The Most Popular City in South Dakota, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the city you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:33
When deciding where to visit or relocate within South Dakota, the popularity of a city can influence choices significantly. Various factors like cultural offerings, economic opportunities, and community vibe are crucial. By ranking cities based on popularity, individuals can benefit from collective opinions to make well-informed decisions.
This dynamic list serves as a current reflection of public preference, adjusting as new votes are cast. Whether you're a resident contemplating a move or a traveler planning your itinerary, your participation helps shape these rankings. Cast your vote today and see how your favorite city stacks up against others in the state.
What Is the Most Popular City in South Dakota?
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181votes
Jon Platek · CC BY-SA 3.0With a population of over 180,000, Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota and serves as a regional hub for commerce, healthcare, and entertainment. It is home to the Falls Park, a popular tourist attraction. -
237votes
Mr. Satterly · WTFPLRapid City is the second-largest city in South Dakota and serves as the gateway to the Black Hills region, which attracts millions of tourists every year. It is home to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Crazy Horse Memorial.Rapid City is the second most populous city in South Dakota, located in Pennington County. Situated on the eastern slopes of the Black Hills mountain range, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant urban life. The city is known for its rich history, museums, and recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination for tourists and residents alike.- Population: Approximately 77,000 residents
- Area: 55.49 square miles (143.6 km²)
- Elevation: 3,202 feet (976 meters)
- Geography: Located in the eastern foothills of the Black Hills
- Climate: Humid continental climate with cold winters and mild summers
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321votesAberdeen is a city in northeastern South Dakota that serves as an agricultural and retail center. It is home to Northern State University and Presentation College.Aberdeen is a captivating city located in the northeast of Scotland. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich history, it offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The city is nestled between the picturesque Dee and Don rivers, with stunning coastal views adding to its allure. Aberdeen seamlessly combines striking architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and warm hospitality, making it a favorite destination for visitors from around the world.
- Old Aberdeen: Preservation of historic medieval streets and buildings.
- Granite City: Famous for its sparkling granite buildings and landmarks.
- Beachfront and Coastal Attractions: Stunning sandy beaches, scenic promenades, and the dramatic North Sea coastline.
- Marischal College: One of the largest granite buildings in the world, housing an impressive university.
- Vibrant Cultural Scene: Theatres, museums, art galleries, and festivals showcasing local talent.
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417votesBrookings is a city in eastern South Dakota that is home to South Dakota State University, making it a college town. It is also home to the Children's Museum of South Dakota.Brookings is a picturesque coastal town located in Curry County, Oregon. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and charming small-town atmosphere. Situated along the southern Oregon coast, Brookings offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches. The town is surrounded by lush forests and scenic riverways, providing abundant opportunities for outdoor activities.
- Location: Curry County, Oregon
- Scenic Views: Breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and rugged cliffs
- Beaches: Pristine sandy beaches for leisure and recreation
- Forests: Surrounded by lush forests offering hiking and camping
- Riverways: Scenic riverways for fishing and boating
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524votesWatertown is a city in northeastern South Dakota that serves as a retail and healthcare center for the surrounding area. It is home to the Redlin Art Center, which features the works of wildlife artist Terry Redlin.Watertown is a city in South Dakota, known for its rich history and natural beauty. Situated on the Big Sioux River, it offers a combination of urban amenities and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city was founded in 1879 and has since become a thriving community with a welcoming atmosphere.
- Population: Approximately 23,000
- Area: 25.37 square miles
- Elevation: 1,752 feet (534 meters)
- Geography: Located in northeastern South Dakota, surrounded by plains and lakes
- Climate: Humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers
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613votesMitchell is a city in southeastern South Dakota that is home to the Mitchell Corn Palace, a unique building covered in corn murals. It is also home to the Dakota Discovery Museum.
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711votesYankton is a city in southeastern South Dakota that is situated on the Missouri River, making it a popular spot for boating and fishing. It is home to Mount Marty College.Yankton is a popular city located in the southeastern part of South Dakota, United States. It stretches across both Yankton County and Cedar County. It is situated along the Missouri River and serves as the county seat of Yankton County.
- Population: Approximately 15,000
- Area: 13.49 square miles
- Founded: 1858
- County Seat: Yankton County
- Elevation: 1,217 feet above sea level
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86votesPierre is the capital city of South Dakota and is located in central South Dakota. It is home to the South Dakota State Capitol and the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center.Pierre is the capital city of South Dakota and is considered one of the most popular cities in the state. It is located along the eastern bank of the Missouri River, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding landscapes. Pierre is known for its rich history, charming small-town feel, and vibrant community.
- Population: Approximately 14,000
- Area: 13.07 square miles
- Year of Incorporation: 1880
- State Capital: South Dakota
- Official Language: English
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92votesVermillion is a city in southeastern South Dakota that is home to the University of South Dakota, making it a college town. It is also home to the National Music Museum.Vermillion is a small city located in southeastern South Dakota. It is the county seat of Clay County and home to the University of South Dakota. The city has a rich history and offers a variety of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. Vermillion is known for its beautiful riverfront area along the Missouri River and is a vibrant community with a welcoming atmosphere.
- Population: Around 10,500
- University: Home to the University of South Dakota (USD)
- Missouri River: Located along the banks of the Missouri River
- County Seat: Clay County seat
- Cultural Opportunities: Vermillion offers various cultural events throughout the year
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1011votesSpearfish is a city in western South Dakota that is situated in the Black Hills region. It is home to Black Hills State University and the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.Spearfish is a vibrant city located in Lawrence County, South Dakota. It is nestled in the northern Black Hills region and is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and friendly community atmosphere. The city offers a mix of small-town charm and modern amenities, making it a sought-after destination for residents and tourists alike.
- Population: Approximately 12,000
- Area: Approximately 10 square miles
- Elevation: 3,642 feet (1,110 meters)
- Geography: Surrounded by hills and canyons, including Spearfish Canyon—a scenic marvel known for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and stunning fall foliage
- Climate: Spearfish experiences a temperate continental climate with cool winters and pleasant summers
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Ranking factors for popular city
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PopulationThe number of residents in the city is a significant indicator of its popularity.
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TourismThe number of tourists and visitors the city attracts due to its attractions, events, and natural beauty.
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Employment opportunitiesA city with a diverse and robust job market will attract more people who want to live and work there.
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Infrastructure and public servicesA city with good infrastructure, including transportation, schools, healthcare, and other public services, will be more attractive to residents.
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Cost of livingCities with a lower cost of living are often more popular because they're more affordable for residents.
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Safety and crime ratesPeople tend to prefer cities with lower crime rates and better safety measures in place.
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Recreation and entertainment optionsA city with a variety of recreational activities, parks, and entertainment options will generally be more popular.
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Cultural and historical significanceCities with rich histories, cultural attractions, and diverse populations can be very appealing to residents and tourists alike.
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Climate and geographical featuresThe local climate and natural features of the area, such as mountains, rivers, and lakes, can also contribute to a city's popularity.
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Sports and eventsCities that are home to major sports teams or host large events (e.g. festivals, conferences, and conventions) can attract more attention and visitors.
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Local economyA city with a healthy local economy will generally be more attractive due to investment opportunities and overall stability.
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Educational institutionsCities with well-regarded universities, colleges, and schools can be more popular due to the educational opportunities they provide.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular city in South Dakota. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or city is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1898 views
- 226 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each city once every 24 hours. The rank of each city is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular city in south dakota
South Dakota may not be the most populous state in the US, but it still boasts a number of vibrant and exciting cities. From the bustling metropolis of Sioux Falls to the charming small town of Deadwood, South Dakota has something for everyone. But when it comes to popularity, one city stands out above the rest. So, which city is it? According to our polls and rankings, the most popular city in South Dakota is none other than Rapid City. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and dynamic downtown scene, it's no wonder that Rapid City has captured the hearts of so many. Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a fun and welcoming community, Rapid City has something to offer. So, if you're planning a trip to South Dakota, be sure to put Rapid City at the top of your list!
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