Codington County
countyCodington County is located in eastern South Dakota and is characterized by rolling hills and numerous lakes and ponds. Watertown, the county seat and largest city, serves as a regional hub. The county blends agricultural landscapes with recreational opportunities centered around its many lakes. Codington County's economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare. Lake Area Technical College plays a significant role in workforce development. The county also benefits from its location along major transportation routes. Codington County's history is rooted in its establishment in 1877 and organization in 1878, named after Reverend George S. S. Codington. Lake Kampeska, the largest lake, offers recreational activities and natural beauty, contributing to the county's quality of life.
Codington County, South Dakota
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 46-029
- Country
- United States
- County
- Codington County
- Region
- Eastern South Dakota
- Total Area
- 717 sq mi
- Land Area
- 688 sq mi
- Water Area
- 29 sq mi
- Latitude
- 44.8992
- Longitude
- -97.1148
- Climate
- Winters are cold, and summers are warm, allowing for outdoor activities.
- Notable Features
- Lake Kampeska · Lake Pelican · Rolling hills · Numerous lakes and ponds
- Neighboring Areas
- Grant County · Deuel County · Hamlin County · Clark County · Day County
- Population (2020)
- 28,325
- Est. Population (2026)
- 29,930
- Median Age
- 39.9
- Median Income
- $65,080
- Poverty Rate
- 6.4%
- Owner-Occupied
- 67.4%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county is 90.51% White, 1.87% Native American, 1.05% Black or African American, 0.61% Asian, and 4.56% Two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprised 3.0% of the population.
- Government Type
- County Commission
- Governing Body
- Board of County Commissioners
- Municipal Services
- Highway maintenance · Law enforcement · Emergency Management · Community Services · Zoning · Public Health Nursing
- Unemployment Rate
- 1.7%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Manufacturing · Retail · Healthcare
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Retail Trade · Health Care & Social Assistance
- Schools
- 16
- Students
- 4,320
- School Districts
- Watertown School District · Henry School District · Florence School District · Waverly School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Lake Area Technical College
- Transportation
- Interstate 29 · U.S. Highway 81 · U.S. Highway 212 · South Dakota Highway 20 · South Dakota Highway 20P · Jefferson Lines (Public Transport)
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal power · Broadband
- Major Facilities
- Codington County Courthouse · Codington County Memorial Park · Hospitals in Watertown
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Lake Kampeska · Lake Pelican · Codington County Memorial Park · Sandy Shore State Recreation Area
- Parks & Trails
- Codington County Memorial Park · Isaac Walton hiking trail
- Founded
- 1877
- Incorporated
- 1878
- Named After
- Reverend George S. S. Codington
- Historical Significance
- The county played a role in the development of northeastern South Dakota, with Watertown becoming a regional center for commerce and agriculture.
- Key Events
- County designated by legislature in 1877. · Organized in 1878. · Watertown chosen as county seat in 1878.