Dewey County Public RecordsSouth Dakota

Dewey County, SD, had approximately 3,140 registered voters as of 2022. The county holds elections for federal, state, and local offices, primarily at polling locations such as the county courthouse in Timber Lake. In the 2020 presidential election, 67% of votes went to the Democratic candidate, and 31% to the Republican. Administered by the Dewey County Auditor, elections address issues like Native American representation and rural access. Major parties include Democratic and Republican, with significant Indigenous voter turnout due to the county's large Cheyenne River Sioux population.

Dewey County, SD, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. According to recent FBI data, the county reported approximately 2.3 violent crimes and 5.6 property crimes per 1,000 residents in 2022. Law enforcement agencies actively monitor and report crime statistics, contributing to community safety. While occasional incidents occur, overall safety concerns remain minimal, with Dewey County’s crime indices below both state and national levels. Continued vigilance and community programs support these positive trends.

Dewey County, SD, serves students with several public schools, including Cheyenne-Eagle Butte High School, but has fewer than 10 schools overall. About 80% of residents hold at least a high school diploma, while around 12% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. School ratings typically range from 3 to 5 out of 10, reflecting below-average state performance. The county provides adult education and cultural programs, especially on the Cheyenne River Reservation. School safety initiatives focus on mental health and community involvement, contributing to a supportive, though resource-limited, education environment.

Dewey County, SD, had an employment rate of approximately 46.4% in 2022. Key industries include education, health care, and public administration (26%), retail trade (13%), and agriculture (8%). Most employed residents work in management, education, and service occupations. About 70% of workers commute less than 30 minutes to work, with the majority employed within the county. Government jobs account for roughly 35% of local employment, reflecting a strong public sector presence.

Dewey County, SD, has a homeownership rate of approximately 64%, with median home values around $80,000 in 2023—well below the national average. Rental units comprise about 36% of housing, with median gross rents near $645 per month. The county’s housing stock is largely single-family homes, with limited apartment options, mainly in Eagle Butte. Property values have stayed stable over the past few years. Neighborhoods are rural, with few subdivisions. Property taxes average 1.3% of assessed value, translating to about $1,040 annually for a median-value home.

As of the 2020 Census, Dewey County, SD, had a population of 5,239. The median age was about 31 years. Approximately 49% were male and 51% female. The racial/ethnic makeup was predominantly Native American (75%), with White residents comprising about 21%, and other races or two or more races making up the remainder. Hispanic or Latino ethnicity accounted for roughly 3% of the population.