Clark County, South Dakota
Income Data
At a Glance
How Clark County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Data Story
About Household Income in Clark County, South Dakota
Clark County income significantly below U.S. median
Clark County's median household income of $62,885 falls $11,870 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, representing a 15.9% income deficit. This makes Clark one of the lower-income counties nationally, reflecting a smaller, more rural economic base with limited high-wage sectors. The per capita income of $34,133 also trails national benchmarks, indicating limited individual earning potential across the workforce.
Clark ranks in lower half of South Dakota
Clark County's median household income of $62,885 falls $4,041 below South Dakota's state average of $66,926, placing it in the lower-income tier statewide. Its per capita income of $34,133 similarly underperforms the state average of $35,667, though only marginally. Clark's position reflects a more economically challenged region within South Dakota, despite the county's agricultural heritage.
Clark shows weakest earnings of the cluster
Clark County's $62,885 median household income ranks lowest among its surveyed neighbors, trailing Butte ($67,692), Campbell ($65,000), and Charles Mix ($64,850). With per capita income of $34,133, Clark also trails most regional peers, suggesting limited high-wage employment anchors or industry diversification. This relative weakness underscores structural economic challenges in northeast South Dakota.
Housing affordable despite lower income
Clark County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.5% sits comfortably below the affordability threshold of 15%, and the median home value of $141,900 remains accessible for median-income households. Despite lower overall income, the county's modest housing costs create relative affordability advantages compared to higher-income regions. Renters face particularly manageable costs, making Clark attractive for budget-conscious families.
Focus on economic stability first
Clark County households should prioritize income stability and skill development before aggressive wealth-building, given the county's lower median earnings and limited job diversity. Building human capital—through education, certifications, or trade skills—often yields higher returns than investments for lower-income households. Once household income stabilizes and grows, redirect increases directly into emergency savings and tax-advantaged retirement accounts.
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Your income is above the Clark County median
County median: $62,885 per year
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vs. State Average
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vs. National Median
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.