5.79% |
5–17 years (children) | 17.73% |
18–24 years (young adults) | 9.07% |
25–34 years | 12.65% |
35–54 years | 23.77% |
55–64 years | 11.96% |
65 years and over (seniors) | 19.02% |