Ziebach County Public RecordsSouth Dakota

Ziebach County, SD, consistently reports some of the lowest crime rates in the state. According to 2022 data, the county had fewer than 10 reported crimes, with violent crime essentially at zero and property crime rates under 50 per 100,000 residents. Law enforcement presence is limited, relying on the Ziebach County Sheriff's Office. The sparse population and close-knit communities contribute to a sense of safety, though official crime statistics may be affected by underreporting. Overall, Ziebach remains one of the safest counties in South Dakota.

Ziebach County, SD, had 1,544 registered voters as of the 2022 general election, with Democrats (38%), Republicans (29%), and Independents/other (33%). The county holds primary, general, and special elections at locations like Eagle Butte Community Center. In 2020, 53% voted Democratic and 45% Republican for president. Key issues include tribal sovereignty and rural infrastructure. Elections are overseen by the Ziebach County Auditor’s office. The area’s administration coordinates with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, reflecting a predominantly Native American demographic, influencing party alignment and voter turnout, which reached 60% in the last general election.

Ziebach County, SD, has limited educational facilities, with only two public schools serving K-12 students. The high school graduation rate is around 70%, below the state average. Only about 9% of adults possess a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting low adult educational attainment. School safety ratings are average, with no major incidents reported. Educational program options are limited, with minimal advanced placement or extracurricular offerings. Test scores generally fall below state and national averages, indicating ongoing challenges in academic performance and resource allocation within the county’s schools.

Ziebach County, SD, has a labor force participation rate of around 54% (2022), with an unemployment rate near 8%. The largest employment sectors are Education, Health Care, and Social Assistance (about 32%), Public Administration (16%), and Agriculture (14%). Most workers are employed in service and administrative occupations. Around 76% of workers commute within the county, with an average commute time of 13 minutes. Very few residents commute out of the county for work. Government jobs, including local schools and tribal administration, are significant employers in the region.

Ziebach County, SD, has a homeownership rate of about 60%, with the median home value around $65,000. Rental units comprise roughly 25% of housing, with median gross rent near $700. The housing stock consists mainly of detached single-family homes and some mobile homes; multifamily units are uncommon. Property values have remained relatively stable over the past five years, with minimal market fluctuations. The area includes neighborhoods like Dupree and rural communities. Property taxes are modest, with a median annual tax of around $700, reflecting the county’s affordable cost of living.

Ziebach County, SD, has an estimated population of 2,413 (2022). The median age is about 29 years. Males make up approximately 50.6% and females 49.4% of the population. The county is predominantly American Indian or Alaska Native (73%), with Whites comprising 21%, and other races making up the remainder. Hispanic or Latino residents account for about 3.5% of the population.