South Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is bordered by North Dakota to the north, Minnesota and Iowa to the east, Nebraska to the south, and Wyoming and Montana to the west. South Dakota is a diverse state with rolling hills, plains, rivers, and badlands that provide an abundance of outdoor activities for those seeking adventure.
The population of South Dakota is estimated at 884,659 people as of 2019. The largest city in South Dakota is Sioux Falls, which has a population of 176,888 people. Other major cities include Rapid City (75,715 people) and Aberdeen (27,890 people). The capital city of South Dakota is Pierre (population 14,014).
South Dakota is home to Mount Rushmore National Memorial which features four 60-foot sculptures of former U.S presidents carved into the face of Mount Rushmore. It’s also home to Badlands National Park which features eroded buttes and canyons along with abundant wildlife including bison and prairie dogs. Custer State Park boasts 71,000 acres of rolling hills with a variety of wildlife including bison herds while Wind Cave National Park houses one of the longest caves in the world as well as elk herds. Other attractions include The Corn Palace in Mitchell—a tourist attraction made entirely out of corn—and Wall Drug Store in Wall—a roadside attraction known for its 5-cent coffee offer.
South Dakota’s economy relies on agriculture and tourism as its primary sources income. Agriculture accounts for approximately 30 percent of all jobs in the state while tourism contributes over $3 billion annually to South Dakota’s economy each year with over 11 million visitors visiting annually from all over the world come for sightseeing opportunities like Mount Rushmore or camping trips across Badlands National Park or Custer State Park. Additionally South Dakota has become an attractive place for businesses due to its low tax rate which includes no corporate income tax or personal income tax on wages or salaries making it an attractive place for businesses looking for a low cost operating environment.
In terms education South Dakotans are served by both public and private schools ranging from elementary through college level institutions including several technical schools across the state such as Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls offering certificate programs ranging from accounting to welding technology. Additionally there are several universities located within South Dakota like University Of South Dakota located in Vermillion, University Of Sioux Falls, Augustana University, Black Hills State University, Northern State University, Sinte Gleska University, Oglala Lakota College, Presentation College & Sisseton Wahpeton College.
The climate within South Dakotan varies greatly depending on location but overall it can be described as humid continental climate with hot summers & cold winters. Average temperature range from -5 degrees Fahrenheit during winter months up 90 during summer months while annual precipitation ranges between 14 & 20 inches per year depending on location.
Overall known for its wide open spaces & beautiful scenery along with its abundance outdoor activities & attractions make it an ideal destination for travelers looking something different than what they find back home. With beautiful landscapes like Badlands National park & Mount Rushmore along with great educational opportunities & low tax environment that makes it attractive place business make it great place live work study & have fun at same time.
Cities in South Dakota
According to countryaah, South Dakota has the following main cities:
1. Sioux Falls: Located in the southeastern corner of South Dakota, Sioux Falls is the largest city in the state with a population of over 181,000. It’s home to many attractions such as the Great Plains Zoo, Falls Park, and the Washington Pavilion of Arts & Science.
2. Rapid City: Located in western South Dakota near Mount Rushmore, Rapid City is the second-largest city in South Dakota with a population of over 74,000. It’s known for its proximity to Badlands National Park and Black Hills National Forest as well as its historic downtown area and thriving art scene.
3. Pierre: Located on the banks of the Missouri River in central South Dakota, Pierre is the state capital and third-largest city with a population of over 14,000 people. It’s home to several attractions like Fort Pierre National Historic Landmark and Oahe Dam & Lake Sharpe Recreation Area.
4. Aberdeen: Located in northeastern South Dakota near the North Dakota border, Aberdeen is a small city with a population of just under 28,000 people. It’s known for its rich history and beautiful parks such as Wylie Park and Melgaard Park.
