RANK #660 / 1001 NAT · POP 70,638
1YR FORECAST: +1.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +26%
Lincoln County, South Dakota, stands out as one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States, largely due to the southward expansion of Sioux Falls, the state's largest city. Canton serves as the county seat, while other notable towns include Tea and Harrisburg. Commuting to Sioux Falls is a common practice, with Interstate 29 running through the county. The community offers access to outdoor recreation along the Big Sioux River, with opportunities for kayaking and fishing, and parks like Lake Alvin and Newton Hills State Park provide hiking and camping options.
Life in Lincoln County is characterized by a mix of families and young professionals, with a majority of residents owning their homes. The public schools in districts like Harrisburg, Tea Area, and Canton are considered above average. The economy is significantly influenced by its proximity to Sioux Falls, which is a major trade area and home to nationally recognized healthcare providers. Recent economic developments include public-private partnerships focused on developing commercial, light industrial, and residential areas, leading to increased tax revenue for schools and communities.
Lincoln County is one of 43 U.S. counties in this market profile — stronger than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +1.9% runs above the profile's typical -0.0%.
See all 43 Sun Belt Exurban Boom counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Harsh climate or flat terrain
Prices detached from rents
Housing looks overvalued at 11.6x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
At 34/100, Lincoln County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 1001 counties we track. Median income of $99,166 combined with job growth of +2.7% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Lincoln County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $348,300 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.28, with rents averaging $1,260/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Lincoln County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +3.4% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +2.7% clip. Home values shifted +1.9% in the past year.
In significant numbers — 5.83% of Lincoln County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.