Union County, South Dakota

Income Data

+26% vs. South Dakota average
$84,137
Median Household Income
$49,563
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$84,137
+26% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$49,563
+26% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
31.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in South Dakota
#3 / 66
by median household income

How Union County Compares

Union County$84,137
South Dakota Average$66,926
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$84,137
Median Household Income
$49,563
Per Capita Income
$269,500
Median Home Value
31.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Union County, South Dakota

Union leads South Dakota's earners

Union County's median household income of $84,137 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by 13%, making it one of the nation's stronger-earning rural counties. Per capita income of $49,563 significantly outpaces the national average of $35,300, demonstrating broad-based economic strength.

Highest-income county in South Dakota

Union County ranks #1 statewide for median household income, commanding 26% more than South Dakota's state average of $66,926. This exceptional performance reflects Union's proximity to regional employment hubs and diversified economic base.

Union towers above regional peers

Union County's $84,137 median income substantially exceeds all neighboring counties—outpacing Stanley ($77,000) by 9%, Turner ($75,283) by 12%, and Sully ($70,250) by 20%. Union's commanding income advantage positions it as the clear economic leader across central and eastern South Dakota.

Higher costs offset strong income

Union's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% reflects upward housing pressures despite strong earnings, as median home values reach $269,500—the region's highest. Households earning $84,000 can comfortably afford housing while maintaining robust discretionary income.

Union offers premium wealth-building capacity

Union County households earning $84,137 occupy the state's top income tier, creating exceptional opportunity to build lasting wealth through aggressive saving and investing. Prioritize diversified investment portfolios, estate planning, and exploring business ownership to leverage Union's economic advantages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Union County, South Dakota?
The median household income in Union County, South Dakota is $84,137, 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 Union County?
The per capita income in Union County is $49,563, 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 $84,137.
How does Union County compare to the South Dakota average?
Union County's median household income of $84,137 is higher than the South Dakota state average of $66,926. The per capita income is $49,563, compared to the state average of $35,667.
What is the per capita income in Union County, South Dakota?
The per capita income in Union County, South Dakota is $49,563, 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.
Why is Union County income higher than the South Dakota average?
Union County's median household income of $84,137 is higher than the South Dakota average of $66,926. This difference of $17,211 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Union County rank for income in South Dakota?
Union County ranks #3 out of 66 counties in South Dakota by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $84,137 and per capita income of $49,563, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Union County

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Your income is above the Union County median

County median: $84,137 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+26%

vs. National Median

+13%

vs. Union County MedianAbout equal
vs. South Dakota Average26% above
vs. National Median13% above

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($7,011) vs. median rent ($1,055/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.