Half of South Dakota’s Population Now Lives in Sioux Falls and Rapid City
South Dakota is known for a great many things: stunning landscapes, Mount Rushmore, The Falls, and more bison than you can shake a camera at; however, a booming population base is not one of them.
As of July 2024, the estimated population of South Dakota was just a hair under one million people, to be precise, 924,669 residents.
According to our news gathering partner, Dakota News Now, a report from South Dakota News Watch says that U.S. Census Bureau data shows half of those nearly a million people are residing in just two metropolitan areas.
Both Sioux Falls and Rapid City have been enjoying population booms over the past few decades. Residents from in-state and curious newcomers from out of state, possibly lured in by tales of “no state income tax” and “really nice people,” are flocking to South Dakota's two largest cities.
According to a report from South Dakota News Watch, U.S Census Bureau data from 2023 revealed the estimated population of Sioux Falls itself was around 220,000 people, with a total metro area consisting of roughly 308,266 residents. Conversely, Rapid City has a population of 85,000 residents, with a total metro area of 156,227 people.
That same data shows that over 50% of the state’s population lives in both Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
What about the other 49%? They’re enjoying wide-open spaces and zero traffic in cities like Wall, Hill City, Yankton, Dell Rapids, Beresford, and Lone Tree.
What's causing the growth in South Dakota's two largest cities?
In the case of Sioux Falls, Mayor Paul TenHaken says the city’s growth is happening organically.
The city has a reputation for having a tax-friendly climate, affordable housing, plenty of job opportunities, and enough arts and culture to make your out-of-state relatives say, “Wait, this is South Dakota?”
Rapid City, on the other hand, tends to measure its growth as a result of a place where people choose to settle down to feel safe and prosper, according to their Mayor, Jason Salamun. Its proximity to the Black Hills also factors big-time into the equation.
Rapid has grown by nearly 10,000 people since 2020.
Quality of life plays a huge part in the population surge both cities are experiencing right now.
In the end, both cities are capable of giving you a big-city vibe, with just enough small-town charm, where you can still actually get to know your neighbors, without needing to know all their business.
This story was produced in partnership with South Dakota News Watch, an independent, nonprofit news organization. Read more in-depth stories at sdnewswatch.org and sign up for an email. Contact SDNW at info@sdnewswatch.org.