1st Advantage MortgageThe median McCook County household earns $83,852, and 7% of residents live below the poverty line. A loan makes sense only if its total cost beats your alternatives and the payment fits your budget. Check the lender's South Dakota license first.
On this page
- McCook County, SD: the basics
- Employment and commuting in McCook County
- Paychecks and income spread in McCook County
- Housing costs in McCook County
- Neighboring counties at a glance
- Cities, towns and CDPs in McCook County
- A McCook County household budget, worked through
- Borrowing situations common in McCook County
- McCook County residents: age, schooling, coverage
- A McCook County borrower's checklist
- Checking a lender's license in South Dakota
- More guides for McCook County
- Frequently asked questions
McCook County, SD: the basics
Roughly 5,751 residents live in McCook County, South Dakota, 30th by population among the state's 66 counties and county equivalents. Land area is 574 square miles (2024 Gazetteer), so density runs near 10 per square mile. For statistical purposes it belongs to the Sioux Falls, SD-MN metro area, as delineated by the Office of Management and Budget in July 2023. Of the 7 Census places inside McCook County, Salem leads by population with about 1,216; 5 of the 7 are incorporated. Because McCook County is small, the survey's margins of error are wide; treat the numbers as approximate.
Employment and commuting in McCook County
Education and health care employs 23% of working residents, the largest share; agriculture, forestry and mining is next with 11%. Agriculture, forestry and mining stands out: 11% of workers here, versus 6% statewide. Averaged over the five survey years, 1.8% of the labor force was out of work and looking. About 77% drive to work alone and 21% have trips of 45 minutes or more.
| Industry (employed residents 16+) | McCook County | Gap to South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 22.6% | -2.4 pts |
| Agriculture, forestry and mining | 11.2% | +4.9 pts |
| Construction | 9.7% | +2.0 pts |
| Finance, insurance and real estate | 9.6% | +2.9 pts |
| Manufacturing | 7.3% | -2.4 pts |
| Transportation, warehousing and utilities | 6.7% | +2.3 pts |
A lender verifies what your own job pays. The county's industry mix tells you about the local economy, not about your application.
Paychecks and income spread in McCook County
Half of McCook County households take in less than $83,852 a year and half take in more, 12% above the South Dakota median of $75,081. In the state ranking that is 7th of 66.
| Yearly household income | McCook County | Gap to South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 15.5% | -5.4 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 44.7% | +1.1 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 30.1% | +2.8 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 9.7% | +1.6 pts |
About 16% of households earn under $35,000, while 40% clear $100,000. Census counts 6.8% of McCook County residents in poverty, against 11.9% across South Dakota. The Gini index of income inequality is 0.390 (0 is perfect equality). Income from any regular source can count, including Social Security, pensions and disability benefits, as long as you can document it.
Housing costs in McCook County
Renters in McCook County pay a median of $945 a month, in line with South Dakota's $946. By the Census definition, 36% of McCook County renters are cost-burdened. Home values center on $230,100, or 2.7 years of median income. 79% of McCook County households own their home and 21% rent. Half the housing stock was built before 1970.
| Measure | McCook County | South Dakota | Median U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $945/mo | $946/mo | $877/mo |
| Median home value | $230,100 | $257,400 | $185,300 |
| Owners | 79% | 69% | 75% |
| Rent-burdened renters | 36% | 40% | 45% |
| Burdened owners | 27% | 23% | n/a |
Owners with equity have a second option. Weigh a secured line against an unsecured loan by risk as well as cost before you choose (how they compare).
Neighboring counties at a glance
Hanson County is closest, 22 miles from center to center; the sixth, Hutchinson County, is 31 miles off. Income ranges from $73,977 in Hutchinson County to $81,071 in Hanson County; none of these neighbors top McCook County's median.
| Neighbor | Distance | Income | Rent | Own |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCook County | - | $83,852 | $945/mo | 79% |
| Hanson County, SD | 22 mi | $81,071 | $782/mo | 89% |
| Miner County, SD | 27 mi | $76,140 | $644/mo | 85% |
| Lake County, SD | 27 mi | $76,808 | $947/mo | 74% |
| Turner County, SD | 28 mi | $75,771 | $742/mo | 79% |
| Minnehaha County, SD | 28 mi | $76,880 | $978/mo | 63% |
| Hutchinson County, SD | 31 mi | $73,977 | $727/mo | 77% |
Cities, towns and CDPs in McCook County
Here are the 7 most populous of the county's 7 Census places, with income and rent from the same 2020 to 2024 survey. About 53% of McCook County residents live in one of the 7. None of the 7 has its own city guide, so this page covers all of them.
| Town or CDP | Type | People | Median household income | Median gross rent | Miles from center |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem | city | 1,216 | $74,881 | $965 | 3 mi |
| Canistota | city | 711 | $76,250 | $975 | 7 mi |
| Montrose | city | 483 | $78,125 | $663 | 9 mi |
| Bridgewater | city | 451 | $47,083 | $729 | 11 mi |
| Spencer | city | 103 | $67,188 | $440 | 12 mi |
| Golden View Colony | CDP | 60 | n/a | n/a | 4 mi |
| Orland Colony | CDP | 37 | n/a | n/a | 13 mi |
CDPs are unincorporated communities the Census Bureau defines for counting.
A McCook County household budget, worked through
Here is the McCook County median household run through a simple DTI check. Your numbers will differ.
- Median income divided by twelve: $6,988 before taxes
- 14% goes to median rent ($945)
- At 36%, room after rent is $1,571 a month
- With a 43% ceiling, about $2,060 remains for car, card, student and any new loan payments
Two-income households and single earners in McCook County land in very different places on this math, so run it for your own budget.
Borrowing situations common in McCook County
Where the McCook County numbers stand out, and why it matters for a loan:
- Vehicle repairs. 21% of McCook County workers commute 45+ minutes, so a breakdown can cost a paycheck. Get two written estimates.
- Debt consolidation. One fixed payment can save money only if the written APR and fees beat what you pay now (guide).
- Know your credit. Review all three bureau reports for free (AnnualCreditReport.com).
McCook County residents: age, schooling, coverage
College graduates make up 30% of the adult population. About 8% go without health insurance.
| People and households | McCook County | South Dakota | Median county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 39.5 | 38.0 | 41.5 |
| Bachelor's or higher | 29.9% | 31.9% | 22.2% |
| No high school diploma | 5.5% | 6.8% | n/a |
| No health insurance | 7.8% | 9.0% | 7.8% |
| No vehicle | 2.1% | 5.2% | 5.4% |
| Work from home | 11.2% | 9.7% | 8.7% |
| Poverty rate | 6.8% | 11.9% | 13.2% |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 1.8% | 2.9% | 4.4% |
| One-way commute | Share of McCook County workers |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 36.5% |
| 15 to 29 min | 16.6% |
| 30 to 44 min | 26.1% |
| 45 to 59 min | 15.8% |
| 60+ min | 5.1% |
A McCook County borrower's checklist
A short checklist for McCook County borrowers:
- Borrow the amount the job needs; extra cash adds interest.
- Line up offers side by side: APR, fees in dollars, total cost.
- Confirm the lender is licensed in South Dakota.
- Read the final agreement; it must match the offer.
Checking a lender's license in South Dakota
The South Dakota Division of Banking is the place to verify any lender's South Dakota license. Banks and credit unions have their own regulators, and the CFPB takes complaints about any lender. Statewide data and rules: South Dakota guide.
More guides for McCook County
The South Dakota guide covers the whole state.
Frequently asked questions
What does a typical McCook County household make?
About $83,852 a year at the median (ACS 2020-24), 12% above the South Dakota median.
What do renters pay in McCook County?
$945 a month at the median, about 14% of median household income.
Does this page cover Salem?
Yes, along with the other 6 Census places in McCook County, such as Canistota, Montrose, Bridgewater.
Does living in McCook 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 McCook County resident as anyone. Lenders decide under fair-lending law.
Is there a McCook County office that licenses lenders?
No, licensing is statewide. In South Dakota it is the South Dakota Division of Banking.