South Dakota

The state is known for its scenic byways and stunning natural landscape that includes vast prairies, rolling hills, picturesque rivers, the Badlands National Park with its striking rock formations, and the majestic Black Hills.

The Black Hills region is particularly renowned for its dense forests, hiking trails, and iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.

It is a fairly inexpensive state compared to the rest of the states in the union. For the real estate market, it has a strong growth over the last year, the market is competitive and strong. For instance, the median price of a home in South Dakota is approximately $268,000. This is so much lower than the average cost of a home in a state like California which is roughly $799,000.

State highlights

South Dakota was admitted to the Union as the 40th state on November 2, 1889.

Before becoming a state, South Dakota was part of the Dakota Territory, which was created in 1861. The territory encompassed parts of what is now North and South Dakota.

The discovery of gold in the Black Hills in the 1870s led to a gold rush, attracting miners and settlers to the region.

The famous Lakota Sioux leader Sitting Bull surrendered to U.S. authorities at Fort Buford in North Dakota in 1881 after years of resisting encroachment on Lakota lands.

The famous author of the ’Little House on the Prairie’ series, Laura Ingalls Wilder, lived in De Smet, South Dakota, for a time. Her family’s experiences in the region inspired some of her books.

The Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, located in north-central South Dakota, is home to the historic Cheyenne River Sundance, a major annual Lakota Sioux ceremony.

The Mount Rushmore National Memorial was a key location in the 2007 film ’National Treasure: Book of Secrets,’ starring Nicolas Cage.

The town of historic Deadwood, South Dakota, known for its Wild West history, inspired the creation of the popular TV series ’Deadwood,’ which aired from 2004 to 2006.

South Dakota has been home to musicians such as folk icon Bob Dylan, who attended high school in Hibbing, Minnesota, just across the state border.

The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra made an appearance on the popular reality show ’America’s Got Talent’ in 2018, showcasing the state’s cultural offerings.

Native American art and craftsmanship, including beadwork, pottery, and traditional clothing, continue to be an important cultural aspect in South Dakota’s Native communities.

Geographic location

South Dakota is bordered by North Dakota to the north, Minnesota to the east, Iowa to the southeast, Nebraska to the south, Wyoming to the west, and Montana to the northwest. South Dakota has a total area of 77,116 square miles.

Climate

South Dakota experiences a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Here’s an overview of the climate you can expect in the state:

Winters in South Dakota are cold and can be quite harsh, especially in the northern and western parts of the state. Average temperatures can range from the mid-10 °F in the daytime to sub-zero temperatures at night.

Snowfall is common, and snow cover can persist for much of the season, particularly in the central and eastern regions.

Spring sees a gradual warming trend, with temperatures becoming more pleasant. Average temperatures can range from the 40s to 60s °F in the daytime.

Spring can be characterized by rapidly changing weather, including occasional rain showers and thunderstorms.

Summers in South Dakota are warm to hot, especially in the central and eastern parts of the state. Average daytime temperatures can range from the 80s to low 90s °F, though heatwaves can push temperatures higher.

Humidity levels are generally moderate, and the region experiences more sunshine during this season.

Autumn is marked by cooler temperatures and the changing of leaves, particularly in the Black Hills region. Average temperatures start to decrease, ranging from the 50s to 70s °F in the daytime.

Fall can be a relatively pleasant time to visit, as the weather is often stable and comfortable.

South Dakota is prone to various types of severe weather, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and blizzards. Thunderstorms are common in spring and summer and can bring heavy rainfall, hail, and lightning. Tornadoes are most frequent in the late spring and summer months, with the eastern part of the state being more susceptible.

The climate can vary significantly across South Dakota due to its diverse geography. The eastern part of the state tends to have a slightly milder climate due to its proximity to the Great Lakes, while the western part experiences more arid conditions.

Demography

The capital of South Dakota is Pierre and the largest city in the South Dakota state is Sioux Falls. Other major cities include Rapid City, Brookings, Aberdeen, and Pierre, According to the U.S Census Bureau in 2022, it had an estimated population of 909,824 people.

South Dakota has a diverse population with various ethnic and racial backgrounds. The largest ethnic group is non-Hispanic White, Hispanic or Latino, African American, Native American Indians, and Asian.

Native Americans, primarily belonging to Lakota Sioux and other tribes, have a significant presence in the state, particularly in reservations.

South Dakota has a younger median age than the rest of the U.S., at around 37.6 years old compared to the national average of 38.5.

Cost of Living

The cost of living is reported to be low at South Dakota State. Sioux Falls has a median home price of about $268,000. Which is lower than the national average of $339,048. Median income levels can vary based on factors such as education, occupation, and location within South Dakota. The average median income in South Dakota is approximately $50,338.

The average salary in the state of South Dakota is approximately $ 55,189 per year.

Transportation

South Dakota has an extensive network of highways and roads that connect different parts of the state. Interstate 90 (I-90) is a major east-west route that crosses the state, while Interstate 29 (I-29) runs along the eastern border. State routes and U.S. highways also provide essential transportation links between cities, towns, and rural areas.

South Dakota is served by several airports, with the largest and busiest being Sioux Falls Regional Airport (Joe Foss Field) in Sioux Falls and Rapid City Regional Airport in Rapid City. These airports offer both domestic and limited international flights.

Public transit options are more limited in South Dakota compared to larger urban areas. However, cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City do have some local bus services. Public transit availability can vary depending on the size and location of the city.

Railroads have historically played a significant role in South Dakota’s transportation, especially in the movement of goods such as agricultural products and minerals. Some passenger rail services are available, primarily through Amtrak’s Empire Builder route, which stops in cities like Sioux Falls and Yankton.

One of the challenges in South Dakota’s transportation infrastructure is the vast rural landscape, which can lead to longer travel times and limited transportation options in certain areas.

Schools

South Dakota has several notable schools including elementary, middle, and high schools, and universities. The following list is some of the best universities in South Dakota.

University of South Dakota (USD): Located in Vermillion, it is the flagship university of South Dakota. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

South Dakota State University (SDSU): Situated in Brookings, it is known for its strong agricultural and engineering programs. It offers numerous degree programs across various disciplines.

Dakota State University (DSU): Located in Madison, it is known for its programs in computer science, information technology, and digital media.

Northern State University: Based in Aberdeen, it offers programs in arts, business, education, and the sciences.

Black Hills State University (BHSU): Situated in Spearfish, it offers programs in areas such as business, education, arts, and sciences.

Presentation College: With campuses in Aberdeen and Eagle Butte, Presentation College offers programs in health sciences, nursing, and other fields.

Oglala Lakota College: This tribal college, headquartered in Kyle, focuses on providing higher education to the Lakota Sioux community and offers various associate and bachelor’s degree programs.

Lake Area Technical College: Located in Watertown, this college is known for its hands-on technical programs in fields such as agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Southeast Technical College: With campuses in Sioux Falls and other locations, this college offers a range of technical and vocational programs.

What is the state like?

The state has a rich Native American history, especially among the Lakota Sioux tribes, whose influence is still palpable in the culture and communities.

The state of South Dakota played a role in westward expansion and the exploration of the American frontier, as evidenced by historical sites and museums.

South Dakota’s natural beauty encourages outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation.

The Missouri River, which runs through the state, offers recreational opportunities for boating and water sports.

South Dakota’s population is a mix of various ethnic groups, including Native Americans, European settlers, and more recent immigrants. This diversity is reflected in the state’s cultural events, festivals, and cuisine.