Hill City

City in Pennington County, South Dakota

View of Hill City, South Dakota
Photo: ksufan12 · Public domain

Hill City is a city in Pennington County, South Dakota, with 872 residents (2020 Census). It sits at 5,157 ft (1,572 m) above sea level. The nearest town is Keystone, 7.6 miles E.

About Hill City

Hill City is the oldest existing city in Pennington County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 872 at the 2020 census, but as of 2024, the population is now over 1,000. Hill City is located 26 miles (42 km) southwest of Rapid City on U.S. Highway 16 and on U.S. Route 385 that connects Deadwood to Hot Springs. Hill City is known as the "Heart of the Hills", a distinction derived from its proximity to both the geographical center of the Black Hills, and the local tourist destinations. Near Hill City, there is a monumental peak dating back hundreds of years. Black Elk Peak was once on reservation lands where many Native people used to hunt and gather but they also used it as a prayer location.

The city has its roots in the Black Hills mining rush of the late 19th century. Tin mining was dominant in the 1880s and led to an influx of capital and people into the area. As the mining industry waned, tourism and timber became increasingly important industries to the area. The creation of Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial led to an increase in awareness of the Black Hills as a tourist destination. Custer State Park and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally also draw visitors to Hill City. In recent years, the city has diversified to become a center for the arts in the area, featuring several art studios and festivals.

Text: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Hill City weather: 7-day forecast

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Live webcams in Hill City

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Living in Hill City

Median household income
$95,385
Median home value
$286,200
Median rent
$1,345/mo
Median age
34.2
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Map of Hill City

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Hill City Street View

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Hill City, SD population

Hill City had 872 residents in the 2020 Census.

2020 Census872
Density662 per sq mi (255 per km²)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Census.

Hill City at a glance

StateSouth Dakota (SD)
CountyPennington County
TypeCity
Population872 (2020)
Land area1.32 sq mi (3.4 km²)
Water area0.01 sq mi (0.02 km²)
Elevation5,157 ft (1,572 m)
Coordinates43.9317° N, 103.5697° W
ZIP code57751
Official websitehillcitysd.govoffice2.com
Census code (GEOID)4629100

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Gazetteer, ZCTA), USGS GNIS, Wikidata.

Towns near Hill City

Straight-line distance between town centers.

Frequently asked questions about Hill City

What county is Hill City in?

Hill City is in Pennington County, South Dakota.

What is the population of Hill City, SD?

872 people lived in Hill City at the 2020 Census.

What is the ZIP code of Hill City, SD?

The ZIP code of Hill City is 57751.

What is the elevation of Hill City?

5,157 feet (1,572 m) above sea level.

What towns are near Hill City?

Keystone (7.6 mi), Custer (11.5 mi), Johnson Siding (12.4 mi), Colonial Pine Hills (13.9 mi), Blackhawk (19.2 mi).

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