Dewey County, South Dakota

Income Data

-13% vs. South Dakota average
$57,928
Median Household Income
$21,940
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$57,928
-13% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$21,940
-44% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
76.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in South Dakota
#57 / 66
by median household income

How Dewey County Compares

Dewey County$57,928
South Dakota Average$66,926
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$57,928
Median Household Income
$21,940
Per Capita Income
$75,400
Median Home Value
76.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Dewey County, South Dakota

Dewey County faces significant income challenges

Dewey County's median household income of $57,928 falls $16,827 below the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-earning counties in the nation. The county's per capita income of just $21,940—far below the national standard—reflects structural economic challenges requiring targeted investment and opportunity building.

Dewey ranks near the bottom statewide

At $57,928, Dewey County ranks in the bottom quartile of South Dakota's 66 counties, trailing the state average of $66,926 by nearly $9,000. The significantly low per capita income of $21,940 versus the state average of $35,667 indicates income concentration and limited earning opportunities across the population.

Dewey lags behind all neighboring counties

Dewey County's $57,928 median household income falls below every comparable county in the region, including Faulk ($58,000), Fall River ($61,056), and Davison ($61,401). This gap underscores the county's economic vulnerability and the need for workforce development and new business recruitment.

Housing affordability stretched by low incomes

Dewey County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% remains technically affordable, but this masks the underlying challenge: median household income is too low to support robust savings and investment. The median home value of $75,400 is the lowest in the region, reflecting both affordability and limited property appreciation potential.

Build pathways to economic mobility

Dewey County residents should prioritize education and skill-building to increase earning potential and close the income gap with neighboring counties and national averages. Start with community resources for job training, career counseling, and financial literacy to create a foundation for household income growth and long-term economic security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Dewey County, South Dakota?
The median household income in Dewey County, South Dakota is $57,928, 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 Dewey County?
The per capita income in Dewey County is $21,940, 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 $57,928.
How does Dewey County compare to the South Dakota average?
Dewey County's median household income of $57,928 is lower than the South Dakota state average of $66,926. The per capita income is $21,940, compared to the state average of $35,667.
What is the per capita income in Dewey County, South Dakota?
The per capita income in Dewey County, South Dakota is $21,940, 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 Dewey County a low-income area in South Dakota?
Dewey County's median household income of $57,928 is below the South Dakota average of $66,926. The per capita income of $21,940 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 Dewey County rank for income in South Dakota?
Dewey County ranks #57 out of 66 counties in South Dakota by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $57,928 and per capita income of $21,940, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Dewey County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Dewey County median

County median: $57,928 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-13%

vs. National Median

-23%

vs. Dewey County MedianAbout equal
vs. South Dakota Average13% below
vs. National Median23% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.8x

Your monthly income ($4,827) vs. median rent ($714/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Dewey County, South Dakota? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in South Dakota

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

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