Minnehaha County, South Dakota

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Minnehaha County

General Information
Name
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	U.S. county
Transliteration
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Type 1
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Location
Coordinates	{{{1}}}°{{{2}}} {{{3}}}°{{{4}}}
Map
Population
Total	197214
Density	per km²
Area
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Government
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Time Zone
Standard	UTC
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Minnehaha County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Dakota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 197,214, making it the most populous county in South Dakota. Its county seat is Sioux Falls, which is also the largest city in the state.

History

Minnehaha County was created in 1862 and organized in 1868. The name "Minnehaha" is derived from the Dakota language and means "waterfall" or "rapid water," reflecting the falls of the Big Sioux River in the county.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 814 square miles (2,110 km²), of which 807 square miles (2,090 km²) is land and 7.2 square miles (19 km²) (0.9%) is water.

Adjacent counties

• Moody County (north)
• Rock County, Minnesota (northeast)
• Pipestone County, Minnesota (east)
• Lincoln County (south)
• Turner County (southwest)
• McCook County (west)
• Lake County (northwest)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 197,214 people, 78,163 households, and 48,123 families residing in the county. The population density was 244 people per square mile (94/km²). The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with significant populations of African American, Native American, and Asian residents.

Economy

Minnehaha County has a diverse economy with major sectors including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and education. The presence of Sioux Falls as a regional economic hub contributes significantly to the county's economic activities.

Education

The county is served by several school districts, including the Sioux Falls School District, which is the largest in the state. Higher education institutions in the county include Augustana University and the University of Sioux Falls.

Government and Politics

Minnehaha County is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners. The county is part of South Dakota's at-large congressional district and is represented in the South Dakota Legislature.

Communities

Cities

• Sioux Falls
• Dell Rapids
• Brandon
• Hartford
• Garretson

Towns

• Colton
• Crooks
• Baltic
• Valley Springs

Unincorporated communities

• Renner
• Rowena

See also

• List of counties in South Dakota
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Minnehaha County, South Dakota

External links

• Minnehaha County official website

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