Tripp County, South Dakota

Tripp_County,_SD_courthouse_from_S_1

Tripp County
U.S. county
Location within the U.S. state of South Dakota
South Dakota's location within the U.S.
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	Template:Country data South Dakota
Founded	1909
Seat	Winner
Area
• Total	1,618 sq mi (4,190 km2)
• Land	1,614 sq mi (4,180 km2)
• Water	4.0 sq mi (10 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	5,641
• Density	3.5/sq mi (1.4/km2)

Tripp County is a county located in the state of South Dakota, United States. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 5,641. The county seat is Winner, which is also the largest city in the county.

History

Tripp County was created in 1909 and named after Bartlett Tripp, a prominent South Dakota politician and diplomat. The county has a rich history tied to the Great Plains and the Native American tribes that originally inhabited the area.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,618 square miles (4,190 km²), of which 1,614 square miles (4,180 km²) is land and 4.0 square miles (10 km²) (0.2%) is water. The county is characterized by its rolling plains and agricultural land.

Adjacent counties

• Gregory County (east)
• Lyman County (north)
• Mellette County (northwest)
• Todd County (west)
• Cherry County, Nebraska (south)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 5,641 people, 2,400 households, and 1,500 families residing in the county. The population density was 3.5 inhabitants per square mile (1.4/km²). The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with significant Native American and smaller African American, Asian American, and other racial groups.

Economy

The economy of Tripp County is largely based on agriculture, with major crops including corn, soybeans, and wheat. Livestock farming, particularly cattle and sheep, also plays a significant role in the local economy.

Communities

City

• Winner

Towns

• Colome
• Hamill

Unincorporated communities

• Ideal
• Millboro

Government

Tripp County is governed by a board of commissioners, with each commissioner representing a district within the county. The county government is responsible for local services such as law enforcement, road maintenance, and public health.

Education

The county is served by several school districts, including the Winner School District and the Colome Consolidated School District. These districts provide education from elementary through high school levels.

Transportation

Major highways that run through Tripp County include:

• U.S. Route 18
• U.S. Route 183
• South Dakota Highway 44

See also

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