Hughes County, South Dakota

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,073 km² (800 mi²). 1,919 km² (741 mi²) of it is land and 154 km² (59 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 7.42% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 16,481 people, 6,512 households, and 4,310 families residing in the county. The population density is 9/km² (22/mi²). There are 7,055 housing units at an average density of 4/km² (10/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 88.91% White, 0.19% African American, 8.70% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.31% from other races, and 1.47% from two or more races. 1.22% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 6,512 households out of which 33.80% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.00% are married couples living together, 8.90% have a female householder with no husband present, and 33.80% are non-families. 29.80% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.30% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.41 and the average family size is 3.00.

In the county, the population is spread out with 27.80% under the age of 18, 6.20% from 18 to 24, 28.60% from 25 to 44, 23.70% from 45 to 64, and 13.70% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 92.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 88.70 males.

Cities and Towns

• Blunt
• Harrold
• Pierre