Stanley County, South Dakota

FortPierreChouteau1854

Stanley County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Dakota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 2,980. Its county seat is Fort Pierre. The county was created in 1873 and organized in 1890. Stanley County is part of the Pierre, South Dakota micropolitan area.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,517 square miles (3,930 km²), of which 1,444 square miles (3,740 km²) is land and 73 square miles (190 km²) (4.8%) is water. The Missouri River forms the eastern boundary of the county.

Adjacent counties

• Sully County (north)
• Hughes County (east)
• Lyman County (southeast)
• Jones County (south)
• Haakon County (west)
• Ziebach County (northwest)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 2,980 people, 1,278 households, and 835 families residing in the county. The population density was 2.1 inhabitants per square mile (0.81/km²). There were 1,478 housing units at an average density of 1.0 per square mile (0.39/km²).

Communities

City

• Fort Pierre (county seat)

Unincorporated communities

• Mission Ridge
• Wendte

Government and infrastructure

Stanley County is governed by a board of commissioners. The county courthouse is located in Fort Pierre.

Education

The county is served by the Stanley County School District, which provides education from elementary through high school.

Economy

The economy of Stanley County is primarily based on agriculture, with cattle ranching and crop farming being the main activities. Tourism also plays a role, particularly related to outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing.

Transportation

Major highways in Stanley County include:

• U.S. Route 83
• South Dakota Highway 34
• South Dakota Highway 1806

See also

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