Turner County, South Dakota

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 618 square miles (1,600 km²), of which 617 square miles (1,600 km²) is land and 0.6 square miles (1.6 km²) (0.1%) is water.

Major highways

Adjacent counties

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 8,849 people, 3,510 households, and 2,478 families residing in the county. The population density was 14 people per square mile (6/km²). There were 3,852 housing units at an average density of 6 per square mile (2/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.86% White, 0.15% Black or African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.12% from other races, and 0.43% from two or more races. 0.41% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 3,510 households out of which 31.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.90% were married couples living together, 5.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.40% were non-families. 26.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the county, the population was spread out with 25.80% under the age of 18, 6.20% from 18 to 24, 24.80% from 25 to 44, 22.80% from 45 to 64, and 20.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 97.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $36,059, and the median income for a family was $42,704. Males had a median income of $28,833 versus $20,075 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,343. About 5.70% of families and 7.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.30% of those under age 18 and 11.30% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 8,347 people, 3,452 households, and 2,363 families residing in the county. The population density was 13.5 inhabitants per square mile (5.2/km²). There were 3,939 housing units at an average density of 6.4 per square mile (2.5/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.5% white, 0.8% American Indian, 0.2% black or African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.3% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 47.7% were German, 18.4% were Norwegian, 11.3% were Danish, 9.4% were Irish, 8.5% were Dutch, and 2.7% were American.

Of the 3,452 households, 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.7% were married couples living together, 5.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 31.5% were non-families, and 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.87. The median age was 43.7 years.

The median income for a household in the county was $48,068 and the median income for a family was $57,881. Males had a median income of $37,622 versus $27,459 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,871. About 4.7% of families and 7.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.9% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.

Culture

Turner County held the first county fair in South Dakota October 13–16, 1880. There are few records from that first fair but The New Era records show that the Turner County Agriculture Society was organized in March, 1880. The society was formed with the express purpose of showing the success and agricultural achievements of the newly settled country. The first fair was held on the Devereaux property which north on the corner north of the road which leads to Rosehill Cemetery at Parker There a race track and ball diamond were constructed as well as a bridge which connected the end of Second Street across the river to the fair grounds.

Cities

Towns

Unincorporated communities

Townships

The county is divided into eighteen townships: