South Dakota
South Dakota is a U.S. state in the Midwestern region of the country. It is bordered by North Dakota in the north, Minnesota and Iowa in the east, Nebraska in the south, and Wyoming and Montana in the west. South Dakota is the seventeenth largest by area, but the 5th least populous with 884,659 inhabitants in 2019. Its capital is Pierre, but its largest city is Sioux Falls. Its governor is Kristi Noem.
South Dakota has a continental climate with four distinct seasons, ranging from cold, dry winters to warm and semi-humid summers. Cyclonic storms occur frequently in the eastern section during the spring and summer. South Dakota has nearly 300 species of birds. Bald and golden eagles are found in ever-increasing numbers along the Missouri River valley and in the Badlands.
Native American tribes such as the Cheyenne, Arikara, Ponca, Lakota, and Dakota Sioux lived on this land. Today nine Native American tribes still reside in South Dakota, and it remains home to the central population of that influential Native American federation. North Dakota became the 40th state of the union on November 2, 1889. The state is named for the Dakota Sioux people.
South Dakota is wellknown for the Mount Rushmore, visited by more than three million people each year, but also for the Crazy Horse Memorial started in 1948 and which is still being carved today in the Black Hills. When finished, the statue will be 563 feet high, almost twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty!
South Dakota Statistics
| Number of cities/towns/villages | 311 |
|---|---|
| Number of counties | 66 |
| Population | 886667 |
| Area | 199729 km² |
| Density | 4 people/km² |
| Altitude | 2208 m |
| Major cities | Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen |
| Ethnicity | White: 84% Native American: 9% Hispanic: 5% Black: 2% |
| Crime rate | 3779 |
| GDP | $54 billion |
| Median household income | $63,000 |
Common questions about South Dakota
What is the cheapest place to live in South Dakota?The cheapest area to live in South Dakota is often considered to be Brookings. Known for being most affordable, this city offers a lower cost of living than many other parts of the state. Brookings is located in the eastern part of South Dakota, often abbreviated as SD. |
What is the safest city, town or area in South Dakota?Brandon is often cited as one of the safest cities in South Dakota. With a low crime rate and a strong sense of community, it offers residents a secure and peaceful environment. Its proximity to Sioux Falls also provides easy access to larger city amenities. |
What is the city with the best weather in South Dakota?Rapid City is known for having some of the best weather in South Dakota. Located in the western part of the state, it features a relatively mild climate with warmer, less humid summers and shorter, milder winters compared to the plains of the east. |
Get the contact information for all cities in this state. Find general information, official websites, email, phone numbers, addresses, and much more.
Complete List of Cities in South Dakota
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