Aurora County Public RecordsSouth Dakota

As of the 2020 Census, Aurora County, SD, had a population of approximately 2,747. The median age was around 42.5 years, with about 49% male and 51% female residents. The racial makeup was predominantly White (about 92.2%), followed by smaller proportions of Black or African American (2.7%), Native American (1.1%), Asian (0.4%), and individuals of two or more races (3.2%). Hispanic or Latino individuals made up roughly 3.8% of the population.

Aurora County, SD, had 1,657 registered voters as of 2022, predominantly Republican (about 75%), with Democrats and Independents comprising the remainder. The county participates in local, state, and federal elections, with turnout around 70% in presidential years. Recent results, such as the 2020 presidential election, saw Republicans earn over 80% of the vote. Polling locations include the Aurora County Courthouse in Plankinton. Election administration is overseen by the County Auditor. Key issues include agriculture and rural infrastructure. Major parties active are the GOP and Democrats. Voter registration and election info is managed at https://sdsos.gov.

Aurora County, SD, is considered a relatively safe rural area with low crime rates. According to recent statistics, the county’s violent crime rate stands at approximately 68 per 100,000 residents, significantly below the national average of 398 per 100,000. Property crime rates are similarly low, at around 500 per 100,000 residents. Law enforcement regularly reports and monitors incidents, contributing to prompt response times and high community trust. Overall, Aurora County maintains a reputation for safety, with minimal serious crime occurrences reported annually.

Aurora County, SD, hosts a limited number of schools—primarily the Plankinton, White Lake, and Stickney school districts—serving K-12 students, with no colleges or universities in the county. The high school graduation rate is approximately 93%, while around 18% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is rated above the state average, and schools typically score 6/10 on GreatSchools. Educational programs emphasize vocational training, with some dual-credit opportunities available for high schoolers. Adult education options are minimal, mainly accessible through regional community colleges or online resources.

As of 2022, Aurora County, SD, had an employment rate of approximately 66.5%. Major industries include agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting (26.7%), educational services, health care & social assistance (15.2%), and retail trade (11.1%). The most common occupations are management, business, science & arts (28%), followed by sales and office roles (18%). About 81% of residents commute by car, with an average travel time to work of 18 minutes. Most employees work within the county, but around 20% commute to neighboring counties, chiefly Davison County.

Aurora County, SD, has a homeownership rate of approximately 80%, with a median home value of around $124,000. The median gross rent is about $665 per month. Property values have shown modest growth of 3% in the past year. Housing types are primarily single-family homes, with some mobile homes and rental units. Communities like Plankinton and White Lake are notable neighborhoods. The average property tax rate is 1.33%, translating to an estimated $1,649 annually on a median-valued home, making Aurora County an affordable option for homeowners and renters alike.