Edmunds County Public RecordsSouth Dakota

Edmunds County, SD, has 4 public schools serving K-12 students, including one high school, with an average student-teacher ratio of 12:1. About 90% of adults hold a high school diploma, while nearly 23% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools boast an average GreatSchools rating of 6/10, reflecting solid academics and above-average safety records. Educational programs include vocational training and dual-credit courses in partnership with local colleges, supporting ongoing adult education and professional development within the community.

As of 2022, Edmunds County, SD, reported an employment rate of approximately 62%. Key industries include agriculture (employing 26%), education and health services (17%), and manufacturing (12%). Major occupation types are management, business, and financial operations (21%), production and transportation (18%), and sales/office occupations (15%). About 80% of workers commute by car, averaging 19 minutes per trip; 70% work within the county, while the rest commute primarily to Brown and Walworth counties for employment.

Edmunds County, SD, has a homeownership rate of approximately 79%, with median home values around $144,000. Rental options are limited, with median gross rents near $730 per month. The market has seen steady value increases of about 3-5% annually. Housing types are predominantly single-family homes, with some duplexes and apartments mainly in towns like Ipswich and Bowdle. Neighborhoods are generally quiet and rural. Property taxes average 1.3% of home value, making housing relatively affordable compared to state and national averages.

As of the 2020 Census, Edmunds County, South Dakota, had a population of 3,986. The median age was around 46.6 years, reflecting an older population. Approximately 50.2% were male and 49.8% female. The racial makeup was predominantly White (over 96%), with small representations from Native American (about 2%), and other races (less than 2%). Hispanic or Latino residents comprised about 1% of the population.

Edmunds County, SD, maintains a notably low crime rate compared to national averages. As of 2023, the violent crime rate stands at approximately 1.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, well below the U.S. average of 4.0. Property crime remains limited, with about 6 incidents per 1,000 residents annually. Local law enforcement emphasizes proactive community policing and transparent crime reporting. Most reported offenses involve minor theft or vandalism, with serious crimes being rare. Overall, residents experience a high level of safety, contributing to the county’s reputation as a secure rural community.

Edmunds County, SD, has approximately 2,800 registered voters as of 2024, with Republican affiliation dominating at about 65%, Democrats at 20%, and Independents/Other at 15%. The county participates in national, state, and local elections, with recent general election turnout exceeding 70%. Polling locations include the County Courthouse in Ipswich and community centers in Roscoe, Bowdle, and Hosmer. Election administration is overseen by the Edmunds County Auditor’s Office. Key issues often include agriculture and taxes. Republican candidates have consistently won recent elections, reflecting local party trends.