Harding County, South Dakota

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Harding County
U.S. county
Location within the U.S. state of South Dakota Location within the U.S. state of South Dakota
South Dakota's location within the U.S.
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	South Dakota
Founded	1909
Seat	Buffalo
Area
• Total	2,678 sq mi (6,940 km2)
• Land	2,678 sq mi (6,940 km2)
• Water	0.1 sq mi (0.3 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	1,298
• Density	0.5/sq mi (0.2/km2)

Harding County is a county located in the state of South Dakota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,298, making it one of the least populous counties in the state. The county seat is Buffalo.

History

Harding County was established in 1909 and named after J. A. Harding, a state legislator. The county has a rich history tied to the Great Plains and the American frontier.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,678 square miles (6,930 km²), of which 2,678 square miles (6,930 km²) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km²) (0.004%) is water. The county is part of the Great Plains region and features a variety of landscapes, including rolling hills and prairies.

Adjacent counties

• Bowman County, North Dakota (north)
• Adams County, North Dakota (northeast)
• Perkins County, South Dakota (east)
• Butte County, South Dakota (south)
• Carter County, Montana (west)
• Fallon County, Montana (northwest)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 1,298 people, 563 households, and 365 families residing in the county. The population density was 0.5 inhabitants per square mile (0.2/km²). The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of other races.

Communities

Town

• Buffalo (county seat)

Unincorporated communities

• Camp Crook
• Redig

Economy

The economy of Harding County is primarily based on agriculture, including cattle ranching and farming. The county's rural nature and low population density contribute to its agricultural focus.

Education

Harding County is served by the Harding County School District, which provides education to the children of the county.

Transportation

The county is served by several major highways, including:

• U.S. Route 85
• South Dakota Highway 20
• South Dakota Highway 79

See also

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