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 208,153. The population is expected to grow to 219,043 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 $109,399 and projected to be $126,172 in 2031. Per capita income is $46,441, projected to be $54,031 in 2031. 4.28% of households – 8,906 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $1,229,910 and the average disposable income is $86,203.
There are 100,080 housing units in Rushmore Region; 58,067 are owner-occupied, 29,816 are rented, and 12,197 are vacant. The average home value is $402,690, with 15,019 homes built in 2010 or later, and 9,756 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 10,273 businesses in Rushmore Region, employing 107,935 workers and pulling from a labor force of 99,702 age 16 and above. 18,271 workers commute into Rushmore Region from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
78,888 residents both live and work in/around Rushmore Region. The average travel time is 0.0 minutes. 6.57% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 2.63% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 76,651 drive alone, 9,006 carpool, and 408 take public transportation. 4,741 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 8,889 residents work from home.
38,624 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 21,439 have associates degrees, 33,914 have bachelor’s degrees, and 18,861 hold a graduate or professional degree.
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09
