Cities and Towns in Edmunds County, South Dakota

Founded in 1873, Edmunds County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Edmunds County was formed from Buffalo County. The city of Ipswich is the county seat. With FIPS code of 45, Edmunds County has a population of 4,033 and area of 1,146 square miles (2,968 km²).

List of all cities in Edmunds County, SD alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Bowdle, SD 57428 605
Craven, SD 57451 605
Glen, SD 57471 605
Gretna, SD 57471 605
Hosmer, SD 57448 605
Ipswich, SD 57451 605
Loyalton, SD 57471 605
Mina, SD 57451 605
Powell, SD 57451 605
Roscoe, SD 57471 605

Major Cities and Towns in Edmunds County, South Dakota

Ipswich

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

  • Area: Approximately 1.2 square miles
  • Population: Around 950 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Code: 57451
  • Latitude: 45.4453° N
  • Longitude: 99.0297° W

Location and History

Ipswich, the county seat of Edmunds County, is located in north-central South Dakota. Founded in 1883, the town was named after Ipswich, England, by railroad officials. Ipswich grew rapidly with the arrival of the railroad, becoming a hub for agriculture and trade in the region. Its strategic location along major transportation routes allowed it to flourish as a service center for farmers and ranchers in the surrounding area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

The Ipswich Public School District provides education from elementary through high school, with a focus on academic and extracurricular programs. Key landmarks include the Edmunds County Courthouse, a historic structure that underscores the town’s role in regional governance, and Lake Mina, a popular destination for fishing and picnicking. The town’s well-preserved historic district and annual community events, such as the Ipswich Trail Days, reflect its vibrant culture and strong community ties.

Bowdle

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

  • Area: Approximately 0.9 square miles
  • Population: Around 500 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Code: 57428
  • Latitude: 45.4533° N
  • Longitude: 99.6578° W

Location and History

Bowdle, located in the northwestern part of Edmunds County, was established in 1886 with the expansion of the railroad. The town was named after a railroad official and quickly became a thriving agricultural community. Known for its scenic surroundings and strong German heritage, Bowdle has maintained its rural charm and tight-knit community while adapting to modern needs.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Bowdle School District serves the town, providing comprehensive education to local students. Landmarks include the iconic Bowdle Water Tower, a historic structure and local symbol, and the town park, a venue for community gatherings and recreation. The surrounding prairie landscape offers opportunities for hunting, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities, while local festivals celebrate the town’s cultural heritage.

Roscoe

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

  • Area: Approximately 0.5 square miles
  • Population: Around 300 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Code: 57471
  • Latitude: 45.4528° N
  • Longitude: 99.3383° W

Location and History

Roscoe is a small town in the western part of Edmunds County, established in the late 19th century during the railroad boom. The town was named after Roscoe Conkling, a prominent U.S. Senator. Roscoe grew as a farming and ranching community, with its economy deeply rooted in agriculture. Its location along the prairie provided ideal conditions for grain and livestock production.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Students from Roscoe attend schools in nearby Ipswich or Bowdle. Notable landmarks include St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, a historic site that reflects the town’s cultural and religious heritage, and the surrounding farmland that highlights its agricultural roots. Community events and access to outdoor recreation, such as hunting and fishing, contribute to Roscoe’s appeal as a peaceful rural town.