Kingsbury County Public RecordsSouth Dakota

Kingsbury County, SD has 8 public schools, including 2 high schools. The high school graduation rate is about 94%, while 22% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school ratings are 7/10 (GreatSchools). Adult education resources are available through nearby community education programs. Schools in the county score above state average in safety reports, with low incident rates. Educational programs include advanced placement and career technical education.

Kingsbury County, SD, has an employment rate of about 62.2%. The largest industries are agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting (23%), educational services, and healthcare & social assistance (18%). Most common occupations include management (15.5%), office and administrative support (12%), and production (10%). Around 81% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 17 minutes, and about 68% work within the county. Employment is largely local, reflecting the county’s rural and agricultural nature. (Data from U.S. Census ACS 2022 estimates.)

Kingsbury County, SD, features a homeownership rate of approximately 77%, with median home values around $160,000 and median gross rents about $700 per month. The housing market is stable, with modest annual value growth of roughly 4%. Predominant housing types include single-family homes in small towns like De Smet and Lake Preston. Neighborhoods are primarily rural, with limited new development. Annual property taxes average 1.2% of home value. The rental market is limited, with most residents owning their homes, reflecting the county’s affordability and rural character.

Kingsbury County, South Dakota, has approximately 3,480 registered voters as of 2024, with registration divided primarily between Republican (about 65%), Democrat (20%), and Independent/Other (15%). The county participates in federal, state, and local elections, with recent results showing strong Republican majorities—Donald Trump secured 73% of the 2020 presidential vote. Polling locations include sites in De Smet and Arlington. Key issues revolve around agriculture, rural infrastructure, and property taxes. Elections are administered by the Kingsbury County Auditor’s office, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Two main parties—Republican and Democratic—dominate local political activity.

Kingsbury County, South Dakota, had a population of approximately 5,100 in the 2020 Census. The median age is 45 years, reflecting an older population. About 50.3% are male and 49.7% female. The county is predominantly White (95%), with small minorities of Hispanic or Latino (1.7%), two or more races (1.5%), Native American (0.7%), and Asian (<0.5%). Children under 18 make up around 22%, while 65 and older comprise about 24%.

Kingsbury County, SD, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to the most recent data, the violent crime rate is around 1.2 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stands at approximately 6.1 per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement reports indicate consistent public safety efforts, with a clearance rate above 60% for reported crimes. The county sheriff's office encourages regular community reporting, contributing to effective crime management and prevention programs, ensuring residents benefit from a generally safe living environment.