County · South Dakota
Perkins County, South Dakota
Perkins County, South Dakota. Perkins County had 2,853 residents in 2025 by the Census Bureau's estimate, up 0.8% since 2020, slower than South Dakota (+5.5%). It holds 42 places (2 cities, villages and boroughs, 39 towns and townships and 1 census-designated) and 1 census tract. GEOID 46105.
Residents, July 2025 estimate
2,853
Census Bureau estimate (no margin published)
2020 Census count: 2,835 · ACS 2020-2024: 3,001 ±133
Median household income
$66,908
±$9,644 (90% margin)
South Dakota: $75,081
Median home value
$114,600
±$15,529 (90% margin)
South Dakota: $257,400
Median gross rent
$738
±$181 (90% margin)
South Dakota: $946
How many people live in Perkins County, and is it growing?
The 2020 Census counted 2,835 residents in Perkins County. The Census Bureau estimates 2,853 for July 1, 2025, up 0.8% since 2020, slower than South Dakota (+5.5%). The 2020-2024 American Community Survey puts the population at 3,001 over 2,870 square miles of land.
| Measure | Perkins County | South Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 3,001±133 | 907,428 | no clear change |
| Households | 1,309±95 | 365,544 | no clear change |
| Average household size | 2.23±0.13 | 2.39 | no clear change |
| Housing units | 1,744±62 | 408,584 | no clear change |
Perkins County's population since 2000
From 3,363 in 2000 to 2,853 in 2025: down 15.2%. 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 Perkins County?
Perkins County holds 42 places: 2 cities, villages and boroughs (incorporated places), 39 towns and townships (county subdivisions with their own government) and 1 census-designated place. The largest is Lemmon with 1,158 residents (2025 estimate). Places that cross a county line are listed with the share of their 2020 residents who live in this county.
| Lemmon | 1,160 | $50,147 |
|---|---|---|
| Bison | 302 | $71,607 |
| Lincoln Township, Perkins CountyGEOID 4610537580 | 124 | $111,618 |
| De Witt TownshipGEOID 4610516460 | 46 | $88,571 |
| Chance TownshipGEOID 4610511340 | 37 | $29,489 |
| Meadow TownshipGEOID 4610541660 | 34 | not published |
| Marshfield TownshipGEOID 4610541060 | 31 | not published |
| Wilson Township, Perkins CountyGEOID 4610572020 | 28 | not published |
| Flat Creek TownshipGEOID 4610521700 | 27 | not published |
| Rainbow TownshipGEOID 4610552700 | 27 | not published |
| Scotch Cap TownshipGEOID 4610557900 | 27 | not published |
| Prairie CityGEOID 4651660 | 25 | not published |
| Antelope Township, Perkins CountyGEOID 4610501660 | 25 | $138,125 |
| Horse Creek TownshipGEOID 4610530060 | 25 | not published |
| Lodgepole TownshipGEOID 4610538100 | 24 | not published |
| Grand River TownshipGEOID 4610525220 | 22 | not published |
| Lone Tree Township, Perkins CountyGEOID 4610538700 | 21 | $123,438 |
| Liberty Township, Perkins CountyGEOID 4610537020 | 21 | not published |
| Moreau TownshipGEOID 4610543660 | 20 | $38,750 |
| Chaudoin TownshipGEOID 4610511420 | 20 | not published |
| White Butte TownshipGEOID 4610571060 | 20 | not published |
| Wells TownshipGEOID 4610569960 | 19 | not published |
| Trail TownshipGEOID 4610563860 | 18 | not published |
| Fredlund TownshipGEOID 4610522940 | 18 | not published |
| Barrett Township, Perkins CountyGEOID 4610503740 | 17 | not published |
| Rockford TownshipGEOID 4610555500 | 17 | not published |
| Cash TownshipGEOID 4610510300 | 17 | not published |
| Hall TownshipGEOID 4610526620 | 17 | not published |
| Englewood TownshipGEOID 4610519620 | 16 | not published |
| Foster Township, Perkins CountyGEOID 4610522460 | 14 | not published |
| Beck-Highland TownshipGEOID 4610504225 | 14 | $250,000 or more |
| Burdick TownshipGEOID 4610508580 | 14 | not published |
| Bison TownshipGEOID 4610505660 | 12 | $176,563 |
| Ada TownshipGEOID 4610500220 | 12 | not published |
| Duell TownshipGEOID 4610517260 | 11 | $56,250 |
| Maltby TownshipGEOID 4610540420 | 11 | not published |
| Vail TownshipGEOID 4610565860 | 9 | not published |
| Glendo TownshipGEOID 4610524580 | 8 | not published |
| Sidney TownshipGEOID 4610558700 | 8 | not published |
| Martin TownshipGEOID 4610541140 | 8 | not published |
| Vrooman TownshipGEOID 4610567900 | 7 | not published |
| Clark Township, Perkins CountyGEOID 4610512300 | 5 | not published |
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 Perkins County?
The median resident of Perkins County is 44.0 years old; 22.4% are under 18 and 26.9% are 65 or older. The largest group is non-Hispanic white residents at 92.0%, then non-Hispanic residents of two or more races at 4.8%.
| Measure | Perkins County | South Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 44.0±3.2 | 38.0 | no clear change |
| Under 18 years | 22.4%±1.6 pts | 24.2% | – |
| 65 years and over | 26.9%±1.7 pts | 18.0% | – |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1%±0.8 pts | 4.8% | – |
| White alone, not Hispanic | 92.0%±1.5 pts | 79.8% | −2.2 pts |
| Black or African American alone, not Hispanic | 0.0%±0.8 pts | 2.1% | – |
| Asian alone, not Hispanic | 0.7%±1.1 pts | 1.4% | – |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone, not Hispanic | 1.2%±1.1 pts | 7.1% | – |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, not Hispanic | 0.0%±0.8 pts | 0.0% | – |
| Two or more races, not Hispanic | 4.8%±2.0 pts | 4.4% | – |
| Some other race alone, not Hispanic | 0.3%±0.4 pts | 0.3% | – |
| Born outside the United States | 1.3%±1.2 pts | 4.0% | – |
| Speak a language other than English at home (age 5+) | 1.0%±0.7 pts | 7.1% | – |
| Civilian veterans (age 18+) | 9.7%±2.7 pts | 7.9% | – |
| With a disability | 14.5%±2.9 pts | 12.5% | – |
| No health insurance coverage | 10.7%±3.9 pts | 9.0% | no clear change |
| High school graduate or higher (age 25+) | 94.9%±1.7 pts | 93.2% | – |
| Bachelor's degree or higher (age 25+) | 24.9%±4.3 pts | 31.9% | no clear change |
| Graduate or professional degree (age 25+) | 8.8%±2.7 pts | 10.0% | – |
| Moved from another state in the past year | 1.1%±0.9 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 Perkins County earn?
Half of Perkins County's 1,309 households earn less than $66,908 a year (±$9,644), against $75,081 in South Dakota. In 2015-2019 it was $71,357 in 2024 dollars; the margins of error cannot tell the two periods apart. 13.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Perkins County | South Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $66,908±$9,644 | $75,081 | no clear change |
| Mean household income | $105,323±$25,019 | $98,527 | – |
| Per capita income | $46,783±$11,017 | $40,550 | no clear change |
| People below the poverty line | 13.7%±4.0 pts | 11.9% | no clear change |
| Children under 18 below the poverty line | 23.4%±10.0 pts | 14.3% | – |
| Households receiving SNAP | 8.2%±3.3 pts | 7.9% | – |
| Households with a broadband subscription | 88.9%±3.7 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 Perkins County?
Owners occupy 78.4% of Perkins County's occupied homes and renters 21.6%. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $114,600 by its owner (±$15,529). The median renter pays $738 a month including utilities, and 26.2% of renters pay 35% or more of their income on rent.
| Measure | Perkins County | South Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home value (owner-occupied) | $114,600±$15,529 | $257,400 | no clear change |
| Median gross rent | $738±$181 | $946 | no clear change |
| Renters paying 35% or more of income on rent | 26.2%±10.0 pts | 30.4% | no clear change |
| Median monthly owner costs, with a mortgage | $1,226±$126 | $1,680 | – |
| Owner-occupied homes | 78.4%±5.1 pts | 68.6% | no clear change |
| Housing units | 1,744±62 | 408,584 | no clear change |
| Homeowner vacancy rate | 0.3%±0.4 pts | 0.8% | – |
| Rental vacancy rate | 0.0%±8.4 pts | 6.0% | – |
| Single-family detached homes | 72.2%±4.9 pts | 66.9% | – |
| Mobile homes | 17.9%±4.1 pts | 7.2% | – |
| Built 2020 or later | 0.6%±0.9 pts | 2.3% | – |
| Built 1939 or earlier | 21.0%±4.5 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 Perkins County building?
Builders took permits for 0 new housing units across Perkins County in 2025 (0 single-family), 0.0 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 Perkins County get to work?
56.9% of Perkins County's workers drive alone and 32.9% work from home. The average trip to work takes 14.7 minutes. The unemployment rate in 2020-2024 averaged 4.9%.
| Measure | Perkins County | South Dakota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the labor force (age 16+) | 66.6%±4.0 pts | 67.2% | – |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9%±2.7 pts | 2.9% | – |
| Drove alone to work | 56.9%±6.4 pts | 77.0% | – |
| Carpooled | 5.2%±2.1 pts | 8.3% | – |
| Public transportation | 0.0%±1.6 pts | 0.5% | – |
| Walked | 4.1%±1.7 pts | 3.1% | – |
| Worked from home | 32.9%±6.8 pts | 9.7% | no clear change |
| Mean travel time to work | 14.7 min±2.5 | 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 Perkins County's census tracts?
Perkins County is a single census tract.
| Tract 968346105968300 | 3,001±133 | $66,908 |
|---|
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) · Check it at data.census.gov
How does Perkins County compare with South Dakota's other counties?
| Measure | Rank |
|---|---|
| Population | 48th of 66 |
| Growth 2020-2025 | 35th of 66 |
| Residents per square mile | 64th of 66 |
| Median household income | 44th of 66 |
| Median home value | 59th of 66 |
| Median gross rent | 39th of 65 |
| Poverty rate | 20th of 65 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35th of 66 |
| Median age | 19th 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 Perkins 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.