Union County, South Dakota

County in South Dakota, United States

U.S. county in South Dakota

Union County

U.S. county

Chicago and North Western Railway depot in Beresford, South Dakota

Location within the U.S. state of South Dakota

South Dakota's location within the U.S.

Country|  United States
State|  South Dakota
Founded| April 10, 1862
Seat| Elk Point
Largest city| Dakota Dunes
Area

• Total| 467 sq mi (1,210 km2)
• Land| 461 sq mi (1,190 km2)
• Water| 6.6 sq mi (17 km2)  1.4%
Population

(2020)

• Total| 16,811
• Estimate

(2021)

| 16,872
• Density| 36/sq mi (14/km2)
Time zone| UTC−6 (Central)
• Summer (DST)| UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district| At-large
Website| unioncountysd.org

Union County is the southernmost county in the U.S. state of South Dakota. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 16,811, making it the 13th most populous county in South Dakota.[1] Its county seat has been Elk Point since April 30, 1865.[2] Originally named Cole County, its name was changed to Union on January 7, 1864, because of Civil War sentiment.

Union County is part of the Sioux City, IA–NE–SD Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Progressive Farmer rated Union County second in the "2006 Best Place to Live Survey" in the U.S., because "its schools are good, its towns neat and its people friendly".

## Contents

* 1 History
* 2 Geography
* 2.1 Major highways
* 2.2 Adjacent counties
* 2.3 Protected areas[3]
* 2.4 Lakes[3]
* 3 Demographics
* 3.1 2000 census
* 3.2 2010 census
* 4 Communities
* 4.1 Cities
* 4.2 Census-designated places
* 4.3 Unincorporated communities
* 4.4 Ghost towns
* 4.5 Townships
* 4.6 Unorganized territory
* 5 Politics
* 6 See also
* 7 References
* 8 External links

## History

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Founded on April 10, 1862, as Cole County, it was renamed Union County on January 7, 1864, when its boundaries were changed to encompass land previously part of neighboring Lincoln County. The county seat was moved from Richland to Elk Point on April 30, 1865.

## Geography

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Union County lies on the southeast corner of South Dakota. Its east boundary line abuts the west boundary line of the State of Iowa (across the Big Sioux River), and its south/southwest boundary line abuts the north boundary line of the State of Nebraska (across the Missouri River). The Brule Creek flows southeasterly across the central part of the county, emptying into the Big Sioux. The county terrain consists of rolling hills, devoted to agriculture except around built-up areas.[3] The terrain slopes to the south and east; its highest point is near its northwest corner, at 1,509' (460m) ASL.[4] The county has a total area of 467 square miles (1,210 km2), of which 461 square miles (1,190 km2) is land and 6.6 square miles (17 km2) (1.4%) is water.[5] It is the fifth-smallest county in South Dakota by area.

### Major highways

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* Interstate 29
* South Dakota Highway 11
* South Dakota Highway 19
* South Dakota Highway 46
* South Dakota Highway 48
* South Dakota Highway 50
* South Dakota Highway 105

### Adjacent counties

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* Lincoln County to the north
* Sioux County, Iowa to the northeast
* Plymouth County, Iowa to the east
* Woodbury County, Iowa to the southeast
* Dakota County, Nebraska to the south
* Dixon County, Nebraska to the southwest
* Clay County to the west

### Protected areas[3]

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* Adams Homestead and State Nature Preserve
* Bent River State Game Production Area
* Bolton State Game Production Area
* Cusick State game Production Area
* Cut Off Bend State Game Production Area
* Missouri National Recreational River (partial)
* Petry-Conway State Game Production Area
* Petry/Harmelink State Game Production Area
* Ryan State Game Production Area
* Union Grove State Park
* Warren Wilderness State Game Production Area

### Lakes[3]

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* Burbank Lake (partial)
* McCook Lake
* Mud Lake

## Demographics

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Historical population

Census | Pop. |  | %±
1870| 3,507| | —
1880| 6,813| | 94.3%
1890| 9,130| | 34.0%
1900| 11,153| | 22.2%
1910| 10,676| | −4.3%
1920| 11,099| | 4.0%
1930| 11,480| | 3.4%
1940| 11,675| | 1.7%
1950| 10,792| | −7.6%
1960| 10,197| | −5.5%
1970| 9,643| | −5.4%
1980| 10,938| | 13.4%
1990| 10,189| | −6.8%
2000| 12,584| | 23.5%
2010| 14,399| | 14.4%
2020| 16,811| | 16.8%
2021 (est.)| 16,872| [6]| 0.4%
US Decennial Census[7]
1790-1960[8] 1900-1990[9]
1990-2000[10] 2010-2020[1]

### 2000 census

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As of the 2000 United States Census,[11] there were 12,584 people, 4,927 households, and 3,517 families in the county. The population density was 27 inhabitants per square mile (10/km2). There were 5,345 housing units at an average density of 12 per square mile (4/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.85% White, 1.34% Asian, 0.37% Native American, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.33% Black or African American, 0.24% from other races, and 0.87% from two or more races. 1.26% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 4,927 households, out of which 34.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.00% were married couples living together, 6.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.60% were non-families. 24.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.02.

The county population contained 27.00% under the age of 18, 7.30% from 18 to 24, 28.40% from 25 to 44, 23.70% from 45 to 64, and 13.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $44,790, and the median income for a family was $51,227. Males had a median income of $35,406 versus $23,440 for females. The per capita income for the county was $24,355. About 3.70% of families and 5.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.90% of those under age 18 and 10.70% of those age 65 or over.

### 2010 census

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As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 14,399 people, 5,756 households, and 4,043 families in the county.[12] The population density was 31.3 inhabitants per square mile (12.1/km2). There were 6,280 housing units at an average density of 13.6 per square mile (5.3/km2).[13] The racial makeup of the county was 95.5% white, 0.9% Asian, 0.7% black or African American, 0.6% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 0.7% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 2.1% of the population.[12] In terms of ancestry, 42.0% were German, 18.2% were Norwegian, 17.7% were Irish, 7.9% were English, 6.8% were Swedish, and 3.7% were American.[14]

Of the 5,756 households, 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 29.8% were non-families, and 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.98. The median age was 40.2 years.[12]

The median income for a household in the county was $59,889 and the median income for a family was $71,308. Males had a median income of $42,702 versus $31,993 for females. The per capita income for the county was $33,783. About 3.9% of families and 4.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.3% of those under age 18 and 10.5% of those age 65 or over.[15]

## Communities

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### Cities

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* Alcester
* Beresford (partial)
* Elk Point (county seat)
* Jefferson
* North Sioux City

### Census-designated places

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* Dakota Dunes
* Richland

### Unincorporated communities

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* Alsen
* Garryowen[16]
* Junction City[3]
* McCook Lake[3]
* Midway[3]
* Nora[3]
* Spink[3]
* Wynstone[3]

### Ghost towns

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* Emmet
* Gothland (Alcester Twp)[3]
* Hill Side (Emmet Twp)[3]
* Texas (Elk Point Twp)[17]
* Morganfield[citation needed]

### Townships

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* Alcester
* Big Sioux
* Big Springs
* Brule
* Civil Bend
* Elk Point
* Emmet
* Jefferson
* Prairie
* Richland
* Sioux Valley
* Spink
* Virginia

### Unorganized territory

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* Richland

## Politics

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Union County voters were more politically centered in times past, but the county has selected the Republican Party candidate in every national election since 1996 (as of 2020).

United States presidential election results for Union County, South Dakota[18] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party

|
|
|

No. | % | No. | % | No. | %
2020 | 5,944  | 67.13% | 2,725  | 30.77%  | 186  | 2.10%
2016 | 5,290  | 66.99% | 2,227  | 28.20%  | 380  | 4.81%
2012 | 4,698  | 61.85% | 2,782  | 36.62%  | 116  | 1.53%
2008 | 4,310  | 55.97% | 3,244  | 42.12%  | 147  | 1.91%
2004 | 3,987  | 56.57% | 3,000  | 42.57%  | 61  | 0.87%
2000 | 3,265  | 56.57% | 2,358  | 40.85%  | 149  | 2.58%
1996 | 2,234  | 42.90%  | 2,378  | 45.67% | 595  | 11.43%
1992 | 1,784  | 35.00%  | 2,210  | 43.36% | 1,103  | 21.64%
1988 | 1,907  | 41.91%  | 2,612  | 57.41% | 31  | 0.68%
1984 | 2,431  | 51.98% | 2,221  | 47.49%  | 25  | 0.53%
1980 | 2,788  | 55.16% | 1,830  | 36.21%  | 436  | 8.63%
1976 | 2,297  | 47.26%  | 2,540  | 52.26% | 23  | 0.47%
1972 | 2,271  | 46.90%  | 2,554  | 52.75% | 17  | 0.35%
1968 | 2,212  | 49.70% | 2,014  | 45.25%  | 225  | 5.06%
1964 | 1,727  | 37.91%  | 2,828  | 62.09% | 0  | 0.00%
1960 | 2,688  | 53.56% | 2,331  | 46.44%  | 0  | 0.00%
1956 | 2,636  | 52.94% | 2,343  | 47.06%  | 0  | 0.00%
1952 | 3,393  | 67.35% | 1,645  | 32.65%  | 0  | 0.00%
1948 | 2,205  | 49.38%  | 2,237  | 50.10% | 23  | 0.52%
1944 | 2,501  | 54.87% | 2,057  | 45.13%  | 0  | 0.00%
1940 | 3,116  | 54.44% | 2,608  | 45.56%  | 0  | 0.00%
1936 | 1,845  | 31.89%  | 3,520  | 60.85% | 420  | 7.26%
1932 | 1,381  | 27.86%  | 3,530  | 71.21% | 46  | 0.93%
1928 | 2,415  | 53.19% | 2,106  | 46.39%  | 19  | 0.42%
1924 | 1,665  | 45.04% | 877  | 23.72%  | 1,155  | 31.24%
1920 | 1,942  | 66.17% | 841  | 28.65%  | 152  | 5.18%
1916 | 1,108  | 44.95%  | 1,313  | 53.27% | 44  | 1.78%
1912 | 0  | 0.00%  | 965  | 39.08%  | 1,504  | 60.92%
1908 | 1,392  | 56.63% | 1,009  | 41.05%  | 57  | 2.32%
1904 | 1,813  | 68.31% | 730  | 27.51%  | 111  | 4.18%
1900 | 1,571  | 53.00% | 1,358  | 45.82%  | 35  | 1.18%
1896 | 1,297  | 46.24%  | 1,491  | 53.16% | 17  | 0.61%
1892 | 860  | 43.30%  | 241  | 12.13%  | 885  | 44.56%

## See also

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* National Register of Historic Places listings in Union County, South Dakota

## References

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1. ^ a b "2020 Census Results". US Census Bureau. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Union County SD Google Maps (accessed 9 February 2019)
4. ^ ""Find an Altitude" Google Maps (accessed 9 February 2019)". Archived from the original on May 21, 2019. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
5. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". US Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
6. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021". Retrieved March 25, 2022.
7. ^ "US Decennial Census". US Census Bureau. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
8. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
9. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". US Census Bureau. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
10. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). US Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
11. ^ "U.S. Census website". US Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
12. ^ a b c "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
13. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
14. ^ "Selected Social Characteristics in the US – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
15. ^ "Selected Economic Characteristics – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
16. ^ Garryowen SD (WikiMapia - accessed 9 February 2019)
17. ^ Texas Cemetery, Dakota Territory ("About Elk Point" - accessed 9 February 2019)
18. ^ Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 15, 2018.

## External links

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* Union County Historical Society website
* 2nd Best Place to Live in 2006 from the Progressive Farmer website

Places adjacent to Union County, South Dakota

|  | Lincoln County | Sioux County, Iowa

|
|

|  |
Clay County |

Union County, South Dakota

| Plymouth County, Iowa
|  |
Dixon County, Nebraska | Dakota County, Nebraska | Woodbury County, Iowa

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Union County, South Dakota, United States

County seat: Elk Point

Cities|

* Alcester
* Beresford‡
* Elk Point
* Jefferson
* North Sioux City

Townships|

* Alcester
* Big Sioux
* Big Springs
* Brule
* Civil Bend
* Elk Point
* Emmet
* Jefferson
* Prairie
* Richland
* Sioux Valley
* Spink
* Virginia

CDPs|

* Dakota Dunes
* Richland

Other
communities|

* Alsen
* Emmet
* Spink

Ghost town|

* Stevens

Footnotes|

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

* United States portal

* v
* t
* e

State of South Dakota

Pierre (capital)

Topics|

* Outline
* Cities
* Famous South Dakotans
* Geography
* Government
* Delegations
* Elections
* History
* Bibliography
* Timeline
* State Parks
* Symbols
* Tourist attractions
* Towns and villages
* Townships
* Transportation

Society|

* Culture
* Crime
* Demographics
* Economy
* Education
* Colleges and universities
* Politics

Regions|

* Badlands
* Black Hills
* Coteau des Prairies
* Missouri Coteau
* Dissected Till Plains
* Drift Prairie
* East River
* Pine Ridge
* Siouxland
* West River

Larger incorporated places
pop. over 5,000|

* Aberdeen
* Belle Fourche
* Box Elder
* Brandon
* Brookings
* Harrisburg
* Huron
* Madison
* Mitchell
* Pierre
* Rapid City
* Sioux Falls
* Spearfish
* Sturgis
* Tea
* Vermillion
* Watertown
* Yankton

Smaller incorporated places
pop. 1,000 - 5,000|

* Aurora
* Baltic
* Beresford
* Britton
* Canton
* Chamberlain
* Clark
* Clear Lake
* Crooks
* Custer
* De Smet
* Deadwood
* Dell Rapids
* Eagle Butte
* Elk Point
* Flandreau
* Fort Pierre
* Freeman
* Garretson
* Gettysburg
* Gregory
* Groton
* Hartford
* Hot Springs
* Lead
* Lemmon
* Lennox
* Milbank
* Miller
* Mission
* Mobridge
* North Sioux City
* Parker
* Parkston
* Platte
* Redfield
* Salem
* Sisseton
* Springfield
* Summerset
* Tyndall
* Volga
* Wagner
* Webster
* Winner

Largest CDPs
pop. over 1,000|

* Blackhawk
* Colonial Pine Hills
* Dakota Dunes
* Fort Thompson
* Green Valley
* North Eagle Butte
* North Spearfish
* Oglala
* Pine Ridge
* Rapid Valley
* Rosebud

Counties|

* Aurora
* Beadle
* Bennett
* Bon Homme
* Brookings
* Brown
* Brule
* Buffalo
* Butte
* Campbell
* Charles Mix
* Clark
* Clay
* Codington
* Corson
* Custer
* Davison
* Day
* Deuel
* Dewey
* Douglas
* Edmunds
* Fall River
* Faulk
* Grant
* Gregory
* Haakon
* Hamlin
* Hand
* Hanson
* Harding
* Hughes
* Hutchinson
* Hyde
* Jackson
* Jerauld
* Jones
* Kingsbury
* Lake
* Lawrence
* Lincoln
* Lyman
* Marshall
* McCook
* McPherson
* Meade
* Mellette
* Miner
* Minnehaha
* Moody
* Oglala Lakota
* Pennington
* Perkins
* Potter
* Roberts
* Sanborn
* Spink
* Stanley
* Sully
* Todd
* Tripp
* Turner
* Union
* Walworth
* Yankton
* Ziebach

Coordinates: 42°50′N 96°39′W﻿ / ﻿42.83°N 96.65°W﻿ / 42.83; -96.65
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