Rapid City city (1990 pop. 54,523), seat of Pennington co., SW S.Dak., on Rapid Creek, in an irrigated farm region served by the Bureau of Reclamation's Rapid Valley project; founded 1876 after the discovery of gold nearby, inc. 1882. It is the trade and transportation center of an extensive lumbering, ranching, and mining (gold, silver, feldspar, bentonite, mica, and uranium) area. Wood products, sand and gravel, small arms ammunition and gun stocks, gold and silver jewelrey, food products, construction materials, and limestone are produced. Nearby Ellsworth Air Force Base is a major source of employment. The city is also the tourist center of the Black Hills and the gateway to many attractions, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, and Wind Cave National Park. The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, National American Univ., a Sioux museum, and a pioneer museum are in Rapid City. In 1972 the city was struck by a severe flash flood in which more than 200 lives were lost.

Rapid City

The City in Brief

Founded: 1876 (incorporated 1882)

Head Official: Mayor Jim Shaw (R) (since 1999)

City Population

1980: 46,492

1990: 54,523

2000: 59,607

2003 estimate: 60,876

Percent change, 1990–2000: 8.1%

U.S. rank in 1990: 445th

U.S. rank in 2000: 472nd

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 70,361

1990: 81,343

2000: 88,565

Percent change, 1990–2000: 8.9%

U.S. rank in 1980: 276th

U.S. rank in 1990: Not reported

U.S. rank in 2000: 327th

Area: 45 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 3,200 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 46.6° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 16.7 inches of rain; 39.1 inches of snow

Major Economic Sectors: Agriculture, wholesale and retail trade, services, government

Unemployment Rate: 4.0% (February 2005)

Per Capita Income: $19,445 (1999)

2004 ACCRA Average House Price: Not reported

2004 ACCRA Cost of Living Index: Not reported

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 2,930

Major Colleges and Universities: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Western Dakota Technical Institute, National American University

Daily Newspaper: Rapid City Journal

Rapid City, Canada, USA USA (South Dakota): settled in 1876 on Rapid Creek from which it derives its name; this was noted for its rapid flow.