Meade County Public RecordsSouth Dakota

Meade County, SD, had 19,297 registered voters as of 2022, primarily Republican (about 61%), with Democrats and Independents making up the rest. The county administers primary, general, and special elections, overseen by the Meade County Auditor’s office. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump received 72% of the local vote, while Joe Biden earned 25%. Polling locations number around 15, mainly in Sturgis and other towns. Common local issues include property taxes and infrastructure. Major parties—Republican and Democratic—actively participate in elections, with overall turnout rates typically near 65%.

Meade County, SD serves around 6,000 students across 11 public schools, including Sturgis Brown High School. About 89% of residents hold a high school diploma, while around 21% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating is 6/10, reflecting strong academic performance and safe environments; incidents of in-school violence are below the national average. Educational programs such as Advanced Placement and Career & Technical Education are available. The area also offers adult education resources through Western Dakota Technical College and community outreach programs.

As of 2023, Meade County, SD, has an employment rate of approximately 64%. Major industries include health care and social assistance (16%), retail trade (13%), and construction (12%). The largest occupational groups are office and administrative support (13%) and management (10%). About 83% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 23 minutes. Many residents work locally, while some commute to Rapid City and neighboring counties for employment opportunities.

Meade County, SD, has a homeownership rate of about 73%, with a median home value around $255,000 in 2023. The rental market sees median rents near $1,000/month. Property values have risen approximately 10% year-over-year, driven by demand in areas like Sturgis and Summerset. Housing types include single-family homes, manufactured homes, and some apartments, with new developments expanding. Popular neighborhoods include Boulder Canyon and Blucksberg Mountain. The average effective property tax rate is about 1.28%. Despite growth, housing remains more affordable than national averages, though inventory is tightening.

As of 2023, Meade County, SD, has a population of approximately 30,400. The median age is about 36 years. The population is 52% male and 48% female. Racially, 87% are White, 6% Native American, 2% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and 4% Hispanic or Latino (any race). The county’s population is relatively young, with around 25% under 18 and 13% aged 65 or older.

Meade County, SD, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages, with a total crime rate of approximately 15.2 per 1,000 residents. In 2022, the county reported around 150 property crimes and 30 violent crimes. The sheriff’s office emphasizes prompt incident reporting and community policing, contributing to a higher sense of safety. Clearance rates for major crimes exceed 60%. Overall, Meade County is considered a safe place to live, with crime rates trending below statewide averages.