Meade County, South Dakota

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Meade County is a county located in the state of South Dakota, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 29,852. Its county seat is Sturgis. The county was created in 1889 and named for Fort Meade, which was named in honor of General George Meade.

Geography

Meade County is the largest county by area in South Dakota, covering approximately 3,471 square miles. The county is part of the Black Hills region and features a diverse landscape that includes rolling plains, rugged hills, and forested areas.

Adjacent counties

• Perkins County (north)
• Ziebach County (northeast)
• Haakon County (east)
• Pennington County (south)
• Lawrence County (southwest)
• Butte County (west)

Major highways

• Interstate 90
• U.S. Route 14
• U.S. Route 212
• South Dakota Highway 34
• South Dakota Highway 79

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Meade County had a population of 29,852 people. The population density was approximately 8.6 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with smaller percentages of Native American, African American, Asian, and other races.

Communities

Cities

• Sturgis
• Summerset

Towns

• Blackhawk
• Piedmont

Unincorporated communities

• Enning
• Union Center

Economy

The economy of Meade County is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, tourism, and military installations. The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a major event that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, significantly boosting the local economy.

Education

Meade County is served by several school districts, including the Meade School District. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby Rapid City.

Points of interest

• Bear Butte State Park
• Fort Meade
• Black Hills National Forest

Related pages

• South Dakota
• Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
• Black Hills
• Fort Meade (South Dakota)
• Bear Butte State Park