SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Detailed population data released by the U.S. Census Bureau shows South Dakota’s cities fueled the state’s population growth over the last decade.
The data will form the basis for the state’s new legislative boundaries.
The state’s three most populous counties — Minnehaha, Lincoln and Pennington — accounted for most of the population growth.
Meade County’s population grew 17.4-percent. The Census says that is the largest area change in the report.
Lincoln County, which contains parts of Sioux Falls and its surrounding communities, saw the fastest growth, increasing by 45% to 65,161 people.
The trend means that legislative power will shift towards cities because each legislative district must contain roughly the same number of people.
Lawmakers tasked with drawing new boundaries for legislative districts said they will begin to pour over the data in earnest later this month.
