Corson County, South Dakota

Income Data

-35% vs. South Dakota average
$43,750
Median Household Income
$20,743
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$43,750
-35% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$20,743
-47% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
59.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in South Dakota
#63 / 66
by median household income

How Corson County Compares

Corson County$43,750
South Dakota Average$66,926
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$43,750
Median Household Income
$20,743
Per Capita Income
$73,800
Median Home Value
59.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Corson County, South Dakota

Corson County faces severe income gap

Corson County's median household income of $43,750 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by a stark $31,005, a devastating 41.5% income deficit that marks Corson among America's lowest-income counties. Per capita income of $20,743 is critically low, indicating systemic workforce challenges, limited employment diversity, or significant underemployment. These figures reflect deep structural economic challenges that require targeted intervention and opportunity development.

Corson represents South Dakota's poorest county

At $43,750, Corson County's median household income falls a stunning $23,176 below South Dakota's state average of $66,926, making it the lowest-income county in the dataset. Its per capita income of $20,743 represents just 58% of the state average of $35,667, indicating profound wage stagnation or employment barriers. Corson's position reflects economic isolation, limited industry, and persistent rural poverty challenges.

Corson lags all comparison counties significantly

Corson County's $43,750 median household income trails all neighboring counties by massive margins, sitting $19,142 below the next-lowest county (Clay at $58,794). With per capita income of $20,743, Corson underperforms all regional peers by 20–50%, indicating acute employment crisis or wage collapse. Geographic isolation and limited industry diversification likely compound Corson's economic disadvantages relative to regional neighbors.

Housing remains only affordable segment

Corson County's exceptional rent-to-income ratio of 13.0% offers the primary affordability advantage in an otherwise economically stressed county, though the benefit is limited by overall income scarcity. Median home values of just $73,800 keep homeownership theoretically accessible, yet household incomes may lack stability for mortgages despite low prices. Many residents likely depend on rental housing or inherited property, as traditional homeownership pathways remain difficult.

Prioritize stable employment and education

Corson County households face urgent need to build income stability and marketable skills before considering traditional wealth-building strategies, given severe median income constraints. Focus on accessing workforce development programs, trade certifications, or education pathways that lead to higher-wage employment within or beyond the county. Once household income reaches regional norms ($60,000+), redirect gains into emergency savings and retirement accounts as financial foundation strengthens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Corson County, South Dakota?
The median household income in Corson County, South Dakota is $43,750, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Corson County?
The per capita income in Corson County is $20,743, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $43,750.
How does Corson County compare to the South Dakota average?
Corson County's median household income of $43,750 is lower than the South Dakota state average of $66,926. The per capita income is $20,743, compared to the state average of $35,667.
What is the per capita income in Corson County, South Dakota?
The per capita income in Corson County, South Dakota is $20,743, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Corson County a low-income area in South Dakota?
Corson County's median household income of $43,750 is below the South Dakota average of $66,926. The per capita income of $20,743 is also lower than the state average of $35,667. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Corson County rank for income in South Dakota?
Corson County ranks #63 out of 66 counties in South Dakota by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $43,750 and per capita income of $20,743, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Corson County

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Your income is above the Corson County median

County median: $43,750 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-35%

vs. National Median

-41%

vs. Corson County MedianAbout equal
vs. South Dakota Average35% below
vs. National Median41% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent7.7x

Your monthly income ($3,646) vs. median rent ($473/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.