Walworth County is a county in the U.S. state of South Dakota. The county seat is Selby. Organized in the late 19th century, Walworth County has traditionally been a sparsely populated, agricultural region characterized by prairie, farms, and a network of small towns and townships. According to the 2010 United States census, the county population was 5,438.
History
The county was created in 1873 during a period of territorial organization and settlement in the northern Plains. Like many counties in the region, its development followed waves of homesteading, railroad expansion, and agricultural settlement. Local institutions—town government, schools, and churches—grew around small service centers that supported surrounding farms.
Geography and environment
Walworth County lies within the broad prairie and mixed-grass landscape typical of central and northern South Dakota. The land is a mix of cropland, pasture, and native grass, supporting grain production and cattle ranching. Seasonal weather ranges from cold winters to warm summers, and the natural character of the county reflects the open, rolling plains of the region.
Economy and population
The local economy is dominated by agriculture: grain farming, hay, and livestock are mainstays. Population density is low; residents live in Selby and several smaller towns, or on dispersed rural properties. Demographic trends mirror those of many rural Midwestern counties, with periods of population decline or stabilization as urban migration affects younger cohorts.
Government and communities
Walworth County is governed by elected county officials and a county commission that oversees services such as road maintenance, law enforcement, and public records. Communities include Selby (the county seat) and a number of smaller incorporated towns and unincorporated settlements that provide local services and social life.