Yankton County, South Dakota

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Yankton County is a county located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of South Dakota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 23,310. The county seat is Yankton. The county was created in 1862 and organized in 1864. It was named for the Yankton Sioux Tribe.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 533 square miles (1,380 km²), of which 521 square miles (1,350 km²) is land and 12 square miles (31 km²) (2.2%) is water. The Missouri River forms the county's southern border.

Adjacent counties

• Turner County (north)
• Clay County (east)
• Cedar County, Nebraska (south)
• Knox County, Nebraska (southwest)
• Bon Homme County (west)
• Hutchinson County (northwest)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 23,310 people, 9,000 households, and 5,800 families residing in the county. The population density was 45 people per square mile (17/km²). There were 9,500 housing units at an average density of 18 per square mile (7/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 92.5% White, 1.5% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.6% African American, and 4.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.5% of the population.

Communities

City

• Yankton (county seat)

Towns

• Lesterville
• Mission Hill
• Utica

Census-designated places

• Gayville
• Volin

Unincorporated communities

• Mayfield

Government and infrastructure

Yankton County is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners. The county also has several elected officials, including a sheriff, state's attorney, auditor, treasurer, and register of deeds.

Education

Yankton County is served by several school districts, including the Yankton School District and the Gayville-Volin School District.

Economy

The economy of Yankton County is diverse, with key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The county is home to several large employers, including Avera Sacred Heart Hospital and Mount Marty University.

Transportation

Major highways in Yankton County include:

• U.S. Route 81
• South Dakota Highway 50
• South Dakota Highway 52

See also

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