Jackson County

Jackson County is a rural county in South Dakota that encompasses rolling terrain, mountain ridges, and the White River running through its landscape. The county includes grasslands, forested areas, and distinctive geological formations that define its natural character.

The county was established in 1883 and received formal organization as an administrative division in 1915. In 1983, a neighboring county merged into its territory, significantly expanding the land area.

The county includes portions of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, with American Indian residents representing 52 percent of the total population in 2010.

The county is accessible via several major highways that connect the main communities across the region. Roads pass through open terrain and provide access to different parts of the county.

The Badlands National Park spans across the eastern portion of the county, displaying distinctive rock formations and deep canyons. These geological features were shaped over millions of years through natural erosion and sediment layering.

Location: South Dakota

Inception: 1914

Capital city: Kadoka

Shares border with: Haakon County, Jones County, Mellette County, Bennett County, Oglala Lakota County, Pennington County, Todd County

GPS coordinates: 43.70000,-101.64000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:56