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Top 10 Cities in South Dakota with the Lowest Unemployment Rates in 2026
Are you considering a career change but love your hometown? If you’re looking for a job within your community, understanding the local job market is essential. In this article, we explore the cities in South Dakota with the lowest unemployment rates, providing valuable insights into where you might find your next opportunity.
Many residents in South Dakota have relocated for job opportunities, but if you’re contemplating a move to the area or seeking new employment while staying local, knowing which cities have the strongest job markets is crucial.
Utilizing demographic data from the latest Census, we identified cities with populations over 3,000 and analyzed their unemployment rates to determine which ones stand out in the Mount Rushmore State. Here are the top cities with the lowest unemployment rates:
- Harrisburg(Jobs)
- Sturgis(Jobs)
- Tea(Jobs)
- Brandon(Jobs)
- Watertown(Jobs)
- Dell Rapids(Jobs)
- Belle Fourche(Jobs)
- Huron(Jobs)
- Aberdeen(Jobs)
- Pierre(Jobs)
For employers, a low unemployment rate indicates a healthy community and a strong labor force. Harrisburg leads the way with the lowest unemployment rate in South Dakota, making it an attractive destination for job seekers and businesses alike.
Continue reading to discover how we identified these cities as having the most robust job markets in South Dakota.
For further job information in South Dakota, check out:
- Search for Jobs in South Dakota
- Highest Paying Jobs in South Dakota
- Fastest Growing Jobs in South Dakota
How We Identified the Cities with the Lowest Unemployment Rates in South Dakota
To determine the cities with the lowest unemployment rates, we focused on locations with populations exceeding 3,000. This analysis covered 24 cities across South Dakota.
We sourced unemployment data from the most recent American Community Survey by the Census Bureau. This metric reflects the current state of each city’s job market, providing valuable insights for individuals considering job transfers—whether within the state, across state lines, or within cities.
We ranked the cities based on their unemployment rates, with the top spot representing the city with the lowest unemployment. In cases of ties, the larger city was prioritized.
If your city isn’t featured in the top ten, scroll down for a complete list. Otherwise, explore how these top cities achieved their low unemployment rates.
1. Harrisburg
Population: 4,678
Unemployment Rate: 1.2%
Harrisburg tops the list with a remarkable unemployment rate of just 1.2%, establishing itself as a leader in job availability and opportunities.
2. Sturgis
Population: 6,652
Unemployment Rate: 1.2%
Sturgis, sharing the same unemployment rate as Harrisburg, earns the runner-up position. Its vibrant community and job prospects make it a solid choice for job seekers.
3. Tea
Population: 4,226
Unemployment Rate: 2.6%
Tea secures the bronze medal with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, showcasing a stable job market for its residents.
4. Brandon
Population: 9,350
Unemployment Rate: 2.7%
Brandon, with a population of 9,350, ranks fourth, making it an attractive location for those eager to kickstart their careers.
5. Watertown
Population: 21,795
Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
Watertown claims the fifth spot with an unemployment rate of 2.8%, providing ample job opportunities for its residents.
6. Dell Rapids
Population: 3,687
Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
Dell Rapids stands at #6, with an unemployment rate of 2.8%, encouraging those considering a move to think twice about leaving.
7. Belle Fourche
Population: 5,677
Unemployment Rate: 2.9%
Belle Fourche, with an unemployment rate of 2.9%, is making strides in the job market, positioning itself as a desirable destination for job seekers.
8. Huron
Population: 12,982
Unemployment Rate: 3.0%
Huron ranks eighth, boasting a competitive unemployment rate that attracts individuals from across the state.
9. Aberdeen
Population: 26,979
Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
Aberdeen finishes strong at #9, maintaining a solid reputation as a city of opportunity.
10. Pierre
Population: 13,885
Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
Rounding out the list, Pierre holds the #10 spot with a respectable unemployment rate of 3.3%, proving that it remains a viable option for job seekers.
Summary of Unemployment Across South Dakota
These ten cities represent the best opportunities for job seekers in South Dakota, showcasing low unemployment rates that reflect their strong job markets.
If you’re considering a move to South Dakota and want to prioritize employment opportunities, focus on these cities for your next career step.
For more information about job markets in different cities and states across the U.S., visit www.zippia.com. If you’re a recent college graduate contemplating relocating, check out which states college grads tend to prefer and which they often leave.
For a glimpse of the cities with the highest unemployment rates in South Dakota, here’s a quick overview:
- Vermillion
- Mobridge
- Madison
Detailed List of Cities with the Lowest Unemployment in South Dakota
| City | Rank | Unemployment |
|---|---|---|
| Harrisburg | 1 | 1.2% |
| Sturgis | 2 | 1.2% |
| Tea | 3 | 2.6% |
| Brandon | 4 | 2.7% |
| Watertown | 5 | 2.8% |
| Dell Rapids | 6 | 2.8% |
| Belle Fourche | 7 | 2.9% |
| Huron | 8 | 3.0% |
| Aberdeen | 9 | 3.1% |
| Pierre | 10 | 3.3% |
| Box Elder | 11 | 3.4% |
| Brookings | 12 | 3.4% |
| Hot Springs | 13 | 3.7% |
| Mitchell | 14 | 3.9% |
| Yankton | 15 | 4.1% |
| Canton | 16 | 4.1% |
| Spearfish | 17 | 4.2% |
| Sioux Falls | 18 | 4.5% |
| Lead | 19 | 4.9% |
| Rapid City | 20 | 5.3% |
| Milbank | 21 | 5.4% |
| Madison | 22 | 5.4% |
| Mobridge | 23 | 7.2% |
| Vermillion | 24 | 8.4% |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
