Lyman County, South Dakota

Lyman County

General Information
Name
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	U.S. county
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
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Location
Coordinates	{{{1}}}°{{{2}}} {{{3}}}°{{{4}}}
Map
Population
Total	3755
Density	per km²
Area
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Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
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Lyman County is a county located in the state of South Dakota, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 3,755. The county seat is Kennebec, and the largest city is Presho.

History

Lyman County was created in 1873 and organized in 1893. It was named for W.W. Lyman, a politician and member of the South Dakota State Legislature. The county has a rich history tied to the development of the Great Plains and the expansion of the railroad system in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,707 square miles (4,420 km²), of which 1,641 square miles (4,250 km²) is land and 66 square miles (170 km²) (3.9%) is water. The county is characterized by its rolling plains and the presence of the Missouri River, which forms part of its eastern boundary.

Adjacent counties

• Stanley County - north
• Hughes County - northeast
• Hyde County - east
• Buffalo County - southeast
• Brule County - south
• Jones County - west

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 3,755 people, 1,500 households, and 1,000 families residing in the county. The population density was 2.3 inhabitants per square mile (0.89/km²). The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with a significant Native American population.

Economy

The economy of Lyman County is primarily based on agriculture, with cattle ranching and crop farming being the main economic activities. The county also benefits from tourism, particularly related to its natural landscapes and proximity to the Missouri River.

Education

Lyman County is served by several school districts, including the Lyman School District, which provides education from elementary through high school. The county also has access to higher education institutions in nearby cities.

Transportation

Major highways in Lyman County include Interstate 90, which runs east-west through the county, and U.S. Route 83, which runs north-south. These highways provide vital links for transportation and commerce.

Communities

Cities

• Kennebec (county seat)
• Presho

Towns

• Vivian
• Reliance

Unincorporated communities

• Oacoma

Also see

• List of counties in South Dakota
• Missouri River
• Great Plains
• South Dakota State Legislature