South Dakota: elevation, cities and highest point
South Dakota has 935,094 people (2025) and 66 counties. Its highest point is Black Elk Peak, at 7,242 ft, and its lowest, Big Stone Lake, at 966 ft. Here you’ll find the elevation of its capital and its summit, with a map of its counties.
By the Mapsfera Team
- Population (2025)
- 935,094
- The 46th most populous of the 50 states
- Land area
- 75,808 sq mi
- The 16th largest state
- Counties
- 66
- According to the Census (2025)
- Lowest point
- 966 ft
- Big Stone Lake
Map of South Dakota’s counties
- Capital’s county
- County with a city page
- City, by elevation
- Highest point
Elevation
The capital, Pierre, sits at 1,479 ft (451 m): the 9th highest of the 50 state capitals. South Dakota’s highest point, Black Elk Peak, is 162 mi away in a straight line and 5,763 ft higher.
Between its highest point (7,242 ft) and its lowest (966 ft) there’s 6,276 ft of relief, according to the USGS table. Of the 50 state high points, South Dakota’s is the 15th highest.
South Dakota borders 6 states. Their highest points are Panorama Point, in Nebraska (5,424 ft), Gannett Peak, in Wyoming (13,804 ft), White Butte, in North Dakota (3,506 ft), Hawkeye Point, in Iowa (1,670 ft), Eagle Mountain, in Minnesota (2,301 ft), and Granite Peak, in Montana (12,799 ft): South Dakota’s is the 3rd highest of the 7. Their capitals: Lincoln (1,202 ft), Cheyenne (6,091 ft), Bismarck (1,695 ft), Des Moines (872 ft), St. Paul (789 ft), and Helena (4,048 ft).
- Black Elk Peak 7,242 ft
- Pierre 1,479 ft
Population
South Dakota had 935,094 residents on July 1, 2025, according to Census Bureau estimates, 5.5% more than in April 2020 (886,656). Across 75,808 sq mi of land, that’s 12 people/sq mi.
Its most populous place is Sioux Falls, with 213,748 people. The Census counts 485 cities, towns and census-designated places (CDPs) in South Dakota.
| Place | Population | Land area | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | 213,748 | 84.5 sq mi | — |
| Rapid City | 80,589 | 56.0 sq mi | — |
| Aberdeen | 27,961 | 16.6 sq mi | — |
| Brookings | 25,355 | 14.0 sq mi | — |
| Watertown | 23,736 | 18.4 sq mi | — |
| Yankton | 15,816 | 8.74 sq mi | — |
| Mitchell | 15,756 | 11.5 sq mi | — |
| Huron | 14,607 | 9.85 sq mi | — |
| Spearfish | 14,154 | 17.3 sq mi | — |
| Box Elder | 13,936 | 14.9 sq mi | — |
Neighboring states
Tools
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest point in South Dakota?
Black Elk Peak, at 7,242 ft, according to the USGS table. It’s the 15th highest of the 50 state high points.
What is the lowest point in South Dakota?
Big Stone Lake, at 966 ft, according to the same USGS table.
What is the elevation of Pierre, the capital?
1,479 ft above sea level, at its reference point in the USGS gazetteer. It’s the 9th highest state capital.
How many counties does South Dakota have?
66, according to the Census Bureau in 2025.
Sources
- Population, land area and counties: U.S. Census Bureau (Vintage 2025 estimates and 2025 Gazetteer), public domain.
- Highest and lowest points: USGS, “Elevations and Distances in the United States” (and, for Denali, the 2015 survey), public domain.
- City elevations: USGS 3DEP at each city’s GNIS point, public domain.
- County map: U.S. Census Bureau, 2025 Cartographic Boundary Files (1:500,000).
Methodology and sources · Spotted a mistake? Let us know