Hamlin County
countyHamlin County, located in eastern South Dakota, is characterized by its rolling hills and numerous lakes, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation. As of 2023, the county had a population of approximately 6,288. The county seat is Hayti, though Estelline is the largest city. Agriculture is a prominent feature of the landscape and a key part of the local economy. Agriculture and manufacturing are key sectors in Hamlin County's economy. The county is served by several school districts and offers various community services. Its location provides access to major transportation routes, facilitating trade and travel. Named after Hannibal Hamlin, Abraham Lincoln's first vice president, Hamlin County was established in 1873. Its history is intertwined with the development of agriculture in the region, and it offers a blend of small-town living and access to natural amenities.
Hamlin County, South Dakota
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 46-057
- Country
- United States
- County
- Hamlin County
- Region
- Eastern South Dakota
- Elevation
- 1,949 ft
- Total Area
- 538 sq mi
- Land Area
- 507 sq mi
- Water Area
- 31 sq mi
- Latitude
- 44.68
- Longitude
- -97.2
- Climate
- Typical Midwestern climate with cold winters and warm summers.
- Notable Features
- Low rolling hills · Numerous lakes and ponds · Agricultural land
- Neighboring Areas
- Codington County · Deuel County · Brookings County · Kingsbury County · Clark County
- Population (2020)
- 6,164
- Est. Population (2023)
- 6,288
- Median Age
- 32.5
- Median Income
- $83,194
- Poverty Rate
- 6.59%
- Owner-Occupied
- 81.5%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 91.8% White (Non-Hispanic), 3.24% Other (Hispanic), and 1.84% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic).
- Government Type
- County Commission
- Governing Body
- Board of Commissioners
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Hamlin School District 28-3
- Municipal Services
- Auditor · Register of Deeds · Sheriff's Office · Treasurer · Highway Department · Planning and Zoning
- Unemployment Rate
- 2.2%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Manufacturing
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting · Health Care & Social Assistance
- Schools
- 3
- Students
- 881
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16:1
- School Districts
- Arlington School District 38-1 · Castlewood School District 28-1 · Deuel School District 19-4 · Estelline School District 28-2 · Hamlin School District 28-3 · Henry School District 14-2 · Watertown School District 14-4 · Waverly School District 14-5
- Transportation
- Interstate 29 · U.S. Highway 81 · South Dakota Highways 21, 22, and 28
- Utilities
- Varies by municipality
- Major Facilities
- Hamlin County Courthouse in Hayti
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Lake Poinsett · Lake Albert · Clear Lake · Dry Lake · Hamlin State Public Shooting Area · Hayti City Park
- Parks & Trails
- Various state public shooting areas · Hayti City Park · Hamlin School Football Field and Track
- Founded
- 1873
- Incorporated
- 1878
- Named After
- Hannibal Hamlin
- Historical Significance
- Named for Lincoln's first Vice President, reflecting early political connections. The county's history is tied to agricultural development in the region.
- Key Events
- County created from Deuel and Hanson counties · Several county seat location contests