County · South Dakota
Lawrence County, South Dakota
Lawrence County, South Dakota. Lawrence County had 29,459 residents in 2025 by the Census Bureau's estimate, up 14.3% since 2020, faster than South Dakota (+5.5%). It holds 11 places (5 cities, villages and boroughs, 1 town or township and 5 census-designated) and 8 census tracts. GEOID 46081.
Lawrence County is the county of the Spearfish, SD micropolitan statistical area (the Census Bureau's July 2023 delineation).
Residents, July 2025 estimate
29,459
Census Bureau estimate (no margin published)
2020 Census count: 25,768 · ACS 2020-2024: 27,233
Median household income
$73,384
±$4,448 (90% margin)
South Dakota: $75,081
Median home value
$346,500
±$16,964 (90% margin)
South Dakota: $257,400
Median gross rent
$938
±$79 (90% margin)
South Dakota: $946
How many people live in Lawrence County, and is it growing?
The 2020 Census counted 25,768 residents in Lawrence County. The Census Bureau estimates 29,459 for July 1, 2025, up 14.3% since 2020, faster than South Dakota (+5.5%). The 2020-2024 American Community Survey puts the population at 27,233 over 800 square miles of land.
| Measure | Lawrence County | South Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 27,233 | 907,428 | +1,755 |
| Households | 12,054±374 | 365,544 | +1,006 |
| Average household size | 2.18±0.07 | 2.39 | no clear change |
| Housing units | 14,840±40 | 408,584 | +824 |
Lawrence County's population since 2000
From 21,802 in 2000 to 29,459 in 2025: up 35.1%. The 2000, 2010 and 2020 figures are census counts. The 2005 figure is the Census Bureau's intercensal estimate, revised to fit the 2000 and 2010 counts and drawn on 2010 boundaries; 2015 and 2025 are July 1 estimates made from the census before them.
Source: The 2000, 2010 and 2020 Census counts and the Census Bureau's population estimates (intercensal 2000-2010, Vintage 2020, Vintage 2025) · Census population estimates
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026); PEP Vintage 2025 (CO-EST2025); 2020 Census · Check it at data.census.gov
What cities and towns are in Lawrence County?
Lawrence County holds 11 places: 5 cities, villages and boroughs (incorporated places), 1 town or township (a county subdivision with its own government) and 5 census-designated places. The largest is Spearfish with 14,154 residents (2025 estimate). Places that cross a county line are listed with the share of their 2020 residents who live in this county.
| Spearfish | 12,193 | $65,688 |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | 2,982 | $73,047 |
| North Spearfish | 2,366 | $76,809 |
| Deadwood | 1,156 | $40,179 |
| Whitewood | 879 | $77,500 |
| Boulder CanyonGEOID 4606440 | 561 | $74,281 |
| Mountain PlainsGEOID 4644032 | 327 | $248,558 |
| St. Onge TownshipGEOID 4608157300 | 326 | not published |
| St. OngeGEOID 4657260 | 170 | not published |
| Crook CityGEOID 4614680 | 132 | $139,926 |
| Central CityGEOID 4611140 | 93 | $47,000 |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026); 2020 place-by-county parts · Check it at data.census.gov
Who lives in Lawrence County?
The median resident of Lawrence County is 44.8 years old; 16.3% are under 18 and 25.0% are 65 or older. The largest group is non-Hispanic white residents at 88.8%, then Hispanic or Latino residents (of any race) at 3.9%. 2.0% of residents were born outside the United States.
| Measure | Lawrence County | South Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 44.8±0.5 | 38.0 | +2.7 |
| Under 18 years | 16.3%±0.3 pts | 24.2% | – |
| 65 years and over | 25.0%±0.4 pts | 18.0% | – |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.9% | 4.8% | +0.6 pts |
| White alone, not Hispanic | 88.8%±0.6 pts | 79.8% | −2.1 pts |
| Black or African American alone, not Hispanic | 0.3%±0.2 pts | 2.1% | – |
| Asian alone, not Hispanic | 0.4%±0.4 pts | 1.4% | – |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone, not Hispanic | 2.5%±0.5 pts | 7.1% | – |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, not Hispanic | 0.1%±0.1 pts | 0.0% | – |
| Two or more races, not Hispanic | 3.8%±0.7 pts | 4.4% | – |
| Some other race alone, not Hispanic | 0.2%±0.3 pts | 0.3% | – |
| Born outside the United States | 2.0%±0.7 pts | 4.0% | no clear change |
| Speak a language other than English at home (age 5+) | 4.7%±1.2 pts | 7.1% | – |
| Civilian veterans (age 18+) | 10.4%±1.6 pts | 7.9% | – |
| With a disability | 16.5%±1.6 pts | 12.5% | – |
| No health insurance coverage | 8.9%±1.7 pts | 9.0% | no clear change |
| High school graduate or higher (age 25+) | 95.4%±1.0 pts | 93.2% | – |
| Bachelor's degree or higher (age 25+) | 32.9%±2.9 pts | 31.9% | no clear change |
| Graduate or professional degree (age 25+) | 11.9%±1.9 pts | 10.0% | – |
| Moved from another state in the past year | 3.9%±1.0 pts | 3.2% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profiles DP02, DP05) · Check it at data.census.gov
What do households in Lawrence County earn?
Half of Lawrence County's 12,054 households earn less than $73,384 a year (±$4,448), against $75,081 in South Dakota. In 2015-2019 the median was $64,785 in 2024 dollars, so it rose by $8,599 after inflation. 11.6% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Lawrence County | South Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $73,384±$4,448 | $75,081 | +$8,599 |
| Mean household income | $94,174±$6,937 | $98,527 | – |
| Per capita income | $44,386±$3,489 | $40,550 | +$5,358 |
| People below the poverty line | 11.6%±2.6 pts | 11.9% | no clear change |
| Children under 18 below the poverty line | 12.9%±6.0 pts | 14.3% | no clear change |
| Households receiving SNAP | 8.5%±2.0 pts | 7.9% | – |
| Households with a broadband subscription | 89.6%±2.3 pts | 89.6% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP03) · Check it at data.census.gov
What does housing cost in Lawrence County?
Owners occupy 65.1% of Lawrence County's occupied homes and renters 34.9%. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $346,500 by its owner (±$16,964). The median renter pays $938 a month including utilities, and 29.2% of renters pay 35% or more of their income on rent.
| Measure | Lawrence County | South Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home value (owner-occupied) | $346,500±$16,964 | $257,400 | +$90,639 |
| Median gross rent | $938±$79 | $946 | no clear change |
| Renters paying 35% or more of income on rent | 29.2%±7.4 pts | 30.4% | no clear change |
| Median monthly owner costs, with a mortgage | $1,693±$85 | $1,680 | – |
| Owner-occupied homes | 65.1%±3.1 pts | 68.6% | no clear change |
| Housing units | 14,840±40 | 408,584 | +824 |
| Homeowner vacancy rate | 0.7%±0.9 pts | 0.8% | – |
| Rental vacancy rate | 1.0%±1.1 pts | 6.0% | – |
| Single-family detached homes | 64.6%±2.7 pts | 66.9% | – |
| Mobile homes | 9.4%±1.9 pts | 7.2% | – |
| Built 2020 or later | 2.7%±1.1 pts | 2.3% | – |
| Built 1939 or earlier | 18.8%±2.9 pts | 15.8% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP04) · Check it at data.census.gov
How many new homes is Lawrence County building?
Builders took permits for 232 new housing units across Lawrence County in 2025 (194 single-family), 7.9 per 1,000 residents.
Source: Building Permits Survey, annual county files 2019-2025, U.S. Census Bureau · Census Building Permits Survey
How do people in Lawrence County get to work?
76.3% of Lawrence County's workers drive alone and 6.5% work from home. The average trip to work takes 19.1 minutes. The unemployment rate in 2020-2024 averaged 1.7%.
| Measure | Lawrence County | South Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the labor force (age 16+) | 63.7%±2.4 pts | 67.2% | – |
| Unemployment rate | 1.7%±0.8 pts | 2.9% | no clear change |
| Drove alone to work | 76.3%±2.8 pts | 77.0% | – |
| Carpooled | 10.8%±2.1 pts | 8.3% | – |
| Public transportation | 0.9%±0.7 pts | 0.5% | – |
| Walked | 4.3%±1.7 pts | 3.1% | – |
| Worked from home | 6.5%±1.6 pts | 9.7% | no clear change |
| Mean travel time to work | 19.1 min±1.5 | 17.8 min | no clear change |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP03) · Check it at data.census.gov
What are Lawrence County's census tracts?
Lawrence County is divided into 8 census tracts. Among those with a reliable estimate, median household income runs from $51,172 (Tract 9662) to $90,747 (Tract 9661.01).
| Tract 9661.0146081966101 | 4,232±491 | $90,747 |
|---|---|---|
| Tract 9661.0246081966102 | 2,854±330 | $70,455 |
| Tract 966246081966200 | 4,215±507 | $51,172 |
| Tract 9663.0146081966301 | 6,078±530 | $89,242 |
| Tract 9663.0346081966303 | 3,096±389 | $63,608 |
| Tract 9663.0446081966304 | 2,402±536 | $88,656 |
| Tract 9666.0146081966601 | 1,417±221 | $55,152 |
| Tract 9666.0246081966602 | 2,939±36 | $75,208 |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) · Check it at data.census.gov
How does Lawrence County compare with South Dakota's other counties?
| Measure | Rank |
|---|---|
| Population | 8th of 66 |
| Growth 2020-2025 | 2nd of 66 |
| Residents per square mile | 10th of 66 |
| Median household income | 30th of 66 |
| Median home value | 3rd of 66 |
| Median gross rent | 14th of 65 |
| Poverty rate | 27th of 65 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 11th of 66 |
| Median age | 14th of 66 |
Source: PlainCities ranks from the American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) and PEP Vintage 2025 · How ranks are computed
How these figures are made: methodology and release checks · reading a margin of error · every state · corrections
Not on this page: crime, weather and schools for Lawrence County are other agencies' records. Crime: the FBI's Crime Data Explorer · climate: NOAA's U.S. Climate Normals · schools: the National Center for Education Statistics' school search.