Lake County Public RecordsSouth Dakota

Lake County, SD, had 8,302 registered voters as of 2024, with Republican, Democratic, and Independent affiliations. Elections include primary, general, and local contests. In the 2022 general election, 62% voted Republican and 35% Democrat in major races. Major polling locations include Madison City Armory and Lake County Courthouse. Key issues are agricultural policy and school funding. Election administration is overseen by the Lake County Auditor’s office, ensuring accessibility and compliance. Voter turnout was 58% in 2022.

Lake County, SD hosts 7 public schools, including Madison High School. About 92% of residents hold a high school diploma and 25% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools in the county have an average GreatSchools score of 7/10, indicating above-average performance. Dakota State University, located in Madison, offers strong adult education and technology programs. The county emphasizes school safety with resource officers and anti-bullying initiatives. Educational programs range from STEM to vocational training, enhancing student skills for future careers.

As of 2022, Lake County, SD had an employment rate of 61.5%. The largest industries were health care & social assistance (15.7%), educational services (14.5%), and retail trade (11.7%). Major occupations included management, business, science & arts (29.8%) and sales & office (22.1%). Average commute time was 14.7 minutes, with 73% of workers driving alone; most were employed within the county, while around 17% commuted to Sioux Falls.

Lake County, SD, has a homeownership rate of about 73%, with median home values around $209,000 in 2023. Rentals are less common, with median rents near $870/month. The housing market has seen a 4% increase in property values over the past year. Property types include mostly single-family homes and some multi-family units, especially in Madison, the largest city. Popular neighborhoods cluster near Lake Madison and DSU campus. The average effective property tax rate in Lake County is 1.33%, resulting in an average annual property tax bill of approximately $2,800.

Lake County, SD, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In recent years, the violent crime rate stands at approximately 1.5 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate is around 9 per 1,000. The Sheriff’s Office and local police actively report and address incidents, leading to a sense of community safety. Annual reports indicate about 95 total offenses, with theft and minor assaults being the most common. Proactive policing and neighborhood programs contribute to maintaining Lake County’s reputation as a safe, family-friendly area.

As of the 2020 Census, Lake County, SD had a population of 11,059. The median age was about 40.7 years, with 21% under 18 and 19% aged 65 or older. The population was approximately 50.2% male and 49.8% female. Racially, the county was 93.5% White, 2.3% Native American, 0.6% Black, 0.5% Asian, and 3% Hispanic or Latino of any race, reflecting a predominantly White community with limited but present diversity.