Deuel County Public RecordsSouth Dakota

Deuel County, South Dakota, has approximately 3,600 registered voters as of 2024, predominantly Republican (about 65%), with Democrats and Independents comprising the remainder. The county administers general, primary, and local elections at polling locations in Clear Lake, Gary, Astoria, and Toronto. In the 2020 presidential election, over 70% voted Republican. The County Auditor’s office oversees elections, ensuring compliance and accessibility. Key local issues often include rural infrastructure and education funding. Polls are typically open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and absentee voting is available for all eligible registered voters.

Deuel County, SD, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to recent data, the overall crime rate stands at approximately 10.2 crimes per 1,000 residents per year. Violent crime is particularly low, with fewer than 1 reported incident per 1,000 people, while property crimes account for roughly 9.2 per 1,000. The local sheriff’s office emphasizes community policing and reliable crime reporting, contributing to higher public safety. Residents generally consider Deuel County a safe place to live, with crime rates decreasing slightly over the past five years.

As of the 2020 Census, Deuel County, South Dakota, has a population of 4,295. The median age is approximately 43 years, with around 22% under 18 and 22% aged 65 or older. The population is roughly balanced by gender, with 50.4% male and 49.6% female. Racially, the county is predominantly White (96.5%), with smaller proportions of Native American (1.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%), and other races (1.1%).

Deuel County, SD, has approximately 3 public schools, including Deuel High School. About 92% of adults have a high school diploma, while around 21% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety incidents are low, and the average school rating is 6/10. Educational programs include advanced placement and vocational courses. The student-teacher ratio averages 13:1, promoting personalized learning. Adult education offerings are limited but available through regional centers.

As of 2022, Deuel County, SD had an employment rate of approximately 61%. The most common industries were Health Care & Social Assistance (16%), Retail Trade (14%), Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting (13%), and Manufacturing (11%). Occupationally, 28% worked in management, business, science, and arts roles. Around 80% of workers commuted alone by car, with a mean travel time of 19 minutes. The majority of residents were employed within the county or neighboring areas, with Clear Lake being a central employment hub.

Deuel County, SD, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with a median home value near $165,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is around $700 monthly. The housing market remains stable, with modest annual value increases of 2-3%. Most homes are single-family houses, with some farmsteads and limited multi-family options, primarily in Clear Lake and Gary. Popular neighborhoods feature quiet, rural settings. Property taxes average 1.2% of home value, placing typical annual bills between $1,800 and $2,000. The county remains affordable and attractive for families seeking small-town living.