Brown County Public RecordsSouth Dakota

As of the 2020 Census, Brown County, SD had a population of 38,301. The median age was 39.6 years. The gender distribution was nearly balanced, with 50.4% female and 49.6% male. Racially, the population was 89.6% White, 4.3% Native American, 1.5% Black, 0.8% Asian, and 3.8% identifying as Hispanic or Latino (of any race), with small percentages from other groups.

Brown County, SD, has a crime rate slightly below the national average, with recent FBI data (2022) showing a violent crime rate of 248 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,425 per 100,000. The majority of reported incidents involve theft and burglary, with violent crimes remaining relatively rare. The Brown County Sheriff’s Office and Aberdeen Police Department encourage prompt crime reporting, which has contributed to a clearance rate above 40%. Overall, Brown County is considered a generally safe area for residents and visitors.

Brown County, South Dakota, had 23,000 registered voters in 2022, with Republicans comprising 51%, Democrats 27%, and independents 22%. The county conducts general, primary, and local elections, with the 2020 presidential race showing 65% support for the Republican candidate. Polling locations, including the Aberdeen Civic Arena and local schools, open 7 am-7 pm. Key issues include ag policy and healthcare. Election administration is handled by the county auditor's office, which oversees ballot distribution and reporting. Parties actively campaign, especially during competitive mayoral elections and statewide races, emphasizing transparency and voter turnout.

Brown County, SD hosts 25 public schools, including Aberdeen Central High School, and several private schools. The high school graduation rate is about 89%, while around 23% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average standardized test scores are near state averages (ACT composite 21.5). School safety measures comply with state regulations, with less than 2 incidents per 1,000 students annually. Educational programs feature AP courses, dual-credit, CTE, and adult education through Northern State University and technical colleges, supporting lifelong learning in the community.

As of 2023, Brown County, SD, has an employment rate of approximately 67%. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (20.5%), Retail Trade (13.4%), and Manufacturing (11.2%). Major occupation types include office & administrative support (13.8%) and management (10.7%). About 79% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 13 minutes. Most employees work within Brown County, particularly in the city of Aberdeen, which is the regional employment hub.

Brown County, SD, offers a median home value around $185,000, with approximately 67% owner-occupied homes and 33% rentals; the median rent is about $850/month. The housing market has seen modest annual appreciation near 3% recently. Most homes are single-family, with some multifamily units and apartments, particularly in the Aberdeen area, the county’s largest city. Neighborhoods range from historic downtown homes to newer suburban developments. Property tax rates average about 1.2% of assessed value, translating to a median annual bill of roughly $2,200. The area provides affordable options for both buyers and renters.