Sioux Falls, South Dakota

All About Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls is the largest city by population in the state of South Dakota. In fact, residents of the Sioux Falls area make up approximately one third of the state’s population. Sioux Falls is located in both Minnehaha and Lincoln County and its most recent population figures from the U.S. Census (2020) is 192,517. 

Environment and Sioux Falls

One of the most striking features of Sioux Falls is the cascading falls of the Big Sioux River. Sioux Falls is also home to over 80 parks, which includes a 19-mile paved path along the Big Sioux River that is popular with bikers, joggers, walkers and strollers. Another popular spot with residents is the Outdoor Campus which provides outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, hiking and snowshoeing. Winter sports enthusiasts enjoy the skiing, tubing and snowboarding at Great Bear Recreation Park.

Sioux Falls Climate

Sioux Falls has four seasons with generally hot and humid summers and cold, dry winters. Annual snowfall is around 45 inches. July is the hottest month of the year with an average high temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit and January is the coldest month with temperatures averaging between 10 and 27 degrees Fahrenheit.
Chart of annual climate in Sioux Falls
© WeatherSpark.com

Sioux Falls Economy

Sioux Falls’ economy has done generally well despite the pandemic and the city has grown rapidly. Some of the largest employers are in the financial services industry, along with healthcare, manufacturing and food processing. The largest employers are Sanford Health, Avera Health, the Sioux Falls School District, Smithfield Foods and Hy-Vee. A 640,000 square foot Amazon distribution facility is scheduled to open in 2022 as well. Construction continues to rise in Sioux Falls, with a 51% increase in building permits in 2021. Due to the lack of state income tax, Sioux Falls is a favorable location for new businesses. The median income in Sioux Falls is $58,730 and the cost of living in Sioux Falls is currently about 2% below the national average. Unemployment is also low at around a rate of 2.4%.

Curious about how far your paycheck will go in Sioux Falls? Use this handy Real Wage Calculator.

Education in Sioux Falls

Students are served by the Sioux Falls School District with 25 elementary schools, six middle schools and five high schools serving about 23,000 students. There are also private Catholic and Lutheran religious schools available. For higher education, students can choose from Augustana University, the University of Sioux FallsSoutheast Technical College, National American University, the South Dakota Public Universities and Research Center, the South Dakota School for the Deaf and the University of South Dakota’s Sanford School of Medicine.

Augustana University

Sioux Falls Culture

There’s lots to see and do in Sioux Falls!

abstract sculpture from Sioux Falls Sculpture Walk
bear sculpture from Sioux Falls Sculpture Walk
cowboy sculpture from Sioux Falls Sculpture Walk
abstract sculpture from Sioux Falls Sculpture Walk
bear sculpture from Sioux Falls Sculpture Walk
cowboy sculpture from Sioux Falls Sculpture Walk

Accolades for Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls has won many accolades from the media including: