Back to Douglas County Feed
Douglas County
countyDouglas County is located in southeastern South Dakota, characterized by rolling hills and primarily dedicated to agriculture. As of 2024, the population was estimated to be 2,849. The county maintains a rural character with a focus on farming and community. Agriculture is the dominant economic force, with corn and soybeans being common crops. The county also has a recreation area by Corsica Lake and the Dakota Trails Golf Course. Douglas County was established in 1873 and organized in 1882, named after Stephen Douglas, an Illinois political figure. Corsica Lake and the Douglas County Recreation Area provide outdoor recreational opportunities.
Douglas County, South Dakota
Overview
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 46043
- Country
- United States
- County
- Douglas County
Geography
- Region
- Southeastern South Dakota
- Elevation
- 1,677 ft
- Total Area
- 434 sq mi
- Land Area
- 432 sq mi
- Water Area
- 1.9 sq mi
- Latitude
- 43.39
- Longitude
- -98.36
- Climate
- Temperate continental climate with cold winters and warm summers.
- Notable Features
- Rolling hills · Corsica Lake
- Neighboring Areas
- Aurora County · Davison County · Hutchinson County · Charles Mix County
Demographics
- Population (2020)
- 2,835
- Est. Population (2024)
- 2,849
- Median Age
- 41.9
- Median Income
- $78,125
- Poverty Rate
- 7.2%
- Family Households
- 68.5%
- Owner-Occupied
- 76.9%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 92.8% White, followed by Hispanic (2.4%) and Two or More (2.1%).
Governance
- Government Type
- County Commission
- Governing Body
- County Commission
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Armour School District 21-1, Corsica-Stickney School District 21-3, Parkston School District 33-3, Platte-Geddes School District 11-5, Tripp-Delmont School District 33-5
- Municipal Services
- Auditing · Tax collection · Voter registration · Road maintenance · Law enforcement
U.S. Congress
Economy
- Unemployment Rate
- 2.4%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Small businesses
- Employment Sectors
- Agriculture · Healthcare · Education · Retail
- Major Employers
- Farming operations · Local businesses · School districts · County government
Education
- School Districts
- Armour School District 21-1 · Corsica-Stickney School District 21-3 · Parkston School District 33-3 · Platte-Geddes School District 11-5 · Tripp-Delmont School District 33-5
Infrastructure
- Transportation
- U.S. Highway 18 · U.S. Highway 281 · South Dakota Highway 44 · South Dakota Highway 50
- Utilities
- Rural water systems · Electricity
- Major Facilities
- Douglas County Courthouse in Armour · Douglas County Recreation Area
Recreation
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Corsica Lake · Douglas County Recreation Area · Lions Park in Armour
- Parks & Trails
- Douglas County Recreation Area · Lake Alcazar walking path
History
- Founded
- 1873
- Incorporated
- 1882
- Named After
- Stephen Douglas, Illinois political figure
- Historical Significance
- Part of the Dakota Territory opened for settlement in the late 19th century, with a strong agricultural heritage.
- Key Events
- Establishment of the county in 1873 · Organization of the county in 1882 · Settlement by Dutch and German immigrants