SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) The Sioux Falls bedroom community of Harrisburg transformed over the past couple of decades into the fastest-growing South Dakota city of more than 5,000 people, according to the most recent US Census Bureau and Population Division report.
Growing cities and towns: Harrisburg’s population ballooned by 37.8%, or more than 2,500 residents, between July 1, 2020, and July 1, 2023, the report said. Nearby Tea was just behind with 29.9% growth followed by Box Elder, just east of Rapid City, with a 16.2% increase over the time frame.
Some municipalities shrunk: Brandon, just east of Sioux Falls, saw a slight decrease in its population, as did Aberdeen, Madison, Mitchell, Pierre and Sturgis, the Census Bureau report said.
West River to generate more growth: Box Elder was chosen in 2021 as the main base of operations and training location for the Air Force’s new B-21 Raider bomber program. That’s expected to contribute to nearly 600 local jobs and more than 4,000 new military personnel, families and civilian workers over the next 20 years.
