Jerauld County is a county in the U.S. state of South Dakota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,663. Its county seat is Wessington Springs.

History

In 1873, the area occupied by the present Jerauld County was organized into Wetmore County. In 1881, Wetmore and its neighbor county to the south, Cragin County, were combined to form Aurora County. In 1883, the area of the former Wetmore County was reincorporated as present-day Jerauld County.

It was named for H. J. Jerauld, a legislator.

Geography

The terrain of Jerauld County consists of low rolling hills, mostly devoted to agriculture. The terrain slopes to the south and east, with the county's highest point on the west boundary line near its NW corner, at ASL. The county has a total area of , of which is land and (1.2%) is water.

Major highways

  • 23px U.S. Highway 281
  • 20px South Dakota Highway 34
  • 23px South Dakota Highway 224

Adjacent counties

  • Beadle County – northeast
  • Sanborn County – east
  • Aurora County – south
  • Brule County – southwest
  • Buffalo County – west
  • Hand County – northwest

Protected areas

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2020 census

As of the 2020 census, there were 1,663 people, 747 households, and 463 families residing in the county, with a population density of .

Of the residents, 22.9% were under the age of 18 and 30.1% were 65 years of age or older; the median age was 50.5 years. For every 100 females there were 102.3 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 97.7 males.

The racial makeup of the county was 93.6% White, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% Asian, 2.0% from some other race, and 3.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 4.4% of the population. It was the closest county result in the country in the 2008 election. Jerauld County voters have tended to vote Republican; since 1960 the county has chosen the Republican Party candidate in 71% of national elections.

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Media

The county is served by the True Dakotan weekly newspaper.

Communities

City

  • Wessington Springs (county seat)

Towns

  • Alpena
  • Lane

Census-designated place

  • Spring Valley Colony

Unincorporated communities

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