Marshall County
countyMarshall County is located in the northeastern part of South Dakota, bordering North Dakota. As of 2024, the estimated population was 4,395. The county features a landscape of rolling hills, numerous lakes and ponds, and is characterized by its rural and agricultural setting. Britton serves as the county seat. Agriculture forms the backbone of Marshall County's economy. The county's economy relies heavily on agriculture, with farm sales significantly contributing to its assessed valuation. The county also offers outdoor recreational opportunities, with state parks and natural attractions that support tourism. Marshall County was established in 1885 and named after Marshall Vincent, an early settler and county commissioner. The county is known for its lakes and historical sites like Fort Sisseton State Historical Park, offering a glimpse into 19th-century life and the region's Native American history.
Marshall County, South Dakota
- Classification
- County
- Country
- United States
- County
- Marshall County
- Region
- Northeastern South Dakota
- Elevation
- 2,034 ft
- Total Area
- 886 sq mi
- Land Area
- 838 sq mi
- Water Area
- 48 sq mi
- Latitude
- 45.76
- Longitude
- -97.6
- Climate
- Winters are long and cold.
- Notable Features
- Rolling hills · Numerous lakes and ponds · Crow Creek · Wild Rice River · Lake Traverse Indian Reservation (portion)
- Neighboring Areas
- Richland County, ND · Sargent County, ND · Brown County, SD · Day County, SD · Roberts County, SD
- Population (2020)
- 4,306
- Est. Population (2024)
- 4,395
- Median Age
- 42.8
- Median Income
- $72,500
- Poverty Rate
- 7.86%
- Owner-Occupied
- 80.1%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- 84.3% White, 6.5% American Indian, 6.1% Hispanic
- Government Type
- Commission
- Governing Body
- Board of Commissioners
- Body Size
- 5 members
- Municipal Services
- Roadway maintenance · Levy taxes · Approve budgets & expenditures · Create and enforce ordinances · Overseeing county offices · Maintaining a balanced budget · Planning & Zoning · E911 Addressing · Drainage
- Unemployment Rate
- 2.9%
- Economic Profile
- Heavily reliant on agriculture · Rural
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting · Construction
- School Districts
- Britton-Hecla School District · Langford School District 45-2
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Fort Sisseton State Historical Park · Roy Lake State Park · Sica Hollow State Park · Buffalo Lakes State Game Production Area · Clear Lake State Game Production Area
- Parks & Trails
- Hiking trails · Horseback trail rides · Snowmobile trails · Sandy beaches at Roy Lake State Park
- Founded
- 1885
- Named After
- Marshall Vincent
- Historical Significance
- The county has a rich Native American history and was the site of Fort Sisseton, a 19th-century military outpost.
- Key Events
- County created from Day County · Fort Sisseton established in 1864 · Agricultural settlement began in 1881