Hyde County Public RecordsSouth Dakota

Hyde County, South Dakota, had 888 registered voters as of 2024, predominately Republican. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, typically at the Hyde County Courthouse in Highmore. In the 2020 presidential election, 78% voted Republican, 19% Democrat, and 3% other. Election administration is handled by the Hyde County Auditor. Key issues include agricultural policy and rural infrastructure. The main political parties are Republican and Democratic, with Republicans maintaining a strong majority in registrations and outcomes.

As of the 2020 Census, Hyde County, South Dakota, had a population of 1,323. The median age was 45.8 years, with 22% under 18 and 24% aged 65 or older. Gender distribution was approximately 51% male and 49% female. The county is predominantly White (94.6%), with Native Americans comprising 2.5%, and other races/ethnicities making up the remainder. Hispanic or Latino residents accounted for about 1.7% of the population.

Hyde County, SD, consistently reports some of the lowest crime rates in South Dakota. According to the FBI’s 2022 Uniform Crime Reporting, the county recorded just 2 property crimes and zero violent crimes, making the crime rate less than 1 per 1,000 residents—significantly below state and national averages. Law enforcement agencies emphasize community-based policing, and the small population (around 1,200) allows for efficient reporting and response. Overall, Hyde County is considered a very safe rural area with minimal crime incidents annually.

Hyde County, South Dakota, is served primarily by the Highmore-Harrold School District, comprising one elementary, one middle, and one high school. The high school graduation rate is approximately 94%. Bachelor’s degree attainment among adults is around 20%. School safety is rated above state average, with minimal incidents reported annually. The district offers standard educational programs, including vocational training and dual-credit options. There are no colleges within the county, so adult education opportunities are limited, though regional technical institutes and online programs are accessible. Average standardized test scores align closely with state averages.

Hyde County, SD, had an unemployment rate of approximately 2.5% in 2022. Key employment sectors include agriculture (30%), education and health services (22%), and public administration (15%). Most workers (62%) are employed in management, business, science, and arts occupations, while 23% work in service occupations. About 74% of residents commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 13 minutes, and over 85% work within the county.

Hyde County, SD, has a homeownership rate of about 80%, with median home values around $95,000 and median rents near $700 per month. The housing market remains stable, with modest annual appreciation under 2%. Most residences are single-family homes in rural settings, primarily in neighborhoods like Highmore. New construction is limited. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 1.21% of assessed value. Rental options are limited, reflecting the area’s emphasis on owner-occupied homes. Hyde County appeals to those seeking affordable rural living and stable property markets.