Summary
- • Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota with a population of 192,517 (2021 estimate)
- • Rapid City is the second-largest city in South Dakota with a population of 74,703 (2021 estimate)
- • Aberdeen is the third-largest city in South Dakota with a population of 28,495 (2021 estimate)
- • Brookings is the fourth-largest city in South Dakota with a population of 24,509 (2021 estimate)
- • Watertown is the fifth-largest city in South Dakota with a population of 22,655 (2021 estimate)
- • Sioux Falls has experienced a 22.1% population growth from 2010 to 2020
- • Rapid City saw a 12.5% population increase from 2010 to 2020
- • Aberdeen's population grew by 3.5% from 2010 to 2020
- • Brookings experienced a 10.5% population growth from 2010 to 2020
- • Watertown's population increased by 3.2% from 2010 to 2020
- • Sioux Falls has a median household income of $61,738 (2020)
- • Rapid City's median household income is $54,126 (2020)
- • Aberdeen has a median household income of $52,735 (2020)
- • Brookings' median household income is $51,170 (2020)
- • Watertown has a median household income of $52,872 (2020)
Bigger doesnt always mean better, but in South Dakotas case, it sure brings a lot of charm, and a whole bunch of numbers to crunch! From the bustling streets of Sioux Falls, the largest city with a population of 192,517, to the scenic landscapes of Rapid City sitting in second place, this state has a mix of stats worth a closer look. So, grab your calculators and join us as we dive into the fascinating figures behind the largest cities in South Dakota, where populations grow, incomes vary, and each city has a unique story to tell!
Demographics
- Sioux Falls has a median age of 34.9 years
- Rapid City's median age is 37.4 years
- Aberdeen has a median age of 35.3 years
- Brookings' median age is 24.5 years
- Watertown has a median age of 37.1 years
- Sioux Falls has 85.1% white population
- Rapid City's white population is 77.8%
- Aberdeen has 86.6% white population
- Brookings' white population is 87.5%
- Watertown has 91.8% white population
Interpretation
In this South Dakota tale of the tape, it seems that while some cities may boast about their youthful energy, others flaunt their seasoned maturity. With a blend of ages ranging from the sprightly 24.5 in Brookings to the ripe 37.4 in Rapid City, it's clear that each city has its own unique demographic flavor. And let's not forget the snowy complexion of the majority, with white populations ranging from 77.8% in Rapid City to a frosty 91.8% in Watertown. So, whether you prefer your cities like a fine wine, aging gracefully, or like a burst of youthful exuberance, South Dakota has a spot for everyone in its diverse patchwork quilt of communities.
Economic Indicators
- Sioux Falls has a median household income of $61,738 (2020)
- Rapid City's median household income is $54,126 (2020)
- Aberdeen has a median household income of $52,735 (2020)
- Brookings' median household income is $51,170 (2020)
- Watertown has a median household income of $52,872 (2020)
- Sioux Falls has a poverty rate of 10.7% (2020)
- Rapid City's poverty rate is 14.1% (2020)
- Aberdeen has a poverty rate of 14.5% (2020)
- Brookings' poverty rate is 23.1% (2020)
- Watertown has a poverty rate of 11.9% (2020)
Interpretation
As South Dakota's largest cities jockey for top rankings in median household income, it seems money talks louder than Mount Rushmore. With Sioux Falls leading the pack and Brookings bringing up the rear, these statistics paint a revealing picture of economic disparities across the state. Rapid City may be swift in name, but its residents face a higher poverty rate compared to their suburban counterparts in Sioux Falls. Meanwhile, Aberdeen and Watertown find themselves treading water in the income race. It's a tale of two South Dakotas—one where prosperity flows like the Missouri River and another where financial struggles linger like ghosts in the prairie winds.
Education
- Sioux Falls has a high school graduation rate of 93.3%
- Rapid City's high school graduation rate is 92.5%
- Aberdeen has a high school graduation rate of 92.4%
- Brookings' high school graduation rate is 96.3%
- Watertown has a high school graduation rate of 92.3%
- Sioux Falls has a bachelor's degree or higher rate of 34.9%
- Rapid City's bachelor's degree or higher rate is 30.8%
- Aberdeen has a bachelor's degree or higher rate of 30.4%
- Brookings' bachelor's degree or higher rate is 51.2%
- Watertown has a bachelor's degree or higher rate of 25.9%
Interpretation
In the land of Mount Rushmore and friendly faces, South Dakota’s largest cities seem to have a knack for tossing caps in the air with impressive high school graduation rates that could make any parent beam with pride. However, when it comes to wielding those diplomas in the real world, Brookings stands as the ivory tower of the bunch with over half of its residents flaunting bachelor’s degrees, perhaps crafting a workforce as sharp as the tip of a corn stalk. Meanwhile, Sioux Falls might be the cool kid in class with a not-too-shabby bachelor’s degree rate and the highest high school graduation rate, proving that balance is key in the school of life.
Geography
- Sioux Falls has a land area of 78.04 square miles
- Rapid City covers a land area of 55.49 square miles
- Aberdeen has a land area of 15.60 square miles
- Brookings covers a land area of 13.29 square miles
- Watertown has a land area of 25.04 square miles
- Sioux Falls has a population density of 2,109.5 people per square mile
- Rapid City's population density is 1,226.5 people per square mile
- Aberdeen has a population density of 1,826.0 people per square mile
- Brookings' population density is 1,844.9 people per square mile
- Watertown has a population density of 904.8 people per square mile
Interpretation
In the land of wide-open spaces, South Dakota's largest cities are making the most of their real estate. From the sprawling streets of Sioux Falls to the compact coziness of Brookings, each city is carving out its own niche in the prairie. The population densities of these urban oases may vary, but one thing is clear: whether you prefer elbow room or a neighborly chat over the picket fence, there's a corner of South Dakota just for you. Just remember, in the land of Mount Rushmore and buffalo herds, size isn't everything - sometimes it's all about how you use what you've got.
Housing
- Sioux Falls has a homeownership rate of 62.3%
- Rapid City's homeownership rate is 60.7%
- Aberdeen has a homeownership rate of 60.8%
- Brookings' homeownership rate is 43.5%
- Watertown has a homeownership rate of 65.1%
- Sioux Falls has a median home value of $214,000
- Rapid City's median home value is $202,300
- Aberdeen has a median home value of $156,900
- Brookings' median home value is $190,800
- Watertown has a median home value of $167,300
- Sioux Falls has an average household size of 2.40 persons
- Rapid City's average household size is 2.33 persons
- Aberdeen has an average household size of 2.27 persons
- Brookings' average household size is 2.29 persons
- Watertown has an average household size of 2.30 persons
Interpretation
In the land of South Dakota, where the buffalo roam and the homeowners stay put, the numbers paint a picture of homely havens and cozy abodes. Sioux Falls leads the pack with a homeownership rate that whispers of stability at 62.3%, while Rapid City and Aberdeen trail closely behind, not willing to let go of their own little slices of the American dream. Brookings may have a smaller average household size at 2.29 persons, but don't let that fool you - they cherish their homes just as much, even with a homeownership rate dipping below 50%. And amidst the prairies and rolling hills, Watertown stands tall with a homeownership rate of 65.1%, proving that in South Dakota, the value of a home goes far beyond the price tag.
Population
- Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota with a population of 192,517 (2021 estimate)
- Rapid City is the second-largest city in South Dakota with a population of 74,703 (2021 estimate)
- Aberdeen is the third-largest city in South Dakota with a population of 28,495 (2021 estimate)
- Brookings is the fourth-largest city in South Dakota with a population of 24,509 (2021 estimate)
- Watertown is the fifth-largest city in South Dakota with a population of 22,655 (2021 estimate)
Interpretation
In the bustling prairies of South Dakota, the urban landscape is as diverse as a patchwork quilt, with Sioux Falls reigning supreme as the state's alpha city, boasting a population that could fill a football stadium on a good day. Rapid City may be nipping at its heels, but Aberdeen, Brookings, and Watertown are holding their own as pockets of vibrant community life where each resident is more than just a face in the crowd. In this land of vast skies and boundless horizons, the numbers may tell a tale of population rankings, but the true story lies in the heartbeat of each city, where the people create the real magic that makes South Dakota more than just a stop along the road.
Population Growth
- Sioux Falls has experienced a 22.1% population growth from 2010 to 2020
- Rapid City saw a 12.5% population increase from 2010 to 2020
- Aberdeen's population grew by 3.5% from 2010 to 2020
- Brookings experienced a 10.5% population growth from 2010 to 2020
- Watertown's population increased by 3.2% from 2010 to 2020
Interpretation
As South Dakota's largest cities jostle for population growth bragging rights, Sioux Falls emerges as the undisputed champion, showcasing a jaw-dropping 22.1% surge in residents over the past decade. Rapid City's 12.5% increase earns it a respectable second place, while Brookings' 10.5% growth proves that bigger isn't always better. With Aberdeen and Watertown experiencing modest population upticks of 3.5% and 3.2% respectively, it seems the allure of small-town charm still holds strong in the Mount Rushmore State.
