Charles Mix County, South Dakota

Charles_Mix_County_courthouse_from_NW_6

Charles_Mix_County_townships_(1931)

Charles Mix County is a county located in the state of South Dakota, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 9,373. The county seat is Lake Andes. The county was created in 1862 and organized in 1879. It is named after Charles Eli Mix, an official of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,150 square miles (2,980 km²), of which 1,097 square miles (2,840 km²) is land and 53 square miles (140 km²) (4.6%) is water. The county is drained by the Missouri River.

Adjacent counties

• Brule County (north)
• Aurora County (northeast)
• Douglas County (east)
• Hutchinson County (southeast)
• Bon Homme County (southeast)
• Yankton County (southeast)
• Knox County, Nebraska (south)
• Gregory County (west)
• Lyman County (northwest)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 9,373 people, 3,693 households, and 2,529 families residing in the county. The population density was 8.5 inhabitants per square mile (3.3/km²). There were 4,432 housing units at an average density of 4.0 per square mile (1.5/km²).

Communities

Cities

• Lake Andes
• Wagner

Towns

• Geddes
• Pickstown

Census-designated places

• Dante
• Marty

Unincorporated communities

• Ravinia

Government and infrastructure

Charles Mix County is governed by a board of commissioners. The county courthouse is located in Lake Andes. The county is part of the At-large congressional district.

Education

The county is served by several school districts, including the Wagner Community School District and the Andes Central School District.

Economy

The economy of Charles Mix County is primarily based on agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and wheat being the main crops. Livestock farming is also significant.

Transportation

Major highways in the county include:

• U.S. Route 18
• South Dakota Highway 46
• South Dakota Highway 50

See also

• List of counties in South Dakota
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Charles Mix County, South Dakota