The Rushmore Region combines a skilled workforce with world-class livability to attract and grow diverse industries. Here, top universities and technical programs feed ongoing talent development in science and technology, agriculture, and professional services, while a robust infrastructure and strategic partnerships support site selection, expansion, and investment. With Rapid City as a regional hub and the Black Hills’ quality of life, companies gain fast access to markets, a ready workforce, and a supportive business climate that accelerates growth.
As of 2026 the population of Rushmore Region is 203,961. The population is expected to grow to 214,635 by 2031 - a growth rate of 1.03%.
The median age of Rushmore Region residents is 41.
The diversity index of Rushmore Region is 39.1, meaning that there is a 39% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
The average household income in Rushmore Region is $101,621 and projected to be $114,278 in 2031. Per capita income is $42,691, projected to be $48,312 in 2031. 3.74% of households – 7,627 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $1,096,367 and the average disposable income is $80,088.
There are 97,006 housing units in Rushmore Region; 57,183 are owner-occupied, 28,258 are rented, and 11,565 are vacant. The average home value is $393,387, with 12,533 homes built in 2010 or later, and 9,787 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 10,231 businesses in Rushmore Region, employing 109,440 workers and pulling from a labor force of 97,884 age 16 and above. 18,503 workers commute into Rushmore Region from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
77,109 residents both live and work in/around Rushmore Region. The average travel time is 0.0 minutes. 6.42% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 2.22% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 75,781 drive alone, 8,424 carpool, and 452 take public transportation. 4,545 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 8,682 residents work from home.
38,395 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 18,040 have associates degrees, 32,844 have bachelor’s degrees, and 16,512 hold a graduate or professional degree.
Source: ESRI, 2026-03-24
