McCook County, South Dakota

SalemSD_McCookCountyCourthouse

McCook County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Dakota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 5,682. Its county seat is Salem. The county was established in 1873 and organized in 1878. It is named after Edwin Stanton McCook, a Union Army general during the American Civil War.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 577 square miles (1,494 km²), of which 574 square miles (1,487 km²) is land and 3.0 square miles (7.8 km²) (0.5%) is water.

Adjacent counties

• Lake County (north)
• Minnehaha County (east)
• Turner County (south)
• Hanson County (west)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 5,682 people, 2,319 households, and 1,568 families residing in the county. The population density was 9.9 inhabitants per square mile (3.8/km²). There were 2,519 housing units at an average density of 4.4 per square mile (1.7/km²).

Communities

Cities

• Bridgewater
• Montrose
• Salem (county seat)

Towns

• Canistota
• Spencer

Unincorporated communities

• Emery
• Unityville

Government and Politics

McCook County is governed by a board of commissioners. The county is part of South Dakota's at-large congressional district.

Education

The county is served by several school districts, including the Bridgewater-Emery School District, the Canistota School District, and the McCook Central School District.

Economy

The economy of McCook County is primarily based on agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and livestock being the main products.

Transportation

Major highways in McCook County include:

• Interstate 90
• U.S. Route 81
• South Dakota Highway 42

See also

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