Cities and Towns in Buffalo County, South Dakota
Founded in 1873, Buffalo County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Buffalo County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Gann Valley is the county seat. With FIPS code of 17, Buffalo County has a population of 1,923 and area of 471 square miles (1,220 km²).
List of all cities in Buffalo County, SD alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bailey, SD | 57341 | 605 |
| Crow Creek, SD | 57339 | 605 |
| Fort Thompson, SD | 57339 | 605 |
| Gann Valley, SD | 57341 | 605 |
Major Cities and Towns in Buffalo County, South Dakota
Gann Valley
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Approximately 0.3 square miles
- Population: Around 14 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 57341
- Latitude: 44.0403° N
- Longitude: 99.0460° W
Location and History
Gann Valley, the county seat of Buffalo County, is a small and historic unincorporated community located in the center of South Dakota. Known as the smallest county seat by population in the United States, Gann Valley’s roots trace back to the late 19th century when it was established as a hub for ranching and small-scale agriculture. The town was named after Herstle Gann, an early settler and rancher who played a significant role in the area’s development. Despite its modest size, Gann Valley has remained a symbolic administrative center for the county.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gann Valley lacks a formal school district due to its small population, with students attending schools in nearby towns like Chamberlain or Kimball. The town features landmarks such as the Buffalo County Courthouse, which serves as an administrative hub, and the surrounding prairie landscape, which offers scenic views and opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Fort Thompson
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Approximately 6.2 square miles
- Population: Around 1,500 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 57339
- Latitude: 44.0575° N
- Longitude: 99.4306° W
Location and History
Fort Thompson is the largest community in Buffalo County, situated along the eastern edge of the Missouri River on the Crow Creek Indian Reservation. The town was established in the late 19th century as a trading post and later became integral to the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Historically, Fort Thompson has been a cultural and economic hub for Native Americans in the region. Its location near the Big Bend Dam and Lake Sharpe has provided significant resources and recreational opportunities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fort Thompson is home to the Crow Creek Tribal Schools, which serve the educational needs of the community. Major landmarks include the Big Bend Dam, which is a prominent feature of the Missouri River system, and the Crow Creek Sioux Tribal headquarters. Additionally, the surrounding landscapes offer cultural sites and natural beauty, making it a key area for cultural preservation and tourism.
