Grant County Public RecordsSouth Dakota

Grant County, SD, has several public schools, including Milbank High School, serving around 300 students with a graduation rate of approximately 92%. Adult residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher comprise about 18%, below the national average. The county’s schools typically score at or above state averages on standardized tests and prioritize safety, reporting minimal incidents annually. Educational programs include Advanced Placement (AP) courses, vocational training, and extracurricular activities. Overall, Grant County maintains 7 public schools, fostering a safe and supportive learning environment with ongoing initiatives to improve academic achievement and adult education opportunities.

Grant County, SD, reported an unemployment rate of 2.1% in early 2024. Major employment sectors include education, health care, and social assistance (19.8%), manufacturing (16.5%), and retail trade (12.7%). Most jobs are in management, business, science, and arts occupations (29%), followed by production, transportation, and material moving (24%). Roughly 85% of residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 14.4 minutes; about 57% work within the county, while the remainder travel to nearby regions. (Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Grant County, SD has a homeownership rate of about 76%, with a median home value around $174,000 in 2023. Median gross rent hovers near $690 per month. The housing market has seen steady 4% annual appreciation over recent years. Most homes are single-family, interspersed with some duplexes and apartments, especially in Milbank, the county seat. Property tax rates average 1.29%, translating to roughly $2,245 per year for a median-priced home. Neighborhoods vary from rural areas to residential subdivisions, offering affordable options with a small-town atmosphere.

Grant County, SD, had 5,707 registered voters as of 2022, with Republicans comprising approximately 69%, Democrats 19%, and Independents/others 12%. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, including school board and referendums. In the 2020 presidential election, 73% voted Republican and 25% Democrat. Polling locations include Milbank and rural town halls. Recent issues involve school funding and road maintenance. The election is managed by the Grant County Auditor’s office, ensuring compliance and accessibility. Turnout regularly exceeds 70%. Major parties are Republican and Democratic; minor parties have limited presence.

As of the 2020 Census, Grant County, SD, had a population of 7,556. About 22% were under 18, and 22% were 65 or older, with a median age of 44. Females made up 50.5% and males 49.5% of the population. The racial makeup was predominantly White (96.3%), with small percentages of Native American (1.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.9%), and other races (0.6%).

Grant County, SD, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to recent FBI statistics, the county reported a violent crime rate of approximately 1.5 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of about 10.4 per 1,000 in 2023. Local law enforcement actively encourages community reporting, contributing to a clearance rate higher than 45%. Overall, Grant County is considered safe, with most crimes being minor property offenses rather than violent incidents.