Charles Mix County
countyCharles Mix County is located in south-central South Dakota, along the Missouri River. The county spans nearly 100 miles in length and has a population estimated at 9,343 in 2024. The county seat is Lake Andes. The landscape features rolling hills, with a significant portion dedicated to agriculture. The economy of Charles Mix County is largely based on agriculture, including crop production and livestock. Key sectors include healthcare, public administration, retail, and accommodation and food services. The easternmost 60% of the county comprises the Yankton Indian Reservation. Charles Mix County offers outdoor recreational opportunities with access to the Missouri River and several lakes, including Lake Andes and Lake Francis Case. These areas support wildlife refuges and various recreational activities. The county was named after Charles Eli Mix, an official of the Bureau of Indian Affairs who was influential in signing a peace treaty with the local Lakota Indian tribes.
Charles Mix County, South Dakota
- Classification
- County
- Country
- United States
- County
- Charles Mix County
- Region
- South-central South Dakota
- Total Area
- 1,150 sq mi
- Land Area
- 1,097 sq mi
- Water Area
- 53 sq mi
- Latitude
- 43.21
- Longitude
- -98.59
- Notable Features
- Missouri River · Lake Andes · Lake Francis Case · Yankton Indian Reservation
- Neighboring Areas
- Bon Homme County, SD · Aurora County, SD · Brule County, SD · Douglas County, SD · Gregory County, SD · Hutchinson County, SD · Lyman County, SD · Boyd County, NE · Knox County, NE · Tripp County
- Population (2020)
- 9,373
- Est. Population (2024)
- 9,343
- Median Age
- 36.1
- Median Income
- $64,850
- Poverty Rate
- 15.1%
- Owner-Occupied
- 73.9%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- In 2024, the racial makeup was 62.66% White, 28.99% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.13% Black or African American, 0.27% Asian, 0.05% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, 0.51% Some Other Race, and 7.39% Multiracial.
- Unemployment Rate
- 1.9%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture-based · Rural
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care and Social Services · Public Administration · Retail · Accommodation and Food Services
- School Districts
- Andes Central School District · Platte-Geddes School District 11-5 · Wagner Community School District
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge · Missouri National Recreational River (part) · North Point Recreation Area · Academy Lake State Game Production Area · Bovee Lake State Game Production Area · Central Charles Mix State Game Production Area · Central Platte State Game Production Area · Dante Lake State Game Production Area · Fuchs Waterfowl Production Area · Gray Area State Game Production Area · Lake Andes State Game Production Area · Lake George State Game Production Area · North Wheeler State Game Production Area · North Wheeler State Recreation Area · Paulson State Game Production Area · Pease Creek State Recreation Area
- Founded
- 1862
- Incorporated
- 1879
- Named After
- Charles Eli Mix
- Historical Significance
- Named for Charles Eli Mix, who facilitated treaties with Yankton Sioux tribes.
- Key Events
- County created in 1862 and organized in 1879 · Charles Mix County Courthouse built in 1918