Sioux Falls, South Dakota at dusk. River and city. The Sioux Falls metro area is now crossing state lines, adding Rock County, Minnesota, and boosting its population to 315,000!

It’s Official! The Sioux Falls Metro Area Just Got Bigger – By Expanding Into Minnesota!

The Sioux Falls metro area is now crossing state lines, adding Rock County, Minnesota, and boosting its population to 315,000! 🌟 #News #SouthDakota #Minnesota

Sioux Falls Metro Area Adds Rock County!

SIOUX FALLS, SD – The Sioux Falls, South Dakota metro area has officially expanded its boundaries into Minnesota. Following the 2020 Census, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget identified the Sioux Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) as a five-county region, now including Rock County, Minnesota. This expansion brings the total population to an estimated 315,000 by next year.

New MSA Boundaries

Previously, the Sioux Falls MSA comprised Minnehaha, Lincoln, McCook, and Turner counties. The addition of Rock County marks the first time the MSA has crossed state lines, adding nearly 10,000 residents. The federal government released this updated MSA information earlier this spring.

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Criteria for MSA Inclusion

An MSA must have at least one urban area with a population of 50,000 or more, plus adjacent territories with strong social and economic integration, typically measured by commuting patterns. Currently, 86% of the U.S. population lives within an MSA.

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Rock County’s New Role

Rock County’s inclusion in the Sioux Falls MSA is a significant development. Residents have long considered Sioux Falls their regional center, a trend that has only grown stronger over time. The county’s proximity to Sioux Falls means many locals commute there daily, further solidifying the economic and social ties.

Implications of the Expansion

The expansion means new data for labor market information, including unemployment rates, which will now consider Rock County starting January. Other government programs administered by the MSA will also include Rock County, reflecting the ongoing integration of these communities.

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Regional Collaboration

Tyler Tordsen, president and CEO of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation. Rock County’s inclusion opens up opportunities for collaboration in areas like infrastructure and economic development. The region already collaborates on projects such as the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, showcasing the benefits of working together.

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Growth Projections

The expanded MSA is expected to support further growth. Projections indicate the metro area could reach a population of half a million in the next 25 years, impacting transportation planning and other regional developments. The collaboration across state lines is seen as a positive step towards shared growth and development.

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Population stats for Sioux Falls, SD metro area. Courtesy: U.S. Census Bureau.
Courtesy: U.S. Census Bureau

Conclusion

The inclusion of Rock County in the Sioux Falls MSA highlights the growing regional integration and the benefits of collaboration. This expansion not only reflects existing commuting patterns and economic ties but also sets the stage for future growth and development in the region.

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