SafekipediaSouth Dakota
Adapted from Wikipedia · Discoverer experience
South Dakota is a landlocked state in the Upper Midwest and North Central region of the United States, part of the Great Plains. It is named after the Dakota Sioux tribe, who have historically been a large part of the population. South Dakota is the 17th-largest by area, the fifth-least populous, and the fifth-least densely populated of the 50 United States. The state capital is Pierre, while Sioux Falls is the largest city.
Humans have lived in this area for thousands of years, with the Sioux becoming the dominant group by the early 1800s. In the late 1800s, European settlers arrived in large numbers after a gold rush in the Black Hills and the building of railroads. This led to several Indian wars, ending with the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890. South Dakota became a state on November 2, 1889, along with North Dakota.
Today, eastern South Dakota is known for its fertile farmland, while western parts are more focused on ranching and tourism. The Black Hills in the southwest contain the famous Mount Rushmore, a popular tourist spot. The state has a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons and a mix of grassland ecosystems.
History
Main article: History of South Dakota
For a chronological guide, see Timeline of South Dakota.
Humans have lived in what is today South Dakota for thousands of years. Early groups included hunter-gatherers and later, the Mound Builders. By 1500, the Arikara had settled along the Missouri River, and European explorers arrived in the 1700s.
The United States purchased the area in 1803, and American settlement grew quickly. Gold was discovered in the Black Hills in 1874, leading to conflict with the Lakota Sioux. South Dakota became a state on November 2, 1889. During the 1930s, the Dust Bowl caused hard times, but the state recovered during World War II. Today, South Dakota’s economy includes agriculture, tourism, and financial services.
Geography
Main article: Geography of South Dakota
See also: Geology of South Dakota
South Dakota is located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest and the Great Plains region. It covers an area of 77,116 square miles, making it the 17th largest state in the country. The highest point is Black Elk Peak, which stands at 7,242 feet, while the lowest point is along the shoreline of Big Stone Lake.
The state is bordered by North Dakota to the north, Nebraska to the south, Iowa and Minnesota to the east, and Wyoming and Montana to the west. The Missouri River is the longest river in South Dakota, and the state has many lakes, especially in the east.
South Dakota can be divided into three main areas: eastern South Dakota, western South Dakota, and the Black Hills. The Missouri River separates eastern and western South Dakota, with the Black Hills being a unique mountainous region. Eastern South Dakota has more trees and rivers, while western South Dakota is drier with rolling hills and plains. The Black Hills are known for their forests and higher elevation.
| Place | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | 24 / 6 (−4 / −14) | 29 / 11 (−2 / −12) | 42 / 23 (6 / −5) | 59 / 35 (15 / 2) | 70 / 47 (21 / 8) | 79 / 57 (26 / 14) | 84 / 61 (29 / 16) | 82 / 58 (28 / 14) | 73 / 49 (23 / 9) | 58 / 36 (14 / 2) | 41 / 22 (5 / −6) | 27 / 10 (−3 / −12) |
| Huron | 27 / 9 (−3 / −13) | 32 / 14 (0 / −10) | 45 / 25 (7 / −4) | 60 / 37 (16 / 3) | 71 / 48 (22 / 9) | 80 / 58 (27 / 14) | 86 / 63 (30 / 17) | 83 / 61 (28 / 16) | 75 / 51 (24 / 11) | 60 / 51 (16 / 11) | 43 / 25 (6 / −4) | 30 / 13 (−1 / −11) |
| Rapid City | 37 / 18 (3 / −8) | 40 / 20 (4 / −7) | 49 / 27 (9 / −3) | 59 / 36 (15 / 2) | 68 / 46 (20 / 8) | 78 / 55 (26 / 13) | 86 / 61 (30 / 16) | 85 / 60 (29 / 16) | 75 / 50 (24 / 10) | 61 / 39 (16 / 4) | 47 / 28 (8 / −2) | 37 / 19 (3 / −7) |
| Sioux Falls | 27 / 10 (−3 / −12) | 32 / 15 (0 / −9) | 45 / 26 (7 / −3) | 60 / 38 (16 / 3) | 71 / 49 (22 / 9) | 80 / 59 (27 / 15) | 84 / 64 (29 / 18) | 81 / 61 (27 / 16) | 74 / 52 (23 / 11) | 60 / 39 (16 / 4) | 43 / 26 (6 / −3) | 30 / 14 (−1 / −10) |
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of South Dakota
South Dakota's population was about 910,000 as of July 2022, making it one of the least populated states in the U.S. Most people live in small towns or rural areas, though some regions like Sioux Falls are growing. The state has many people of German and Norwegian ancestry, and a significant population of Native American heritage.
The largest groups in South Dakota include White, Native American, and German descendants. Many people live in areas with strong ties to their cultural backgrounds. The state also has communities that speak languages such as Spanish, German, and the indigenous languages of the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota.
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1860 | 4,837 | — | |
| 1870 | 11,776 | 143.5% | |
| 1880 | 98,268 | 734.5% | |
| 1890 | 348,600 | 254.7% | |
| 1900 | 401,570 | 15.2% | |
| 1910 | 583,888 | 45.4% | |
| 1920 | 636,547 | 9.0% | |
| 1930 | 692,849 | 8.8% | |
| 1940 | 642,961 | −7.2% | |
| 1950 | 652,740 | 1.5% | |
| 1960 | 680,514 | 4.3% | |
| 1970 | 665,507 | −2.2% | |
| 1980 | 690,768 | 3.8% | |
| 1990 | 696,004 | 0.8% | |
| 2000 | 754,844 | 8.5% | |
| 2010 | 814,180 | 7.9% | |
| 2020 | 886,667 | 8.9% | |
| 2025 (est.) | 935,094 | 5.5% | |
| Source: 1910–2020 | |||
| Racial composition | 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 91.6% | 88.7% | 85.7% | 80.7% |
| Native | 7.3% | 8.2% | 8.8% | 8.8% |
| African American | 0.5% | 0.6% | 1.3% | 2.0% |
| Asian | 0.4% | 0.6% | 0.9% | 1.5% |
| Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander | – | – | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| Other race | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.9% | 1.7% |
| Two or more races | – | 1.4% | 2.1% | 5.3% |
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000 | Pop 2010 | Pop 2020 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 664,585 | 689,502 | 705,583 | 88.04% | 84.69% | 79.58% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 4,563 | 9,959 | 17,441 | 0.60% | 1.22% | 1.97% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 60,988 | 69,476 | 74,595 | 8.08% | 8.53% | 8.41% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 4,316 | 7,553 | 13,332 | 0.57% | 0.93% | 1.50% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 219 | 313 | 493 | 0.03% | 0.04% | 0.06% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 310 | 458 | 2,050 | 0.04% | 0.06% | 0.23% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 8,960 | 14,800 | 34,432 | 1.19% | 1.82% | 3.88% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 10,903 | 22,119 | 38,741 | 1.44% | 2.72% | 4.37% |
| Total | 754,844 | 814,180 | 886,667 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Transportation
Main article: Transportation in South Dakota
See also: List of South Dakota railroads and List of South Dakota numbered highways
South Dakota has many miles of roads, including 83,609 miles of highways, roads, and streets, and 679 miles of interstate highways. Two major interstates cross the state: Interstate 90, running east to west, and Interstate 29, running north to south. These highways help connect people and businesses across the state.
Railroads have been important for South Dakota's history and transportation. Today, BNSF is the largest railroad, with other smaller lines also operating. The state has two special scenic byways: the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway in the Black Hills and the Native American Scenic Byway along the Missouri River. The largest airports are in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, served by several airlines. Public transit systems exist in a few cities, helping people get around.
Government and politics
Main article: Government of South Dakota
See also: Governor of South Dakota, South Dakota Legislature, and South Dakota Supreme Court
South Dakota's government is set up like the national government, with three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The governor leads the executive branch and can sign or veto laws, appoint leaders for different departments, and serve as commander of the state's National Guard. The state legislature has two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives, with 35 senators and 70 representatives working together to make laws.
South Dakota’s political scene is mostly led by the Republican Party. Republicans have won the state’s votes in most presidential elections. However, Democrats have sometimes succeeded in other elections. The state does not collect personal income taxes, which keeps its tax rates low. Important current issues include education funding and voting laws.
| Total voters | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|
| Republican | 323,536 | 50.92% |
| Nonpartisan/Independent | 162,972 | 25.65% |
| Democratic | 144,797 | 22.78% |
| Minor parties | 4,080 | 0.64% |
| 635,385 | 100.00% |
Culture
Main article: Culture of South Dakota
South Dakota's culture is a mix of American Indian, rural, Western, and European influences. The state holds many events celebrating its heritage, like Days of '76 in Deadwood and Czech Days in Tabor. Each year, Custer State Park hosts a Buffalo Roundup where volunteers gather the park's bison herd.
The state has produced well-known writers and artists. Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote famous books about life on the frontier, based on her childhood near De Smet. Artists such as Harvey Dunn, Oscar Howe, and Terry Redlin have created memorable paintings showing scenes of frontier and rural life.
Cities and towns
See also: List of cities in South Dakota and List of South Dakota counties
Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota, with a population of 192,517 as of 2020. It is located in the southeast part of the state and is an important center for retail, finance, and healthcare.
Rapid City is the second-largest city, with a population of 74,703 in 2020. It lies near the Black Hills and is known for tourism and defense-related jobs, thanks to nearby attractions and Ellsworth Air Force Base. Other notable cities include Aberdeen, Brookings, Watertown, Mitchell, Yankton, Huron, Pierre, the state capital, and Spearfish. Pierre is one of the smallest state capitals in the United States.
Media
See also: List of newspapers in South Dakota, List of television stations in South Dakota, and List of radio stations in South Dakota
South Dakota's first newspaper, the Dakota Democrat, started in Yankton in 1858. Today, the biggest newspaper is the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, with many readers every week. Another big paper is the Rapid City Journal. There are also smaller papers in places like Aberdeen and Watertown.
South Dakota has nine television stations. The largest TV area is Sioux Falls-Mitchell, and the next is Rapid City. The first TV station, KELO-TV, began in Sioux Falls in 1953 and featured a popular children's show called Captain 11.
Education
See also: List of colleges and universities in South Dakota, List of high schools in South Dakota, and List of school districts in South Dakota
South Dakota has many schools and universities. In 2006, about 136,872 students were in primary and secondary schools, with most attending public schools. There are 703 public schools, which is the highest number per person in the United States. Most adults, about 89.8%, have finished high school, and around 25.8% have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
The state has six public universities managed by the South Dakota Board of Regents. South Dakota State University in Brookings is the largest, with about 12,831 students. The University of South Dakota in Vermillion is the oldest and has the state’s only law school and medical school. There are also private universities, including Augustana University in Sioux Falls. In 2007, South Dakota passed a law to teach more about Native American history and culture in all schools.
Sports and recreation
South Dakota does not have any major league sports teams, but it has several smaller teams. Sioux Falls has four teams: the Sioux Falls Canaries (baseball), the Sioux Falls Skyforce (basketball), the Sioux Falls Stampede (hockey), and the Sioux Falls Storm (indoor American football). Rapid City has a hockey team called the Rapid City Rush.
Fishing and hunting are very popular in South Dakota. People enjoy catching fish like walleye and trout, and hunting animals such as pheasants and white-tailed deer. The state also has many trails for cycling and running, including the George S. Mickelson Trail and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
State symbols
Main article: List of South Dakota state symbols
South Dakota has many official symbols that represent its unique character. The state's bird is the Ring-necked pheasant, and its flower is the American pasque flower. Other symbols include the Black Hills spruce as the state tree, and the Coyote as the state animal.
Additional symbols are the Walleye as the state fish, Rose quartz as the state mineral, and Fairburn agate as the state gemstone. South Dakota is also known as the Mount Rushmore State and uses the motto "Under God, the people rule."
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