Meade County, South Dakota

In this article, we will explore the topic of Meade County, South Dakota in depth, analyzing its origins, evolution, relevance today and possible future developments. Meade County, South Dakota is a topic widely discussed and studied in different areas, arousing the interest of academics, researchers, professionals and the general public. Throughout history, Meade County, South Dakota has played a crucial role in various contexts, significantly influencing society, culture and everyday life. Through a comprehensive analysis, we will address the different perspectives and approaches that have been used to understand Meade County, South Dakota, as well as the implications and challenges it currently poses. Through this article, we seek to offer a comprehensive vision of Meade County, South Dakota and its impact on society, promoting a constructive and enriching debate on this very relevant topic.

Meade County
County
Black Hills National Cemetery
Black Hills National Cemetery
Map of South Dakota highlighting Meade County
Location within the U.S. state of South Dakota
Map of the United States highlighting South Dakota
South Dakota's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 44°34′N 102°43′W / 44.57°N 102.71°W / 44.57; -102.71
Country United States
State South Dakota
FoundedFebruary 7, 1889
Named afterGeorge Meade
SeatSturgis
Largest citySturgis
Area
 • Total
3,483 sq mi (9,020 km2)
 • Land3,471 sq mi (8,990 km2)
 • Water12 sq mi (30 km2)  0.3%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
29,852
 • Estimate 
(2024)
30,918 Increase
 • Density8.6/sq mi (3.3/km2)
Time zoneUTC−7 (Mountain)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−6 (MDT)
Congressional districtAt-large
Websitewww.meadecounty.org

Meade County is a county in the U.S. state of South Dakota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 29,852, making it the 6th most populous county in South Dakota.[1] Its county seat is Sturgis.[2] The county was created in 1889 and named for Fort Meade, which was garrisoned as a United States military post in the area in 1878 and itself named for General George Meade.[3]

Meade County is part of the Rapid City Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography

The upper part of Meade County is drained by Cherry Creek. The Cheyenne River flows northeastward along the southeast boundary of the county. The county terrain has mountain ridges in the west and southwest areas, with the remainder consisting of semi-arid rolling hills, partly dedicated to agriculture.[4] The county terrain slopes to the east and northeast; its highest point Flagstaff Mountain is near the southwest corner, at 5,421 ft (1,652 m) ASL.[5]

The county has an area of 3,483 square miles (9,020 km2), of which 3,471 square miles (8,990 km2) is land and 12 square miles (31 km2) (0.3%) is water.[6] It is South Dakota's largest county by area.

Major highways

Adjacent counties

Protected areas

Source:[4]

Lakes

Source:[4]

  • Bear Butte Lake
  • Curlew Lake
  • Durkee Lake
  • Opal Lake
  • Tisdale Dam

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18904,640—
19004,9075.8%
191012,640157.6%
19209,367−25.9%
193011,48222.6%
19409,735−15.2%
195011,51618.3%
196012,0444.6%
197016,61838.0%
198020,71724.7%
199021,8785.6%
200024,25310.9%
201025,4344.9%
202029,85217.4%
2024 (est.)30,918[7]3.6%
U.S. Decennial Census[8]
1790–1960[9] 1900–1990[10]
1990–2000[11] 2010–2020[1]

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, there were 29,852 people, 11,365 households, and 7,863 families residing in the county.[12] The population density was 8.6 inhabitants per square mile (3.3/km2). There were 12,357 housing units.

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 25,434 people, 9,903 households, and 7,067 families in the county. The population density was 7.3 inhabitants per square mile (2.8/km2). There were 11,000 housing units at an average density of 3.2 per square mile (1.2/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 92.0% white, 2.3% American Indian, 1.3% black or African American, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 0.8% from other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.0% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 40.5% were German, 15.3% were Irish, 13.2% were Norwegian, 11.3% were English, and 6.9% were American.

Of the 9,903 households, 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.2% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 28.6% were non-families, and 23.6% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.93. The median age was 35.9 years.

The median income for a household in the county was $46,180 and the median income for a family was $54,200. Males had a median income of $34,113 versus $27,548 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,045. About 6.6% of families and 10.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.1% of those under age 18 and 10.1% of those age 65 or over.

Communities

Cities

Town

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

Source:[4]

Townships

  • Dakota
  • Eagle
  • Elm Springs
  • Howard
  • Lakeside
  • Smithville
  • Upper Red Owl

Unorganized territories

  • Belle Fourche-Cheyenne Valleys
  • North Meade
  • Southwest Meade

Politics

Like most of the Black Hills, Meade County is heavily Republican. It last supported a Democrat for president in 1964.

United States presidential election results for Meade County, South Dakota[13]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 10,887 74.20% 3,421 23.32% 364 2.48%
2020 9,875 72.24% 3,285 24.03% 510 3.73%
2016 8,441 72.64% 2,223 19.13% 957 8.24%
2012 7,566 69.95% 2,928 27.07% 323 2.99%
2008 7,515 64.75% 3,751 32.32% 340 2.93%
2004 8,347 72.56% 2,941 25.57% 216 1.88%
2000 6,870 73.35% 2,267 24.20% 229 2.45%
1996 4,984 54.32% 2,960 32.26% 1,232 13.43%
1992 4,724 46.89% 2,694 26.74% 2,657 26.37%
1988 5,189 61.24% 3,212 37.91% 72 0.85%
1984 5,908 73.47% 2,093 26.03% 40 0.50%
1980 5,349 70.93% 1,721 22.82% 471 6.25%
1976 3,096 54.41% 2,478 43.55% 116 2.04%
1972 3,416 67.24% 1,633 32.15% 31 0.61%
1968 2,392 56.19% 1,522 35.75% 343 8.06%
1964 2,140 47.95% 2,323 52.05% 0 0.00%
1960 2,644 57.89% 1,923 42.11% 0 0.00%
1956 2,467 59.81% 1,658 40.19% 0 0.00%
1952 3,109 69.98% 1,334 30.02% 0 0.00%
1948 2,053 54.47% 1,681 44.60% 35 0.93%
1944 1,912 62.16% 1,164 37.84% 0 0.00%
1940 2,560 57.00% 1,931 43.00% 0 0.00%
1936 2,064 44.71% 2,304 49.91% 248 5.37%
1932 1,735 37.65% 2,687 58.31% 186 4.04%
1928 2,845 66.04% 1,441 33.45% 22 0.51%
1924 2,006 57.43% 786 22.50% 701 20.07%
1920 1,894 58.37% 894 27.55% 457 14.08%
1916 858 38.25% 1,224 54.57% 161 7.18%
1912 0 0.00% 975 43.72% 1,255 56.28%
1908 953 51.24% 792 42.58% 115 6.18%
1904 754 65.79% 268 23.39% 124 10.82%
1900 550 48.89% 565 50.22% 10 0.89%
1896 550 40.56% 802 59.14% 4 0.29%
1892 427 36.56% 128 10.96% 613 52.48%

Education

School districts include:[14]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ Andrews, John (June 14, 2016). "Cattle and Hogs". South Dakota Magazine.
  4. ^ a b c d "Meade County · South Dakota". Google Maps. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  5. ^ ""Find an Altitude" Google Maps (accessed February 6, 2019)". Archived from the original on May 21, 2019. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
  6. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  7. ^ "County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024". Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  8. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  9. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. 2007. Archived from the original on December 12, 2009. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  10. ^ Forstall, Richard L. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 19, 1999. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  11. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  12. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  13. ^ Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 15, 2018.
  14. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Meade County, SD" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved September 27, 2024. - Text list

44°34′N 102°43′W / 44.57°N 102.71°W / 44.57; -102.71