| Statistic | Canton | South Dakota | National |
| Population | 3,499 | 884,659 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,070 | 12 | 91 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 36.8 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 51% | 59% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 45% | 44% | 43% |
| Speak English | 98% | 94% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 0% | 2% | 13% |
The population of Canton is 3,499, with a population density of 1,070 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 91. The median age is 36.6 and 51% of individuals aged 15 or older are married, while 45% have children under 18. As far as income equality in Canton goes, 11% of households have a median income below $25,000, whereas 12% report an income exceeding $150,000. The Canton demographics data can provide indispensable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of cities, towns or even villages, empowering planners, developers and policymakers to devise strategies that foster prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents.
The Canton racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown serves as a critical tool for understanding and addressing systemic inequities, promoting social justice and inclusion and building stronger, more resilient communities. The racial breakdown in Canton is 90.1% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, 1.2% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian - 0.6% of the population identify as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 98.2% reported speaking English only, while 0.2% reported speaking Spanish only. A total of 0.6% of residents were considered foreign born.
Areas like Canton that have a higher than average population density tend to support environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Compact urban development encourages energy-efficient buildings, walking, cycling and the use of public transit, promoting sustainable lifestyles and reducing environmental impact. Densely populated areas also tend to have more vibrant social and cultural scenes, with a diverse population contributing to a wide array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This diversity fosters creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of the community. The Canton population density is higher than average and comes in at 1,070 people per square mile (compared to the nationwide average of 91), putting it in a position to take advantage of all the benefits of a densely populated area.
Urban Development: Urban planners could use Canton demographic data to design and create areas that accommodate the needs of residents, including housing, transportation and public services, while promoting sustainability and quality of life. Demographic shifts can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood change in urban or rural areas. As neighborhoods attract new residents with different income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may rise, leading to displacement of long-time residents and changes in the character and identity of the neighborhood. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels helps inform decisions related to zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Lastly, using Canton demographics for planning and development of affordable housing can help prevent displacement.
Social Cohesion: The analysis and understanding of demographics are essential for promoting social cohesion and fostering appreciation among diverse communities. By embracing and acknowledging differences in Canton demographics, societies can promote inclusivity, diversity and social harmony while addressing social inequalities and advocating for equal opportunities. Racial demographics can reflect the diversity within a population and are instrumental in fostering inclusive and welcoming communities. Embracing ethnic diversity strengthens social connections, promotes cultural understanding and enriches society by celebrating the contributions of individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics serve as vital tools for informing policy and decision-making processes across various levels of government, as well as within organizations and businesses. Through the reporting and analysis of demographic data, policymakers, government officials, and organizational leaders can pinpoint areas of need, allocate resources efficiently, and craft tailored policies and programs to address the unique needs and priorities of different demographic groups. The utilization of demographic data in Canton is instrumental in policy planning, facilitating resource allocation, evidence-based decision-making, priority identification, trend forecasting, policy impact assessment, and the promotion of equity and inclusion. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can devise targeted, impactful, and inclusive policies that cater to the diverse needs of communities.
| Race | Canton | South Dakota | National |
| White | 90.08% | 84.77% | 73.35% |
| Black | 0.91% | 1.65% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 1.40% | 1.33% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 1.17% | 8.72% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.04% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 6.20% | 2.61% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 0.23% | 0.88% | 4.75% |
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