Business and Economy


As a regional trade center, Rapid City provides comprehensive medical care, air service, retail, education, sports and entertainment services to a service area of 150 miles and a regional population of more than 450,000. Rapid City is well positioned for future growth and business development. We have a strong and growing economic base of agriculture and tourism and regional assets such as Ellsworth AFB, Regional Hospital, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, Rapid City Regional Airport, Ascent Innovation Center, Black Hills State University and the Sanford Underground Research Facility. These assets, coupled with a streamlined focus of economic development create an exciting opportunity for growth for the area.

The diverse opportunities and the friendly business environment continue to attract a variety of businesses and start-up companies to the Black Hills area.

2018 Unemployment rate: 2.7%*
Median household income: $46,966**

Top industries by number of employees:

  • Administration• Sales
  • Food and Servicing• Management
  • Construction (forestry, concrete, steel and gravel products)

South Dakota is a right-to-work state where employees enjoy the right to work free from union membership mandates.

Tax rate: State 4.5%, City 2%, Tourism Tax 1%

No Corporate income tax, No personal income tax, No business inventory tax, No personal property tax

Sources: *www.bls.gov
**www.blackhillsknowledgenetwork.org