South Dakota

North America, United States
United States

People from South Dakota are called:

Male/General:

South Dakotan

Pronunciation:

/ˌsaʊθ dəˈkoʊtən/

Quick Facts

Population:
920,000 (2024 est.)
Country:
United States
Region:
North America

Explore South Dakota

Want to explore where South Dakotans live? Here's the atlas that does it best:

National Geographic Atlas of the World

Highly detailed, stunning visuals

See more options

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Etymology & Origin

'Dakota' derives from a Sioux word meaning 'allies' or 'friends'; 'South' distinguishes it from North Dakota.

Notable People Associated with South Dakota

The area's rich history is reflected in the remarkable people connected to it.

Politics & Leadership

Sitting Bull

Grand River, South Dakota

Hunkpapa Lakota leader who led his people during years of resistance against United States government policies.

Victory at the Battle of the Little Bighorn
Crazy Horse

Bear Butte, South Dakota

Lakota war leader of the Oglala band in the 19th century, known for his bravery in battle.

Leadership at the Battle of the Little Bighorn
Hubert Humphrey

Wallace, South Dakota

38th Vice President of the United States and a prominent leader of the Democratic Party.

Civil rights advocacy and the Great Society

Music & Entertainment

Tom Brokaw

Webster, South Dakota

Journalist and author best known as the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News for 22 years.

The Greatest Generation
January Jones

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Actress and model best known for her role as Betty Draper in the television series 'Mad Men'.

Mad Men

Business & Innovation

Ernest Lawrence

Canton, South Dakota

Nobel Prize-winning physicist known for his invention of the cyclotron.

Invention of the cyclotron

Sports Legends

Sparky Anderson

Bridgewater, South Dakota

Baseball manager who led both the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers to World Series championships.

Hall of Fame baseball manager
Becky Hammon

Rapid City, South Dakota

Professional basketball coach and former player, the first female full-time assistant coach in the NBA.

Pioneering female coach in the NBA

About South Dakota

  • Capital city: Pierre.
  • Home to Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
  • Economy includes agriculture, tourism, and financial services.
  • Admitted as the 40th state in 1889.

Test Your Knowledge

Challenge yourself with our demonym quizzes and see how many you can get right!

Take a Quiz →