South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development
“South Dakota offers freedom from high taxes and red tape. Our Freedom Works Here campaign showcases what our state has to offer, and it has reached millions nationwide. Businesses want to be a part of it – and we thank them for joining us!”
— Chris Schilken, Commissioner,
Governor’s Office of Economic Development
FAST FACTS
Population (July 2022 est.): 909,824¹
Largest Cities: Sioux Falls (193,233); Rapid City (74,350); Aberdeen (28,442); Brookings (23,430); Watertown (22,613)¹
Real GDP (2022): $49.8 billion²
¹U.S. Census Bureau
²Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Dept. of Commerce
TARGETED GROWTH SECTORS
Cybersecurity: Governor Noem identifies cybersecurity as South Dakota’s “next big industry.” Dakota State University is one of only 10 institutions in the country with designations in cyber operations, cyber defense, and cyber research from the NSA and Homeland Security. Our “scientific and technical services” sector is our fastest growing, adding 4,000 jobs in the past five years.
Manufacturing: Our fourth largest industry, manufacturing has grown 39.2% since 2012. Our manufacturers are creating products (like medical devices, electronic billboards, and even Girl Scout cookies) we depend on in our everyday lives.
Livestock Development, Precision Ag, and Value-Added Ag: Agriculture is the foundation of South Dakota’s economy. From seed to table, we are focused on innovating and growing the industry.
TOP PROJECTS
COMPANY | LOCATION | INVESTMENT |
Gevo | Lake Preston | $977 million |
High Plains Processing | Mitchell | $503 million |
3M | Brookings | $468 million |
Redstone Dairy | Esmond | $182 million |
Manitou | Madison, Yankton | $80 million |
WORKFORCE PROGRAM
Our “Freedom Works Here” workforce recruitment campaign has raised the bar for South Dakota’s workforce. We rely on our greatest marketing asset, Governor Kristi Noem, to tackle our biggest challenge by sharing what makes South Dakota special: our Freedom.
TOP BUSINESS FACILITIES RANKINGS
#2 Best Business Tax Climate | 2023 State Rankings |
Top 5 Fastest Growing Population | 2023 State Rankings |
Top 10 Manufacturing Jobs (% of workforce) | 2023 State Rankings |
Top 10 Agribusiness | 2023 State Rankings |
Top 10 Best Business Climate (Small): Sioux Falls | 2023 Metro Rankings |
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