South Dakota Population Pyramid 2024
South Dakota Population Pyramid 2024
Current age and gender distribution for South Dakota's 943,746 residents
South Dakota Population Changes 2000-2024
Watch how South Dakota's demographics evolved over the past 24 years
Historical Demographic Changes
Watch how South Dakota's population structure evolved from 2000 to 2024
South Dakota Demographics Overview
Total Population
943,746
2024
Median Age
38.0 yrs
US: 38.5
Sex Ratio
102
M per 100 F
Growth '00-'24
+22.2%
24-year
Age Structure
Dependency Ratios
Gender Balance
Historical Trends
Key Demographics
| Total Population | 943,746 |
| Male Population | 477,166(50.6%) |
| Female Population | 466,580(49.4%) |
| Median Age | 38.0 years |
| Sex Ratio | 102.3 males per 100 females |
| Youth (0-14) | 181,621(19.2%) |
| Working Age (15-64) | 607,402(64.4%) |
| Elderly (65+) | 154,723(16.4%) |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 55.4 |
| Youth Dependency Ratio | 29.9 |
| Old Age Dependency Ratio | 25.5 |
| Pyramid Type | Constrictive |
Dependency Ratios: Number of dependents per 100 working-age individuals.
Trending Analysis & State Rankings
Detailed South Dakota Demographic Analysis
Gender Distribution
South Dakota's population of 943,746 consists of 477,166 males (50.6%) and 466,580 females (49.4%). This represents a sex ratio of 102 males per 100 females, which is relatively balanced compared to the national average.
The gender balance varies significantly across age groups. In younger cohorts (0-24 years), males slightly outnumber females, which is typical due to naturally higher male birth rates. However, in older age groups (65+), females substantially outnumber males due to their longer life expectancy. This pattern has important implications for healthcare planning, particularly for gender-specific medical services and elder care facilities.
Age Structure and Dependency Ratios
The median age of 38 years places South Dakota below the national median, indicating a middle-aged population profile. The youth dependency ratio stands at N/A, meaning there are approximately N/A children and teenagers for every 100 working-age adults. Meanwhile, the old-age dependency ratio is 25.5, indicating 25 seniors for every 100 working-age residents.
The total dependency ratio of N/A suggests that each working-age person in South Dakotatheoretically supports N/A dependents. This ratio is crucial for understanding the economic burden on the productive population and has direct implications for tax policy, social services funding, and workforce development strategies.
Labor Force and Economic Potential
South Dakota's working-age population (15-64 years) comprises 64.4% of the total population, representing approximately 607,402 potential workers. This demographic segment is the economic engine of the state, generating tax revenue, driving consumer spending, and supporting both younger and older dependents.
Within the working-age population, the distribution across age cohorts reveals important economic dynamics. The 25-54 age range, often considered prime working years, represents the core of South Dakota's labor force. The size and growth trajectory of this group directly impacts economic productivity, housing demand, and consumer market dynamics.The working-age percentage of 64.4% suggests potential labor force challenges that may require targeted immigration or retention policies.
Youth Demographics and Future Workforce
The youth population (ages 0-14) accounts for 19.2% of South Dakota's total population, numbering approximately 181,621 children and teenagers. This cohort represents the future workforce and tax base of the state. The size of this group relative to the total population indicates moderate regeneration capacity.
Educational infrastructure requirements are directly tied to youth population size. With approximately 60,540 children in each 5-year age cohort,South Dakota must maintain adequate capacity in elementary, middle, and high schools. The transition of these youth cohorts into working age over the next two decades will be critical for replacing retiring baby boomers and maintaining economic vitality.
Aging Population and Healthcare Implications
South Dakota's senior population (65+) comprises 16.4% of residents, totaling approximately 154,723 individuals. This represents a significantly aged population requiring substantial senior services. The aging index of 85.2 indicates there are 85 seniors for every 100 children under 15, reflecting the state's position in the demographic transition.
Healthcare system capacity becomes increasingly critical with 16.4% of the population in age groups with higher medical needs. The 85+ population, requiring the most intensive care, represents the fastest-growing segment in many states. South Dakota must plan for expanded geriatric care, assisted living facilities, and specialized medical services. The potential support ratio of 3.9means there are approximately 4 working-age adults for each senior, a critical metric for understanding the sustainability of pension systems and senior care programs.
Population Growth and Migration Patterns
Between 2000 and 2024, South Dakota's population evolved from 772,037 to 943,746, representing a 22.2% increase. This translates to an average annual growth rate of 0.84%,exceeding the national average.
The median age shift from 35 years in 2000 to 38 years in 2024 reflects broader demographic transitions. This increase of 3.0 years indicates moderate aging trends. These patterns result from the complex interplay of birth rates, death rates, and migration flows that shape South Dakota's demographic landscape.
Economic and Social Policy Implications
South Dakota's demographic structure has profound implications for economic planning and social policy. With 64.4% of the population in prime productive years, the state's tax base and economic output depend heavily on this group's employment rates and productivity levels. The relatively high senior population share of 16.4% creates substantial pressure on pension systems, Medicare, and social security programs.
Educational investment priorities must align with the youth population of 19.2%.The substantial youth population requires continued investment in educational infrastructure and teacher recruitment. Furthermore, workforce development programs must anticipate the skills needed as 181,621young people enter the labor market over the coming decades, while simultaneously managing the transition of 154,723 seniors into retirement.
South Dakota Population Dynamics Summary
South Dakota's population pyramid and demographic indicators reveal a state facing demographic challenges with an aging population and narrowing base. The current demographic structure suggests South Dakota will need to focus on expanding senior services and healthcare infrastructure.
Looking ahead, these demographic trends will shape South Dakota's economic competitiveness, fiscal sustainability, and quality of life. Policy makers must consider these population dynamics when planning infrastructure investments, designing social programs, and developing economic strategies that leverage the state's demographic strengths while addressing its challenges.
About South Dakota Demographics Data
This South Dakota population pyramid and demographic analysis uses official US Census data to provide accurate, up-to-date population statistics. The interactive visualizations help researchers, policymakers, businesses, and students understand South Dakota's demographic structure and trends.