Lakes

Major highways

• U.S. Highway 12
• South Dakota Highway 25
• South Dakota Highway 27

Adjacent counties

Protected areas

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, there were 5,449 people, 2,370 households, and 1,451 families residing in the county.^[20] The population density was 5.3 inhabitants per square mile (2.0/km²). There were 3,395 housing units.

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 5,710 people, 2,504 households, and 1,561 families in the county. The population density was 5.6 inhabitants per square mile (2.2/km²). There were 3,630 housing units at an average density of 3.5 units per square mile (1.4 units/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 88.1% white, 9.5% American Indian, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% black or African American, 0.4% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.1% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 43.8% were German, 25.1% were Norwegian, 12.8% were Polish, 8.8% were Irish, and 6.1% were American.

Of the 2,504 households, 24.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 37.7% were non-families, and 34.0% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.83. The median age was 47.9 years.

The median income for a household in the county was $36,818 and the median income for a family was $47,949. Males had a median income of $36,549 versus $25,750 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,542. About 10.7% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.7% of those under age 18 and 14.1% of those age 65 or over.

Cities

• Bristol
• Waubay
• Webster (county seat)

Towns

Census-designated place

• Enemy Swim

Unincorporated communities

Townships