RANK #497 / 996 · POP 197,742 · SD
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.7%
Minnehaha County, South Dakota, is often recognized for the dramatic quartzite waterfalls of the Big Sioux River in Falls Park, which gave Sioux Falls its name and serves as a natural landmark in the heart of the county's largest city. Located in southeastern South Dakota, bordering Minnesota and Iowa, the county encompasses rolling agricultural hills and smaller communities like Brandon and Dell Rapids, which are about a 20-minute drive from Sioux Falls. Commuting within the county is primarily by car, though Sioux Falls offers public bus routes. The community feel ranges from urban in Sioux Falls to more rural in outlying areas, with outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, biking, and water activities at places like Palisades State Park and Wall Lake.
Life in Minnehaha County appeals to families and young professionals, with highly rated public schools across districts like Brandon Valley and Sioux Falls. The economy is diverse, with significant employment in healthcare, social assistance, manufacturing, and finance. Recent economic developments show continued growth, driven by investments in sectors such as data centers and manufacturing, which contribute to the area's ongoing expansion. This growth has led to an increase in housing demand, with both single-family homes and apartment complexes being developed.
Above national median
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.9x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Schwan's Company Asian Food Manufacturing Plant
CJ CheilJedang (subsidiary Schwan's Company)
|
$544M | Under Construction |
|
Gemini Data Center Sioux Falls
Gemini Data Center SD LLC
|
$500M | Planned |
|
FedEx Ground Distribution Center (Project Puma)
FedEx Ground (Scannell Properties)
|
$50M | Completed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Minnehaha County has a Boom Town Index score of 50/100, ranking #497 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.2% and a median household income of $73,110, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Minnehaha County is $246,200 with median rent at $927/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.297, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.5% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.2%. Home values changed +1.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.81% of Minnehaha County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.