South Dakota State Facts & Information

As of July 2024, South Dakota's population is estimated at 924,669 residents, representing a 0.69% increase from 2023. The state has maintained consistent population growth every year since 1989, with most growth concentrated in urban areas like Sioux Falls (Minnehaha County) and Rapid City (Pennington County).

Larry Rhoden (Republican) became governor of South Dakota on January 25, 2025, following Kristi Noem's resignation to become U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. Rhoden previously served as Lieutenant Governor and will complete the final year of Noem's term through January 2027.

South Dakota's GDP in 2024 was $76.8 billion (nominal), with a real GDP of approximately $57.5 billion. The GDP per capita is $62,182, ranking 24th among all states. However, the state experienced economic stagnation with only 1.5% GDP growth, ranking 48th nationally, primarily due to severe workforce shortages with 33,000 open jobs.

Lincoln County (suburban Sioux Falls area) has grown 18.3% since 2020, making it the fastest-growing county. Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls) leads in total population at 213,000 and grew 7.8% since 2020. In the western part of the state, Pennington County (Rapid City) and Meade County showed strong growth at 8.7% and 5.2% respectively.

Pierre is the capital city of South Dakota. Located in the central part of the state along the Missouri River, Pierre is one of the smallest state capitals by population in the United States. Despite its small size, it serves as the political and administrative center of South Dakota state government.

South Dakota's economy is diverse, with agriculture, tourism, and financial services as key sectors. The professional and business services industry has shown the strongest growth, with 2024 GDP 1.7 times higher than 2014. Agriculture remains important, while tourism driven by Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills contributes significantly. Financial services, particularly credit card operations, also play a major role in the state economy.

South Dakota ranks 46th in total population among U.S. states with about 925,000 residents. The state has maintained steady growth averaging 0.93% annually from 2000 to 2024, for a total increase of 22.36% over this period. While the growth rate (0.69% in 2024) is moderate, the state has avoided population decline and maintains consistent positive growth, unlike many rural states that face population loss.

South Dakota's primary economic challenge in 2024 is a severe workforce shortage, with approximately 33,000 open positions. This labor shortage has contributed to economic stagnation, with the state ranking 48th in GDP growth. Many rural counties face population decline, with Jones County down 12% and Ziebach County declining 9.1%. Despite these challenges, personal income increased 4.4% in Q4 2024, and the state is experiencing a return to more normal growth patterns after unusually strong post-pandemic performance.