Brown County, South Dakota

Brown County: county in South Dakota, United States.

About

Brown County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Dakota. As of the 2010 census, the population was 36,531 and a population density of 8 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 county had an estimated population of 38,738 inhabitants. Its county seat is Aberdeen. The county was created 145 years ago in 1880.

Brown County is located in northeastern South Dakota. As of 2019, the population of Brown County was 39,311. The county seat is Aberdeen, which had a population of 26,091 as of 2020.

Some key facts about Brown County:

  • Brown County was created in 1879 and named after Alfred Brown, a Dakota Territory legislator.
  • The economy of Brown County relies heavily on agriculture. Major crops grown in the county include corn, soybeans, wheat, and sunflowers.
  • Beef cattle production is another important industry in Brown County. The county ranks among the state leaders in cattle and calf inventory.
  • The largest employers in Brown County include Avera St. Luke's Hospital, 3M, Northern State University, and Hub City Inc.
  • Popular attractions in Brown County include the Aberdeen Area Recreation Center, Storybook Land, and the Dacotah Prairie Museum.
  • The James River runs through Brown County and provides recreational opportunities like fishing and canoeing.
  • Brown County contains 9 townships and 6 incorporated municipalities including Aberdeen, Groton, and Warner.

Brown County has a rich agricultural heritage and thriving business community. The county provides residents and visitors with a variety of recreational, cultural, and employment opportunities.

Brown County locator map
Location of Brown County on South Dakota map.

Quick Facts about Brown County

Population 38,738 (2020)
Country United States of America
State South Dakota (United States)
Different from Brown County, Brown County, Brown County, Brown County, Brown County, Brown County, Brown County, Brown County
Area 4484 km2
Water as percent of area 1%
Land as percent of area 99%
Latitude & Longitude 45.5897,-98.3516
Named for Alfred Brown
Capital Aberdeen
Establishment January 01, 1881
Time Zone UTC−06:00
Local time 06:12:55 (23rd September 2026)
Density 9 Pop. per km² as of 2020
Population growth 6.04% (2010-2020)
Weather 65℉ Chance Rain Showers 7-days weather
Brown County Courthouse 'Aberdeen' - restored image
Brown County Courthouse 'Aberdeen' - restored image

Geography

Brown County is located at 45°35'23"N 98°21'6"W (45.5897200, -98.3516100). It has 8 neighbors: Dickey County, Sargent County, Day County, Edmunds County, Faulk County, Marshall County, McPherson County and Spink County.

Brown County map

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Brown County Populated Places

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Brown County.

City Name Population Title

Weather

65°F
Chance Rain Showers
14 to 20 mph SSE Wednesday

A chance of rain showers between 10am and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 65. South southeast wind 14 to 20...

7-Day Forecast

Official website of Brown County

Official Website
  • Aberdeen

Demographics

The population of Brown County increased by 6.04% in 10 years.

Year Population % Change Method
2010 36,531 - census
2011 36,925 1.08% estimation process
2012 37,569 1.74% estimation process
2013 38,136 1.51% estimation process
2014 38,255 0.31% estimation process
2015 38,400 0.38% estimation process
2016 38,900 1.3% estimation process
2017 39,290 1% estimation process
2018 39,145 -0.37% estimation process
2019 38,839 -0.78% estimation process
2020 38,738 -0.26% estimation process
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Other places with the same name (8)

South Dakota Other Counties (more counties)

County Name Population Title
Minnehaha County 196,659 County in South Dakota, United States of America
Sioux Falls 157,584 The largest city in South Dakota.
Pennington County 115,926 County in South Dakota, United States of America
Rapid City 77,503 The second most populous city in South Dakota.
Lincoln County 63,019 County in South Dakota, United States
Brookings County 35,603 County in South Dakota, United States of America
Meade County 28,588 County in South Dakota, United States
Codington County 28,186 County in South Dakota, United States of America
Lawrence County 26,221 County in South Dakota, United States
Yankton County 22,742 County in South Dakota, United States
Watertown 22,303 City in and county seat of Codington County, South Dakota, United States
Davison County 19,812 County in South Dakota, United States of America
Beadle County 18,513 County in South Dakota, United States
Hughes County 17,336 County in Oklahoma, United States
Union County 16,192 County in South Dakota, United States
Mitchell 15,697 City in and county seat of Davison County, South Dakota, United States