Cities and Towns in Deuel County, South Dakota

Founded in 1862, Deuel County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Deuel County was formed from Brookings County. The city of Clear Lake is the county seat. With FIPS code of 39, Deuel County has a population of 4,272 and area of 624 square miles (1,616 km²).

List of all cities in Deuel County, SD alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Altamont, SD	57226	605
Astoria, SD	57213	605
Bemis, SD	57238	605
Brandt, SD	57218	605
Clear Lake, SD	57226	605
Gary, SD	57237	605
Goodwin, SD	57238	605
Johnsonville, SD	57268	605
Toronto, SD	57268	605
Tunnerville, SD	57226	605

Major Cities and Towns in Deuel County, South Dakota

Clear Lake

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: Approximately 1.5 square miles
• Population: Around 1,250 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Code: 57226
• Latitude: 44.7569° N
• Longitude: 96.6808° W

Location and History

Clear Lake, the county seat of Deuel County, is located in eastern South Dakota. Founded in the late 19th century, the town was named after the nearby Clear Lake, known for its pristine waters. Clear Lake grew as a center for agriculture and trade, benefiting from the arrival of the railroad and the fertile farmland surrounding it. The town has maintained its role as a regional hub while preserving its small-town charm and historical significance.

Major Schools and Landmarks

The Deuel School District serves the town, providing K-12 education with a strong emphasis on academics and extracurricular activities. Landmarks include Clear Lake City Park, a community gathering spot, and the nearby Lake Cochrane Recreation Area, which offers fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. The Deuel County Courthouse, a historic building in the heart of town, reflects the town’s administrative importance and historical roots.

Gary

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: Approximately 0.5 square miles
• Population: Around 230 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Code: 57237
• Latitude: 44.7939° N
• Longitude: 96.4525° W

Location and History

Gary, situated in the northeastern corner of Deuel County, is one of the oldest towns in the area. Founded in 1872, Gary was initially a hub for settlers arriving via the railroad. Its location near the South Dakota-Minnesota border made it a strategic point for trade and transport. Over the years, Gary has retained its historic character, with many buildings and landmarks preserving its 19th-century roots.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Gary students typically attend schools in nearby Clear Lake or other towns within the county. Notable landmarks include the Gary Historical Association Museum, which showcases the town’s pioneer heritage, and Buffalo Ridge Resort, a former school for the blind that now serves as a hotel and event space. The town also boasts access to outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing, particularly at the Gary Creek area.

Toronto

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: Approximately 0.3 square miles
• Population: Around 200 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Code: 57268
• Latitude: 44.5733° N
• Longitude: 96.6425° W

Location and History

Toronto, located in southern Deuel County, was established in the late 19th century. The town was named after Toronto, Canada, reflecting the settlers’ origins and aspirations. Initially developed as a farming community, Toronto has long been supported by agriculture and local businesses. Its small size and strong community spirit make it a quintessential example of rural South Dakota life.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Students in Toronto typically attend schools in Clear Lake. Key landmarks include Toronto City Park, a local gathering place for outdoor activities and community events. The surrounding farmland and proximity to Lake Cochrane offer opportunities for recreation and exploration, making Toronto a peaceful and picturesque place to live and visit.