Instead, Winner in neighboring Tripp County serves as its administrative center.

[1][4] The county was named for John Blair Smith Todd, a delegate from Dakota Territory to the United States House of Representatives[1] and a Civil War general.

Unlike many rural counties in South Dakota, since 1960, its net population has increased.

Until 1981 Todd, Shannon (now Oglala Lakota), and Washabaugh were the last unorganized counties in the United States.

Its terrain consists of semi-arid rolling hills, cut by gullies and drainages which flow to the northeast.

The land is partially dedicated to agriculture, including center pivot irrigation.

[7] The terrain slopes to the northeast, and its highest point is near the SW corner, at 3,176 ft (968 m) ASL.

In 2020, Joe Biden received a larger majority of the county vote.