1st Advantage MortgageThe median Jerauld County household earns $73,750, and 8% of residents live below the poverty line. Whatever your own numbers, compare written offers on APR, fees and total cost, and verify the lender is licensed in South Dakota before sharing details.
On this page
- Who lives in Jerauld County
- What Jerauld County households earn
- Employment and commuting in Jerauld County
- Rent, home values and ownership in Jerauld County
- Places inside Jerauld County
- Counties near Jerauld County
- More Jerauld County figures
- What the numbers mean for Jerauld County borrowers
- Budget math at the Jerauld County median
- Steps before you apply in Jerauld County
- Checking a lender's license in South Dakota
- Nearby and statewide guides
- Frequently asked questions
Who lives in Jerauld County
With an estimated 1,772 residents (ACS 2020 to 2024), Jerauld County ranks 60th of 66 in South Dakota for population. Spread over 526 square miles, that works out to roughly 3.4 residents per square mile. No metropolitan area includes Jerauld County in the 2023 federal delineation, so its numbers stand on their own rather than as part of a metro. The Census Bureau counts 4 places in the county (3 incorporated, 1 census-designated); the largest is Wessington Springs, with about 727 residents, or 41% of the county. With so few households sampled, Jerauld County estimates can move a lot between releases.
What Jerauld County households earn
Jerauld County households have a median income of $73,750 (ACS 2020 to 2024), which ranks 27th of 66 in South Dakota.
| Household income | Jerauld County | vs South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 20.9% | -0.1 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 43.9% | +0.4 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 28.5% | +1.2 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 6.6% | -1.5 pts |
The spread is wide: 35% of Jerauld County households make $100,000 or more, and 21% make less than $35,000. 8.3% of residents fall below the federal poverty line (statewide: 11.9%). Income from any regular source can count, including Social Security, pensions and disability benefits, as long as you can document it.
Employment and commuting in Jerauld County
By the Census industry count, 25% of employed Jerauld County residents work in education and health care and 15% in agriculture, forestry and mining. Agriculture, forestry and mining stands out: 15% of workers here, versus 6% statewide. The survey's unemployment rate for Jerauld County averages 1.7% over 2020 to 2024 (state: 2.9%). About 71% drive to work alone and 8% have trips of 45 minutes or more. 5.4% of households have no vehicle.
| Top industries | Jerauld County share | +/- vs South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 24.6% | -0.4 pts |
| Agriculture, forestry and mining | 14.8% | +8.5 pts |
| Retail trade | 10.7% | -0.8 pts |
| Manufacturing | 10.3% | +0.6 pts |
| Transportation, warehousing and utilities | 7.9% | +3.6 pts |
| Other services | 7.8% | +3.2 pts |
If your hours swing with the season or with overtime, size a loan payment against your base pay, not your best month.
Rent, home values and ownership in Jerauld County
A typical Jerauld County rental runs $632 a month including utilities, which is 33% below South Dakota. Rent takes 30% or more of income for 16% of renter households here. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $150,800, about 2.0 times the median household income. 84% of Jerauld County households own their home and 16% rent. Half the housing stock was built before 1958.
| Measure | Jerauld County | South Dakota | Median U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $632/mo | $946/mo | $877/mo |
| Median home value | $150,800 | $257,400 | $185,300 |
| Owners | 84% | 69% | 75% |
| Rent-burdened renters | 16% | 40% | 45% |
| Burdened owners | 22% | 23% | n/a |
| Mobile homes | 5.6% | 7.2% | n/a |
| Vacant units | 18% | 11% | n/a |
In an owner-heavy county like Jerauld County, many borrowers can also choose a home equity loan or line of credit. Those can price lower but put the house on the line, so compare the two in writing; our personal loan vs. HELOC guide walks through it.
Places inside Jerauld County
4 Census places fall mainly inside Jerauld County; the 4 biggest are below. They account for 1,072 residents, leaving about 40% of the county in unincorporated, unnamed areas. No Jerauld County place has a separate guide yet; this county page serves all 4.
| Community | Type | Residents | Household income (median) | Rent (median) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wessington Springs | city | 727 | $47,321 | $560 | 3 mi |
| Alpena | town | 317 | $66,667 | $925 | 15 mi |
| Lane | town | 28 | $98,333 | n/a | 10 mi |
| Spring Valley Colony | CDP | 0 | n/a | n/a | 13 mi |
A CDP is a named community without its own municipal government.
Counties near Jerauld County
Nearest neighbors first, measured between county centers (24 to 35 miles). 1 of the six report a higher median household income than Jerauld County; Sanborn County is highest at $78,750 and Buffalo County lowest at $47,045.
| Adjacent area | How far | HH income (median) | Rent (median) | Owner share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jerauld County | - | $73,750 | $632/mo | 84% |
| Aurora County, SD | 24 mi | $72,885 | $747/mo | 73% |
| Sanborn County, SD | 27 mi | $78,750 | $725/mo | 79% |
| Buffalo County, SD | 29 mi | $47,045 | $540/mo | 53% |
| Beadle County, SD | 30 mi | $67,681 | $879/mo | 73% |
| Brule County, SD | 33 mi | $73,720 | $835/mo | 76% |
| Davison County, SD | 35 mi | $66,208 | $847/mo | 61% |
More Jerauld County figures
21% of Jerauld County adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or more. About 3% go without health insurance.
| Residents | Jerauld County | South Dakota | Middle U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 46.9 | 38.0 | 41.5 |
| Bachelor's or higher | 21.3% | 31.9% | 22.2% |
| No high school diploma | 6.4% | 6.8% | n/a |
| No health insurance | 3.4% | 9.0% | 7.8% |
| No vehicle | 5.4% | 5.2% | 5.4% |
| Work from home | 19.8% | 9.7% | 8.7% |
| Poverty rate | 8.3% | 11.9% | 13.2% |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 1.7% | 2.9% | 4.4% |
What the numbers mean for Jerauld County borrowers
Where the Jerauld County numbers stand out, and why it matters for a loan:
- Retirees. At a median age of 46.9, many borrowers here rely on award letters as proof of income; favor no prepayment penalty.
- Requirements. Lenders weigh credit history, documented income and existing debt (what to gather).
- Fraud. Gift cards, wire transfers or fees to unlock a loan mean walk away (report it).
Budget math at the Jerauld County median
Here is the Jerauld County median household run through a simple DTI check. Your numbers will differ.
- Median income divided by twelve: $6,146 before taxes
- Housing at the median rent of $632 uses 10%
- Under a 35% cap, $2,151 total minus rent leaves $1,519
- Under a 45% cap, $2,766 total minus rent leaves $2,134
Subtract what you already pay on other debts. A new payment should fit in what remains, with some to spare.
Steps before you apply in Jerauld County
Before you apply, wherever you live in Jerauld County:
- Borrow the amount the job needs; extra cash adds interest.
- Ask each lender for the APR and all fees in writing.
- Confirm the lender is licensed in South Dakota.
- Keep a small cushion so one surprise bill does not mean another loan.
Checking a lender's license in South Dakota
Consumer lenders serving Jerauld County are licensed by the state, not the county; in South Dakota that is the South Dakota Division of Banking. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau accepts complaints nationwide. The South Dakota guide covers state rules in more detail.
Nearby and statewide guides
For statewide rules and data, see the South Dakota guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jerauld County a high-income county?
Its $73,750 median ranks 27th of 66 South Dakota counties and compares with $65,681 for the median U.S. county.
Is Jerauld County expensive for renters?
Median rent is $632 against $946 statewide, and 16% of renter households are cost-burdened.
I own my home in Jerauld County. Personal loan or HELOC?
A HELOC uses the house as collateral; a personal loan usually does not. With 84% of homes owner-occupied here, many readers can compare both in writing.
Which towns does the Jerauld County guide cover?
Every community in the county, unincorporated areas included. The largest of its 4 Census places: Wessington Springs, Alpena, Lane, Spring Valley Colony.
Does living in Jerauld County change what I qualify for?
Not in our fit check, which uses only the amount, credit range, income and payments you enter, the same for a Jerauld County resident as anyone. Lenders decide under fair-lending law.