Mellette County

Mellette County encompasses 1,311 square miles of semi-arid rolling hills, small lakes, and agricultural lands in central South Dakota at 618 meters elevation.

The county, established in 1909, received its name from Arthur C. Mellette, who served as both the final Governor of Dakota Territory and first Governor of South Dakota.

The territory holds strong ties to Native American heritage, with over 33 percent of county lands designated as trust property within the Rosebud Indian Reservation.

White River functions as the county seat, providing governmental services and serving as the primary administrative center for the 1,918 residents recorded in 2020.

The county demographic composition shows a distinct blend where Native Americans constitute 54.1 percent of the population, marking one of the highest percentages in South Dakota.

Location: South Dakota

Inception: 1909

Capital city: White River

Elevation above the sea: 618 m

Shares border with: Jones County, Lyman County, Tripp County, Todd County, Jackson County, Bennett County

GPS coordinates: 43.58000,-100.76000

Latest update: April 3, 2025 03:27