South Dakota

South Dakota is a Midwestern state in the United States. It is named after the Lakota (Sioux) American Indian tribe.

Demographics

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2004, South Dakota's population was 770,883.

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The population of South Dakota grew from 696,004 people in 1990 to 770,883 in 2004, a 10.8% growth.

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The racial makeup of the state is:

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• 88.0% White
• 0.6% Black
• 1.4% Hispanic
• 8.3% Native American (Third highest in the Continental U.S.)
• 0.6% Asian
• 1.3% Mixed race

The five largest ancestry groups in South Dakota are: German (40.7%), Norwegian (15.3%), Irish (10.4%), Native American (8.3%), English (7.1%).

Related Topics:
German - Norwegian - Irish - Native American - English

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German-Americans are the largest ancestry group in most parts of the state, especially in the east, although there are also large Scandinavian populations in some counties. American Indians, largely Sioux, are predominant in several counties.

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6.8% of South Dakota's population were reported as under 5, 26.8% under 18, and 14.3% were 65 or older. Females made up approximately 50.4% of the population.

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The median income for a household in the state is $35,282. The per capita income for the state is $17,562. 13.2% of the population is below the poverty line.

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"Rural flight"

South Dakota, in common with five other Midwest states (Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, North Dakota and Iowa), is feeling the brunt of falling populations. 89% of the total number of cities in those states have fewer than 3000 people; hundreds have fewer than than 1000. Between 1996 and 2004 almost half a million people, nearly half with college degrees, left the six states. "Rural flight" as it is called has led to offers of free land and tax breaks as enticements to newcomers.

Related Topics:
Nebraska - Kansas - Oklahoma - North Dakota - Iowa

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Religion

The religious affiliations of the people of South Dakota are:

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• Christian – 91%
• Protestant – 65%
• Lutheran – 28%
• Methodist – 13%
• Presbyterian – 4%
• Baptist – 4%
• United Church of Christ – 2%
• Pentecostal – 2%
• Other Protestant or general Protestant – 12%
• Roman Catholic – 25%
• Other Christian – 1%
• Other Religions – 1%
• Non-Religious – 8%