Jerauld County Public RecordsSouth Dakota

As of the 2020 Census, Jerauld County, South Dakota, had a population of 1,663. The median age was 46.7 years. Approximately 50.1% of residents were male and 49.9% female. Racially, the population was predominantly White (94.6%), with 1.7% Native American, 0.4% African American, 0.2% Asian, and 2.4% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprised about 2.9% of the population.

Jerauld County, SD, maintains a low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In recent years, the county reported fewer than 20 total criminal incidents annually, with property crimes such as theft and burglary comprising most cases. Violent crime is rare, averaging zero to two incidents per year. The Jerauld County Sheriff’s Office actively monitors safety, with increased focus on community policing and timely crime reporting. As of 2023, the crime rate stands at approximately 4.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, fostering a generally safe environment for residents.

Jerauld County, South Dakota, had 1,298 registered voters as of 2022, with approximately 69% Republican, 20% Democrat, and 11% Independent/Other. The county conducts local, state, and federal elections, with voter turnout reaching 70.2% in the 2020 general election. The Wessington Springs Community Room serves as the main polling place. The county reliably votes Republican; for example, 74% supported Trump in 2020. Election administration is handled by the Jerauld County Auditor’s office. Common issues include rural infrastructure and agricultural policy, and both major parties have a presence, though Republicans dominate.

Jerauld County, SD, serves its roughly 1,800 residents with the Woonsocket and Wessington Springs school districts, featuring two public K-12 schools. About 89% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 19% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Standardized test scores are close to state averages, with high school graduation rates near 95%. Educational options include special education and limited AP courses. School safety is prioritized, with minimal reported incidents. Adult education offerings are limited, primarily available through online or regional programs.

As of 2022, Jerauld County, SD, has an employment rate of approximately 60%. Major industries include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (34%), healthcare and social assistance (14%), and retail trade (10%). Most common occupations are management (18%), sales (14%), and farming/fishing/forestry (13%). About 71% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 14 minutes. Over 80% of employed residents work within the county, with Wessington Springs serving as the primary employment hub.

Jerauld County, SD has a homeownership rate of around 80%, with a median home value of approximately $92,000 in 2022. Rental units make up about 20% of housing, with median gross rent near $515/month. The market remains stable, with modest appreciation over recent years. Housing types primarily include single-family homes, with some duplexes and older properties, especially in Wessington Springs, the county’s largest community. Property taxes are low, averaging about 1.2% of assessed value. Neighborhoods are quiet and rural, offering affordable options for residents.