Largest Cities in South Dakota (2011)

This article is the forty-first in a 50 state series: it lists the largest cities in South Dakota by population size and provides demographic details for each city–total population, population by age group, racial composition of the population, land area, and population density.

This article was updated to include the latest 1-year and 3-year population estimates from the United States Census Bureau where available.

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1. Largest Cities in South Dakota: Sioux Falls, SD

Located in southeastern South Dakota, Sioux Falls is the largest city in the state with an estimated population of 167,262.

Grouped by age, 23.9% of the population is under 18, 10.7% is 18 to 24, 29.2% is 25 to 44, 24.4% is 45 to 64, and 11.8% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 34.7.

The racial composition of the city is 88.9% White, 2.9% Black or African American, 2.5% Native American, 1.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.1% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. The population is 4.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

The land area of the city is 56.32 square miles. The city’s population density is 2,669.85 people per square mile.

2. Largest Cities in South Dakota: Rapid City, SD

Situated in the central part of western South Dakota, Rapid City is the second largest city in the state with an estimated population of 67,097. Mount Rushmore is located just outside of the city limits.

Classified by age, 24.5% of the population is under 18, 11.7% is 18 to 24, 25.2% is 25 to 44, 24.9% is 45 to 64, and 13.7% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 35.2.

The racial complexion of the city is 81.3% White, 1.9% Black or African American, 10.7% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 4.1% from two or more races. The population is 4.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

The land area of the city is 44.59 square miles. The city’s population density is 1,504.75 people per square mile.

3. Largest Cities in South Dakota: Aberdeen, SD

Situated in northeastern South Dakota, Aberdeen is the fourth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 24,921.

Sorted by age, 20.7% of the population is under 18, 13.5% is 18 to 24, 24.3% is 25 to 44, 23.7% is 45 to 64, and 17.8% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 37.2.

The racial makeup of the city is 93.3% White, 3.6% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 2.2% from two or more races. The population is 0.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

The land area of the city is 12.96 square miles. The city’s population density is 1,922.92 people per square mile.

4. Largest Cities in South Dakota: Water town, SD

Located in northeastern South Dakota, Water town is the fifth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 20,593.

Arranged by age, 24.2% of the population is under 18, 10.1% is 18 to 24, 26.0% is 25 to 44, 23.8% is 45 to 64, and 15.9% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 35.8.

The racial mix of the city is 95.6% White, 3.8% Native American, and 0.6% from two or more races. The population is 1.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

The land area of the city is 15.23 square miles. The city’s population density is 1,352.13 people per square mile.

5. Largest Cities in South Dakota: Bookings, SD

Located in the central part of eastern South Dakota, Bookings is the fifth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 19,942.

A comparatively large percentage of the population is college-aged: the city is home to South Dakota State University. Categorized by age, 18.8% of the population is under 18, 26.9% is 18 to 24, 22.8% is 25 to 44, 21.1% is 45 to 64, and 10.4% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 27.8.

The racial profile of the city is 95.2% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.6% Native American, 1.6% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. The population is 1.1% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

The land area of the city is 11.94 square miles. The city’s population density is 1,670.18 people per square mile.

Source(s):

“2009 AC’S 1-year Estimates,” U.S. Census Bureau
“2007-2009 AC’S 3-year Estimates,” U.S. Census Bureau
“2006-2008 AC’S 3-year Estimates,” U.S. Census Bureau
“Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2000,” U.S. Census Bureau