Wealth Index
Wealthier than 92% of counties in South Dakota
The wealth index reflects the overall economic prosperity and financial well-being of a county's residents based on income levels, employment rates, and income inequality metrics.
Income Statistics Overview
| Metric | Aurora County | South Dakota Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $74,148 | $72,558 | $78,145 |
| Median Personal Income | $50,552 | $55,073 | $61,726 |
| Average income growth | 5.1% | 4.8% | 5.1% |
| Six-Figure Earners | 8.6% | 9.3% | 13.2% |
The median household income in Aurora County is about 2% higher than in South Dakota. Income has been growing faster in Aurora County (5.1%/yr) than in South Dakota (4.8%/yr).
About 9% of adults in Aurora County earn six figures ($100,000 or more) a year, lower than the South Dakota average of 9%.
Median Household Income 2009–2023 Trend
Median Household Income Over Time
Median household income in Aurora County, South Dakota grew by 73.6% from 2009 to 2023, reaching $74,148 in 2023. That's an average of about 5.1% per year.
Economic Inequality in Aurora County | Gender Pay Gap | Gini Coefficient
| Metric | Aurora County | South Dakota Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gini Coefficient | 0.489 | 0.512 | 0.570 |
| Male Median Income | $53,749 | $61,155 | $67,746 |
| Female Median Income | $45,984 | $48,763 | $54,793 |
| Gender Pay Gap | 14.4% | 20.3% | 19.1% |
The Gini coefficient measures how evenly income is shared between richer and poorer households, from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns nearly everything). The lower the number, the more equally income is distributed. In Aurora County, it is 0.489, lower than South Dakota's 0.512, so income is more evenly distributed here than there, and lower than the US's 0.570, so income is more evenly distributed here than there.
Men's income is about 17% more than women's income in Aurora County, South Dakota. Over a 35-year career, a 17% wage gap accumulates to roughly $271,775 in unearned income for female workers in the area.
Income by Sex Over Time
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Aurora County, South Dakota has widened from about 12% to 14% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has widened by $3,927 since 2009.
Employment
| Metric | Aurora County | South Dakota Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 1.0% | 3.0% | 5.2% |
| Working from Home | 14.4% | 9.3% | 13.4% |
| Commute time (minutes) | 17 | 15 | 22 |
Approximately 10 people are unemployed in Aurora County, South Dakota.
The average commute time in Aurora County is 17 minutes, longer than the 15 minutes in South Dakota.
Unemployment Rate Over Time
Since 2011, the unemployment rate in Aurora County, South Dakota has fallen from 2.4% to 1.0% in 2023.
Conclusion
Considering all these factors, Aurora County, South Dakota has an overall wealth index grade of B, making it somewhat better than South Dakota, and somewhat better than the country as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about income and wealth in Aurora County, South Dakota.
How Wealthy Is Aurora County, South Dakota?
Aurora County has a wealth index grade of B. The wealth index grades areas from A+ (best) to F- by combining income levels, employment rates, and income inequality; a B grade means residents are quite well off compared to the U.S. average. The median household income is $74,148, about 2% higher than the South Dakota average of $72,558.
What is the current median household income in Aurora County, South Dakota?
As of 2023, the median household income in Aurora County, South Dakota is $74,148.
What was the median household income in Aurora County in 2023?
In 2023, the median household income in Aurora County, South Dakota was $74,148.
What was the median household income in Aurora County in 2020?
In 2020, the median household income in Aurora County, South Dakota was $66,632.
What is the Gini coefficient in Aurora County, South Dakota?
The Gini coefficient in Aurora County is 0.489. It measures income inequality on a scale from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns everything). That is lower than the US average of 0.570, so income is distributed more equally than in the country overall.
How has the income gap between men and women changed in Aurora County, South Dakota?
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Aurora County, South Dakota has widened from about 12% to 14% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has widened by $3,927 since 2009.