Unites States >> States >> South Dakota
South Dakota Population Overview (2026 Projection)
South Dakota is a U.S. state in the North Central region of the United States. It 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 is the fifth least populous state in the United States. The total land area of the state is 75,811 square miles (196,350 square kilometers), with an average population density of about 12 people per square mile. This makes South Dakota the 5th least densely populated state in the U.S. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, South Dakota had a population of 886,667 (0.88 million).
As of July 1, 2024, the estimated population of South Dakota is 924,669, which is approximately 0.92 million people.
👉 Projected Population of South Dakota (2026): ~0.95 million
South Dakota Population Growth (2010–2020)
South Dakota recorded a population growth rate of 8.9% between 2010 and 2020, adding approximately 72,487 residents during the decade. This growth has been supported by steady economic development, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors.
The median age of South Dakota’s population is about 36.8 years, making it one of the younger states in the region. The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 49.7% females and 50.3% males.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 886,667 (0.88 million) |
| Percentage Change | 8.9% |
| Population Rank | 46th |
| Total Land Area | 75,811 sq mi (196,350 km²) |
| Area Rank | 17th |
| Population Density | 11.50/sq mi (4.44/km²) |
| Capital City | Pierre |
| Largest City | Sioux Falls |
South Dakota Historical Population
South Dakota’s population has grown significantly since the mid-19th century, particularly during periods of settlement and economic expansion. While growth was rapid in the late 1800s due to westward migration, the state experienced fluctuations during the 20th century, reflecting agricultural shifts and urban development. By the 2020 Census, South Dakota’s population reached 886,667, marking continued steady growth into the 21st century.
South Dakota Population by Census Year (1860–2020)
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1860 | 4,837 | — |
| 1870 | 11,776 | 143.50% |
| 1880 | 98,268 | 734.50% |
| 1890 | 348,600 | 254.70% |
| 1900 | 401,570 | 15.20% |
| 1910 | 583,888 | 45.40% |
| 1920 | 636,547 | 9.00% |
| 1930 | 692,849 | 8.80% |
| 1940 | 642,961 | −7.20% |
| 1950 | 652,740 | 1.50% |
| 1960 | 680,514 | 4.30% |
| 1970 | 665,507 | −2.20% |
| 1980 | 690,768 | 3.80% |
| 1990 | 696,004 | 0.80% |
| 2000 | 754,844 | 8.50% |
| 2010 | 814,180 | 7.90% |
| 2020 | 886,667 | 8.90% |
South Dakota Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations
Christianity is the majority religion in South Dakota, followed by approximately 79% of the population. The largest Christian denominations are Protestants (58%) and Roman Catholics (22%).
The Unaffiliated population accounts for about 18% of residents, who do not follow any religious faith. Other non-Christian religions make up roughly 3%, including Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and other smaller faiths.
For more details, read Religion in South Dakota
Race and Ethnicity in South Dakota
In 2020, the White alone (non-Hispanic) population was the largest racial or ethnic group in South Dakota, comprising 79.58% of the total population. This was followed by the Native American population at 8.41%, Hispanic or Latino at 4.37%, two or more races at 3.57%, and African Americans at 1.97%.
Ancestry in South Dakota
According to census studies and population estimates, the most common ancestry groups in South Dakota are German, Norwegian, Irish, English, and American.
For more details, read Race and Ethnicity in South Dakota
Top Cities and counties in South Dakota
As of 2022, South Dakota is divided into 66 counties. The most populated counties are Minnehaha (188,616) and Pennington (110,141), while Meade County is the largest by land area at 3,471 sq mi.
The largest city in South Dakota is Sioux Falls, with a population of 192,517, making it the only city in the state with more than 100,000 residents. Other major cities include Rapid City (74,703) and Aberdeen (28,495).
Read more about Cities and Counties in South Dakota
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about South Dakota
What is the population of South Dakota in 2026?
South Dakota’s population is projected to be approximately 0.95 million in 2026, based on recent trends and census projections.
Is South Dakota one of the least populated states?
Yes. South Dakota is the fifth least populous state in the United States, but it is also among the least densely populated due to its large land area.
Which city is the largest in South Dakota?
Sioux Falls is the largest city in the state, with a population of 192,517, followed by Rapid City and Aberdeen.
Has South Dakota’s population grown recently?
Yes. The state experienced a population growth of 8.9% between 2010 and 2020, adding over 72,000 residents during the decade.
Why is South Dakota’s population density so low?
South Dakota’s low population density is due to its large land area and rural landscape, with population concentrated in a few urban centers like Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
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