Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Campbell County, SD, had a population of 1,377. The median age was 49.7 years, reflecting an older population. About 51% were male and 49% female. The county is predominantly White (94.9%), with small proportions of Native American (3%), Asian (0.2%), and Hispanic or Latino (1.1%) residents. Other racial groups make up less than 1%.
County Crime & Safety
Campbell County, SD, consistently reports low crime rates compared to state and national averages. According to recent FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data, the county had fewer than 5 reported crimes per 1,000 residents in 2022, with violent crime rates near zero and property crime rates below 2 per 1,000 people. Law enforcement presence is limited but responsive. The county's small population—around 1,400 residents—contributes to its safety, and crime statistics are updated annually by the local sheriff's office and available through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
Education, Employment and Housing
Campbell County, South Dakota, serves students through 2 public schools, including one high school. Approximately 87% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 16% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. The schools report favorable safety records, with low incidence of major disciplinary issues. Average standardized test scores are near the state average. Campbell County schools offer programs such as vocational training and dual-credit courses for high schoolers. Adult education opportunities are available via regional partnerships, supporting lifelong learning in the community.
As of 2022, Campbell County, SD, has an employment rate of approximately 64.5%. The county’s labor force is concentrated in agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (31%), followed by education, health care, and social assistance (19%), and retail trade (10%). The most common occupation is management (28%), with production, transportation, and material moving jobs making up 15%. Around 74% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 15 minutes. Most residents work within the county, while a minority commute to neighboring counties such as Walworth and McPherson.
Campbell County, SD, features predominantly owner-occupied homes, with a homeownership rate near 85%. Median home values are around $80,000, while median gross rent is approximately $600 monthly. Housing consists mainly of single-family homes and farmhouses within small towns like Mound City and Herreid. Property values have remained relatively stable, with modest appreciation. Property tax rates average about 1.4% of assessed value, making taxes relatively low. Neighborhoods are close-knit and rural, offering affordable living and ample space compared to urban areas. Rental availability is limited due to the county’s small population and rural character.
Elections
Campbell County, SD, had about 978 registered voters as of 2022, with Republican registrations significantly outnumbering Democrats. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, including presidential, gubernatorial, and county commission races. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump received over 85% of the county vote. Polling locations include the Campbell County Courthouse in Mound City. Election administration is overseen by the County Auditor’s office. Recent concerns include rural representation and infrastructure. The county remains a GOP stronghold, with Republicans consistently holding elected offices and shaping local policy.
Popular names
- Heather Travis
- Jaimie Odde
- Luke Wiest
- Marcella Huber
- Adam Wiest
- Alissa Wiest
- Alton Heinrich
- Alvin Fjeldheim
- Andy Niccum
- Angelena Dockter
- Arlene Odde
- Arlyce Wientjes
- Barbara Wessel
- Bernie Huber
- Brandee Fjeldheim
- Brian Wittmeier
- Bruce Mitzel
- Caleb Wiest
- Cameron Fish
- Cassandra Stokes
- Charles Davidson
- Connie Fjeldheim
- Cydney Cloud
- Dale Deibert
- Dale Meyer
- Darryn Borr
- Deborah Meyer
- Debra Weisbeck
- Dennis Feist
- Dennis Mitzel
- Donald Berndt
- Donald Huber
- Donald Wittmeier
- Donna Meyer
- Doug Peterson
- Douglas Goehring
- Duane Fjeldheim
- Ernest Weisbeck
- Ervin Dienert
- Florian Voller
- Floyd Haan
- Frank Seymour
- Gary Sjomeling
- Gloria Huber
- Harvey Meyer
- Henry Weber
- Holly Pudwill
- Irma Larson
- Iva Wittmeier
- Jackie Vetsch
- Jared Hahn
- Jessica Holzwarth
- Jessye Eberhart
- Joan Wittmeier
- Joann Meyer
- Joel Eberhart
- John Wiest
- Jordan Reierson
- Joshua Larson
- Julie Borr
Other Counties in South Dakota
- Aurora
- Beadle
- Bennett
- Bon Homme
- Brookings
- Brown
- Brule
- Buffalo
- Butte
- Charles Mix
- Clark
- Clay
- Codington
- Corson
- Custer
- Davison
- Day
- Deuel
- Dewey
- Douglas
- Edmunds
- Fall River
- Faulk
- Grant
- Gregory
- Haakon
- Hamlin
- Hand
- Hanson
- Harding
- Hughes
- Hutchinson
- Hyde
- Jackson
- Jerauld
- Jones
- Kingsbury
- Lake
- Lawrence
- Lincoln
- Lyman
- Marshall
- Mccook
- Mcpherson
- Meade
- Mellette
- Miner
- Minnehaha
- Moody
- Pennington