Mccook County Public RecordsSouth Dakota

As of the 2020 Census, McCook County, SD had a population of 5,682. The median age was 42.9 years, with 21.5% under 18 and 21.1% aged 65 or older. The gender distribution was approximately 50.5% male and 49.5% female. The population was predominantly White (96.2%), with small proportions of Hispanic or Latino (1.5%), two or more races (1.2%), and other races. African American, Native American, and Asian residents each comprised less than 1% of the population.

McCook County, SD, has 6 public schools, including 1 high school (McCook Central High School). The high school graduation rate is approximately 92%, while about 23% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools score an average of 6/10 on national ratings, reflecting solid performance. School safety is rated above state averages, with low incident reports. Educational programs include advanced placement, vocational training, and adult education courses. The district invests in ongoing teacher development and offers extracurriculars ranging from athletics to arts, supporting a well-rounded educational environment for students and adult learners.

As of 2023, McCook County, SD, has an employment rate of approximately 62.1%. Major industries include agriculture, manufacturing (17.2%), education, and health services (20.4%). Most workers are employed in management, sales, and office occupations (about 31.8%), followed by service roles (17.5%). Average commute time is 22.6 minutes, with 82% driving alone to work. While most residents are employed within the county, around 23% commute to neighboring Minnehaha (including Sioux Falls) and Turner counties for employment.

McCook County, SD, has a homeownership rate of approximately 80%, with median home values around $175,000 as of 2023. Rental units make up about 20% of housing, with median rents near $800 per month. The housing market trends show steady appreciation, with property values rising roughly 5% annually. Housing primarily consists of single-family homes and a few multi-family units, spread across communities like Salem and Montrose. Property taxes average 1.3% of assessed value, making ownership relatively affordable compared to national averages.

As of 2024, McCook County, SD, has approximately 4,000 registered voters, predominantly Republican (about 65%), with Democrats around 20% and Independents 15%. The county administers general, primary, and special elections through the Auditor’s Office. Recent presidential elections saw Republicans winning with over 70% of the vote. There are 8 polling locations, typically in community centers or schools. Local issues often include agriculture policy and rural infrastructure. Election results and polling locations are posted online. The Republican and Democratic parties are most active in county politics, with minor third-party presence.

McCook County, SD, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, there were approximately 120 reported crimes, with 13 violent offenses and 107 property crimes. The county’s crime rate stands at about 12.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, notably lower than the U.S. average of 22.7. Law enforcement proactively reports crime data to the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, focusing on community policing and preventive measures to enhance safety. Overall, McCook County is considered a safe area with consistent law enforcement presence and effective crime monitoring practices.