Gregory County
countyGregory County is located in south-central South Dakota, bordering Nebraska to the south and with the Missouri River forming its eastern boundary. The county's landscape features rolling hills and fertile soils, characteristic of the Great Plains. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 3,994. The county seat is Burke. Agriculture is the dominant economic driver in Gregory County, with cattle ranching, corn, and hay production being key activities. The median household income was $52,432 in 2023. The county also offers recreational opportunities centered around the Missouri River and Lake Francis Case. Gregory County is known for its historical significance as part of the "Last Frontier" settlement era, attracting homesteaders in the early 20th century. Today, it's a popular destination for upland game hunting, particularly pheasant hunting, drawing seasonal visitors. The county was named for politician J. Shaw Gregory.
Gregory County, South Dakota
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 46-053
- Country
- United States
- County
- Gregory County
- Region
- Great Plains
- Elevation
- 2,247 ft
- Total Area
- 1,054 sq mi
- Land Area
- 1,015 sq mi
- Water Area
- 39 sq mi
- Latitude
- 43.2
- Longitude
- -99.18
- Climate
- Winters can be brutal.
- Notable Features
- Missouri River · Lake Francis Case · Rolling Hills
- Neighboring Areas
- Lyman County, South Dakota · Charles Mix County, South Dakota · Boyd County, Nebraska · Keya Paha County, Nebraska · Tripp County, South Dakota
- Population (2020)
- 3,994
- Est. Population (2024)
- 4,110
- Median Age
- 45.7
- Median Income
- $52,432
- Poverty Rate
- 11%
- Owner-Occupied
- 78.3%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- 86.7% White, 5.61% American Indian and Alaska Native, 5.01% Two or more races, 1% Black or African American.
- Government Type
- County Commissioners
- Governing Body
- County Commissioners
- Body Size
- 5 members
- Municipal Services
- Auditor · Clerk of Courts · Register of Deeds · Sheriff's Office · Highway Shop
- Unemployment Rate
- 1.8%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture based
- Employment Sectors
- Retail Trade · Health Care & Social Assistance · Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting
- School Districts
- Gregory School District · Burke School District · South Central School District
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Lake Francis Case · Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge · Burke Lake State Recreation Area · Missouri National Recreational River
- Parks & Trails
- Burke City Park · North Wheeler State Recreation Area · Pease Creek State Recreation Area · South Scalp Creek · White Swan · Buryanek State Recreation Area · Snake Creek State Recreation Area
- Founded
- 1862
- Incorporated
- 1898
- Named After
- J. Shaw Gregory
- Historical Significance
- Part of the 'Last Frontier' settlement era.
- Key Events
- County created · Homesteaders arrive in early 20th century · Part of Great Sioux Reservation