Jerauld County, South Dakota

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Jerauld County is a county located in the state of South Dakota, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,663. The county seat is Wessington Springs. The county was created in 1873 and organized in 1883. It is named for H. J. Jerauld, a legislator in the Dakota Territory.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 533 square miles (1,380 km²), of which 526 square miles (1,360 km²) is land and 6.8 square miles (18 km²) (1.3%) is water.

Adjacent counties

• Sanborn County (east)
• Aurora County (south)
• Brule County (southwest)
• Buffalo County (west)
• Hand County (north)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 1,663 people, 761 households, and 462 families residing in the county. The population density was 3.2 inhabitants per square mile (1.2/km²). There were 1,016 housing units at an average density of 1.9 per square mile (0.73/km²).

Communities

City

• Wessington Springs

Town

• Alpena

Unincorporated communities

• Lane

Government and infrastructure

Jerauld County is governed by a board of county commissioners. The county courthouse is located in Wessington Springs.

Education

The county is served by the Wessington Springs School District and the Alpena School District.

Economy

The economy of Jerauld County is primarily based on agriculture, with significant contributions from livestock and crop farming.

Transportation

Major highways in Jerauld County include:

• South Dakota Highway 34
• South Dakota Highway 37

See also

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