Bon Homme County, South Dakota
Bon Homme County, South Dakota | |
|---|---|
Location within the U.S. state of South Dakota | |
| Coordinates: 42°59′N 97°53′W / 42.99°N 97.88°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | South Dakota |
| Founded | April 5, 1862 |
| Named after | Bon Homme Island |
| Seat | Tyndall |
| Largest city | Springfield |
| Area | |
• Total | 582 sq mi (1,510 km2) |
| • Land | 564 sq mi (1,460 km2) |
| • Water | 18 sq mi (47 km2) 3.1% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 7,003 |
• Estimate (2024) | 7,071 |
| • Density | 12.4/sq mi (4.79/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| Congressional district | At-large |
| Website | bonhomme |
Bon Homme County (/ˈbɑːn əm/ BAHN əm; French: Comté de bon homme)[1] is a county in the U.S. state of South Dakota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 7,003.[2] Its county seat is Tyndall.[3]
History
Bon Homme County was created in 1862. "Bon Homme" was first used by Lewis and Clark in 1804 as the name for a 2,000 acre island in the Missouri River. When settlers arrived in the late 1850s they borrowed the name, and when the county was created it was named for the village of Bon Homme. A proposal to change the county name to "Jefferson" in 1865 was rejected. The French word "bonhomme" means "good man."[4][5] The original island is now submerged under Lewis and Clark Lake.[6] The village of Bon Homme was the original county seat until 1885, when it moved to Tyndall.[7]
Bon Homme County is the point of origin for the Siberian alien, Kali tragus, a type of tumbleweed, first reported here in 1877, probably introduced in a shipment of flax seed from Ukraine.[8]
Geography
Bon Homme County lies on the south line of South Dakota. Its south boundary line abuts the north boundary line of the state of Nebraska (across the Missouri River). The west boundary line of the county is roughly defined by Choteau Creek, which flows southward to discharge in the river. The county terrain consists of low rolling hills, sloping to the river valley; most of the area is devoted to agriculture. The terrain's highest point is the county's NW corner, at 1,883 ft (574 m) ASL.[9]
The county has a total area of 582 square miles (1,510 km2), of which 564 square miles (1,460 km2) is land and 18 square miles (47 km2) (3.1%) is water.[10]
Major highways
Adjacent counties
- Hutchinson County - north
- Yankton County - east
- Knox County, Nebraska - south
- Charles Mix County - west
Protected area
- Bucholz Waterfowl Production Area[11]
- Charley Creek Unit[12]
- Cosby Waterfowl Production Area[13]
- Missouri National Recreational River (part)
- Sand Creek Recreation Area[14]
- Schaefer Waterfowl Production Area[15]
- Scheffel Waterfowl Production Area[16]
- Snatch Creek Recreation Area[17]
- South Bon Homme State Shooting Area[18]
- Springfield State Recreation Area
- Tabor State Lakeside Use Area[19]
Lakes
- Lake Henry
- Hruska Lake
- Kloucek Lake
- Lewis and Clark Lake (part)
- Meiers Lake
Demographics
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1870 | 608 | — | |
| 1880 | 5,468 | 799.3% | |
| 1890 | 9,057 | 65.6% | |
| 1900 | 10,379 | 14.6% | |
| 1910 | 11,061 | 6.6% | |
| 1920 | 11,940 | 7.9% | |
| 1930 | 11,737 | −1.7% | |
| 1940 | 10,241 | −12.7% | |
| 1950 | 9,440 | −7.8% | |
| 1960 | 9,229 | −2.2% | |
| 1970 | 8,577 | −7.1% | |
| 1980 | 8,059 | −6.0% | |
| 1990 | 7,089 | −12.0% | |
| 2000 | 7,260 | 2.4% | |
| 2010 | 7,070 | −2.6% | |
| 2020 | 7,003 | −0.9% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 7,071 | [20] | 1.0% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[21] 1790–1960[22] 1900–1990[23] 1990–2000[24] 2010–2020[2] | |||
2020 census
As of the 2020 census, there were 7,003 people, 2,378 households, and 1,503 families residing in the county.[25] The population density was 12.4 inhabitants per square mile (4.8/km2). There were 2,810 housing units.[26][27]
Of the residents, 18.5% were under the age of 18 and 21.5% were 65 years of age or older; the median age was 43.1 years. For every 100 females there were 144.9 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 157.0 males.[26]
The racial makeup of the county was 88.4% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 6.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% Asian, 1.0% from some other race, and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 1.7% of the population.[27]
There were 2,378 households, of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 20.3% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 31.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[26]
There were 2,810 housing units, of which 15.4% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 80.1% were owner-occupied and 19.9% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.4% and the rental vacancy rate was 13.6%.[26]
2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 7,070 people, 2,457 households, and 1,572 families in the county. The population density was 12.5 inhabitants per square mile (4.8/km2). There were 2,931 housing units at an average density of 5.2 per square mile (2.0/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 89.8% white, 7.1% American Indian, 1.0% black or African American, 0.1% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.8% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 48.6% were German, 20.6% were Czech, 11.7% were Dutch, 7.8% were Irish, 6.1% were Norwegian, and 1.7% were American.
Of the 2,457 households, 25.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.7% were married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 36.0% were non-families, and 32.8% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.84. The median age was 43.1 years.
The median income for a household in the county was $41,107 and the median income for a family was $51,910. Males had a median income of $34,478 versus $28,464 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,074. About 10.1% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.7% of those under age 18 and 12.6% of those age 65 or over.
Communities
Cities
- Avon
- Scotland
- Springfield
- Tyndall (county seat)
Town
Census-designated place
Unincorporated communities
Politics
Bon Homme County voters often vote Republican. In only two national elections since 1976 has the county selected the Democratic Party candidate.
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| № | % | № | % | № | % | |
| 1892 | 879 | 49.52% | 260 | 14.65% | 636 | 35.83% |
| 1896 | 1,163 | 56.37% | 893 | 43.29% | 7 | 0.34% |
| 1900 | 1,271 | 54.93% | 1,028 | 44.43% | 15 | 0.65% |
| 1904 | 1,547 | 62.30% | 886 | 35.68% | 50 | 2.01% |
| 1908 | 1,324 | 55.26% | 1,014 | 42.32% | 58 | 2.42% |
| 1912 | 0 | 0.00% | 1,059 | 44.65% | 1,313 | 55.35% |
| 1916 | 1,231 | 47.92% | 1,278 | 49.75% | 60 | 2.34% |
| 1920 | 1,872 | 53.23% | 960 | 27.30% | 685 | 19.48% |
| 1924 | 1,420 | 41.79% | 860 | 25.31% | 1,118 | 32.90% |
| 1928 | 2,262 | 50.93% | 2,166 | 48.77% | 13 | 0.29% |
| 1932 | 1,354 | 27.71% | 3,504 | 71.72% | 28 | 0.57% |
| 1936 | 2,236 | 42.20% | 2,959 | 55.84% | 104 | 1.96% |
| 1940 | 3,046 | 55.29% | 2,463 | 44.71% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1944 | 2,553 | 56.31% | 1,981 | 43.69% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1948 | 2,283 | 51.79% | 2,077 | 47.12% | 48 | 1.09% |
| 1952 | 3,157 | 65.57% | 1,658 | 34.43% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1956 | 2,696 | 55.70% | 2,144 | 44.30% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 2,730 | 57.09% | 2,052 | 42.91% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1964 | 1,784 | 41.70% | 2,494 | 58.30% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1968 | 2,411 | 55.01% | 1,773 | 40.45% | 199 | 4.54% |
| 1972 | 2,116 | 47.10% | 2,368 | 52.70% | 9 | 0.20% |
| 1976 | 1,897 | 46.58% | 2,154 | 52.88% | 22 | 0.54% |
| 1980 | 2,794 | 65.91% | 1,191 | 28.10% | 254 | 5.99% |
| 1984 | 2,478 | 63.44% | 1,408 | 36.05% | 20 | 0.51% |
| 1988 | 1,826 | 53.44% | 1,574 | 46.06% | 17 | 0.50% |
| 1992 | 1,212 | 36.00% | 1,294 | 38.43% | 861 | 25.57% |
| 1996 | 1,428 | 41.56% | 1,569 | 45.66% | 439 | 12.78% |
| 2000 | 1,901 | 60.56% | 1,162 | 37.02% | 76 | 2.42% |
| 2004 | 2,063 | 60.53% | 1,293 | 37.94% | 52 | 1.53% |
| 2008 | 1,712 | 53.92% | 1,367 | 43.06% | 96 | 3.02% |
| 2012 | 1,830 | 59.53% | 1,167 | 37.96% | 77 | 2.50% |
| 2016 | 2,105 | 70.78% | 704 | 23.67% | 165 | 5.55% |
| 2020 | 2,235 | 74.48% | 721 | 24.03% | 45 | 1.50% |
| 2024 | 2,236 | 74.73% | 697 | 23.30% | 59 | 1.97% |
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Bon Homme County, South Dakota
- Lewis and Clark Lake
References
- ^ "Broadcast Pronunciation Guide and South Dakota Pronunciations". Associated Press. Archived from the original on June 14, 2011. Retrieved November 10, 2009.
- ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
- ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- ^ South Dakota place-names (1941), pp. 16-17.
- ^ Kingsbury, George W. History of Dakota Territory, Vol. 1, pp. 121–25 (1915)
- ^ Journals of the Lewis & Clark Expedition (September 1, 1804), and note 3 ("Bon Homme Island was still on maps in the 1890s, between Bon Homme County, South Dakota, and Knox County, Nebraska. It is now inundated by Lewis and Clark Lake.")
- ^ (October 11, 1999). A River Settlement West Of Yankton Challenged The Mother City For The Government Of Dakota, Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan
- ^ Ayres, Debra; Ryan, Frederick; Eva, Grotkopp; John, Bailey; Gaskin, John (May 5, 2009). "Tumbleweed (Salsola, section Kali) species and speciation in California". Biological Invasions. 11 (5): 1176. doi:10.1007/s10530-008-9380-5.
- ^ ""Find an Altitude" Google Maps (accessed January 30, 2019)". Archived from the original on May 21, 2019. Retrieved January 31, 2019.
- ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
- ^ Bucholz Waterfowl Production Area Google Maps (accessed January 30, 2019)
- ^ Charley Creek Unit, Tabor SD Google Maps (accessed January 30, 2019)
- ^ Cosby Waterfowl Production Area Google Maps (accessed January 30, 2019)
- ^ Sand Creek Recreation Area, Springfield SD Google Maps (accessed January 30, 2019)
- ^ Schaefer Waterfowl Production Area Google Maps (accessed January 30, 2019)
- ^ Scheffel Waterfowl Production Area Google Maps (accessed January 30, 2019)
- ^ Snatch Creek Recreation Area, Springfield SD Google Maps (accessed January 30, 2019)
- ^ South Bon Homme State Public Shooting Area, Tyndall SD Google Maps (accessed January 30, 2019)
- ^ Tabor Recreation Area, Tabor SD Google Maps (accessed January 30, 2019)
- ^ "County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024". Retrieved March 15, 2025.
- ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
- ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. 2007. Archived from the original on December 12, 2009. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
- ^ Forstall, Richard L. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 19, 1999. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
- ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
- ^ "US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
- ^ a b c d "2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)". United States Census Bureau. United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
- ^ a b "2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)". United States Census Bureau. United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved 2025-12-03.
- ^ Perkins, Southwest Bon Homme, SD Google Maps (accessed January 30, 2019)
- ^ Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 13, 2018.