Meade County, South Dakota

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 9,020 km² (3,482 mi²). 8,989 km² (3,471 mi²) of it is land and 31 km² (12 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.34% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 24,253 people, 8,805 households, and 6,700 families residing in the county. The population density is 3/km² (7/mi²). There are 10,149 housing units at an average density of 1/km² (3/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 92.65% White, 1.48% African American, 2.04% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.61% from other races, and 2.52% from two or more races. 2.10% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 8,805 households out of which 39.90% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.40% are married couples living together, 8.30% have a female householder with no husband present, and 23.90% are non-families. 19.90% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.50% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.66 and the average family size is 3.05.

In the county, the population is spread out with 28.40% under the age of 18, 10.60% from 18 to 24, 29.60% from 25 to 44, 21.00% from 45 to 64, and 10.40% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 102.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 101.60 males.

Cities and Towns

• Blackhawk
• Box Elder
• Ellsworth AFB
• Faith
• Sturgis