Hughes County is a county in the U.S. state of South Dakota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 17,765, making it the least populous capital county in the nation, and the 12th most populous county in South Dakota. Its county seat and most populous city is Pierre, which is also the state capital. The county was created in 1873, and was organized in 1880. It was named for Alexander Hughes, a legislator. On June 4, 1891, the county's area was increased by the addition of Farm Island, in the Missouri River downstream of Pierre.

Hughes County is part of the Pierre, SD Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography

The Missouri River forms the southwestern boundary line of Hughes County. The county's terrain consists of rolling hills cut by gullies and drainages. The area is partially dedicated to agriculture, including the use of center pivot irrigation.

The county terrain generally slopes to the southeast, although the hills along the west fall off into the river valley. The county's highest point is on the upper part of the east boundary line, at ASL. The county has a total area of , of which is land and (7.4%) is water.

Major highways

  • 20px U.S. Highway 14
  • 20px U.S. Highway 83
  • 20px South Dakota Highway 34
  • 23px South Dakota Highway 1804

Airport

Pierre Regional Airport (PIR) serves Hughes County and the surrounding communities.

Adjacent counties

  • Sully County – north
  • Hyde County – east
  • Lyman County – south
  • Stanley County – west

Protected areas

Source:

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|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<br>1790–1960 1900–1990<br>1990–2000 2010–2020 The population density was .

Of the residents, 24.0% were under the age of 18 and 18.0% were 65 years of age or older; the median age was 39.3 years. For every 100 females there were 93.8 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 90.4 males.

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In the South Dakota Senate Hughes is part of the 24th Senate district, which is held by Republican Bob Gray. In the State House Hughes is part of district 24, which is held by Republicans Tad Perry and Mark Venner.

Communities

Cities

  • Blunt
  • Pierre (county seat)

Town

  • Harrold

Census-designated place

  • Oahe Acres

Unincorporated communities

  • Canning

Townships

  • Raber
  • Valley

Unorganized territories

  • Crow Creek
  • North Hughes
  • West Hughes

Education

School districts include:

  • Agar-Blunt-Onida School District 58-3
  • Highmore-Harrold School District 34-2
  • Pierre School District 32-2

See also

  • National Register of Historic Places listings in Hughes County, South Dakota

References