Wealth Index
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 | Douglas County | South Dakota Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $78,620 | $72,558 | $78,145 |
| Median Personal Income | $54,416 | $55,073 | $61,726 |
| Average income growth | 6.3% | 4.8% | 5.1% |
| Six-Figure Earners | 6.9% | 9.3% | 13.2% |
The median household income in Douglas County is about 8% higher than in South Dakota. Income has been growing faster in Douglas County (6.3%/yr) than in South Dakota (4.8%/yr).
About 7% of adults in Douglas 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 Douglas County, South Dakota grew by 102.3% from 2009 to 2023, reaching $78,620 in 2023. That's an average of about 6.3% per year.
Economic Inequality in Douglas County | Gender Pay Gap | Gini Coefficient
| Metric | Douglas County | South Dakota Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gini Coefficient | 0.505 | 0.512 | 0.570 |
| Male Median Income | $61,293 | $61,155 | $67,746 |
| Female Median Income | $44,317 | $48,763 | $54,793 |
| Gender Pay Gap | 27.7% | 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 Douglas County, it is 0.505, 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 38% more than women's income in Douglas County, South Dakota. Over a 35-year career, a 38% wage gap accumulates to roughly $594,160 in unearned income for female workers in the area.
Income by Sex Over Time
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Douglas County, South Dakota has widened from about 25% to 28% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has widened by $7,342 since 2009.
Employment
| Metric | Douglas County | South Dakota Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 1.0% | 3.0% | 5.2% |
| Working from Home | 8.7% | 9.3% | 13.4% |
| Commute time (minutes) | 15 | 15 | 22 |
Approximately 11 people are unemployed in Douglas County, South Dakota.
The average commute time in Douglas County is 15 minutes, about the same as in South Dakota.
Unemployment Rate Over Time
Since 2011, the unemployment rate in Douglas County, South Dakota has fallen from 2.5% to 1.0% in 2023.
Conclusion
Considering all these factors, Douglas County, South Dakota has an overall wealth index grade of B, making it about on par with South Dakota, and somewhat better than the country as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about income and wealth in Douglas County, South Dakota.
How Rich Is Douglas County, South Dakota?
Douglas 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 $78,620, about 8% higher than the South Dakota average of $72,558.
What is the current median household income in Douglas County, South Dakota?
As of 2023, the median household income in Douglas County, South Dakota is $78,620.
What was the median household income in Douglas County in 2023?
In 2023, the median household income in Douglas County, South Dakota was $78,620.
What was the median household income in Douglas County in 2020?
In 2020, the median household income in Douglas County, South Dakota was $61,661.
What is the Gini coefficient in Douglas County, South Dakota?
The Gini coefficient in Douglas County is 0.505. 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 Douglas County, South Dakota?
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Douglas County, South Dakota has widened from about 25% to 28% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has widened by $7,342 since 2009.