Cities and Towns in Hand County, South Dakota
Founded in 1873, Hand County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Hand County was formed from Buffalo County. The city of Miller is the county seat. With FIPS code of 59, Hand County has a population of 3,095 and area of 1,437 square miles (3,722 km²).
List of all cities in Hand County, SD alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Como, SD | 57362 | 605 |
| Miller, SD | 57362 | 605 |
| Orient, SD | 57467 | 605 |
| Polo, SD | 57467 | 605 |
| Ree Heights, SD | 57371 | 605 |
| Saint Lawrence, SD | 57373 | 605 |
Major Cities and Towns in Hand County, South Dakota
Miller
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Approximately 1.6 square miles
- Population: Around 1,350 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 57362
- Latitude: 44.5206° N
- Longitude: 98.9881° W
Location and History
Miller, the county seat of Hand County, is located in the central part of South Dakota. Founded in 1881, the town was named after Henry Miller, one of its early settlers. The arrival of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway spurred its growth, transforming it into a key agricultural hub. Miller’s location in the heart of the plains made it an ideal center for grain farming and livestock ranching. The town retains its historical significance while embracing modern development.
Major Schools and Landmarks
The Miller School District serves the community, offering K-12 education with a strong focus on academics and extracurricular activities. Landmarks include the Hand County Courthouse, a historic building that symbolizes the town’s role in regional governance, and the Miller Civic Center, which hosts community events and gatherings. The nearby James River provides opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation, while local events like the Miller Summer Festival highlight the town’s agricultural heritage and vibrant community spirit.
St. Lawrence
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Approximately 0.2 square miles
- Population: Around 200 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 57373
- Latitude: 44.5153° N
- Longitude: 98.9483° W
Location and History
St. Lawrence, located just west of Miller in Hand County, was established in the late 19th century during the westward expansion. Named after the St. Lawrence River in Canada, the town became a small but important agricultural community. Its proximity to Miller has allowed it to share in the region’s economic and social opportunities, while maintaining its own unique identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Students in St. Lawrence typically attend schools in nearby Miller. Landmarks include the St. Lawrence Community Center, which serves as a venue for local events, and the surrounding farmland, which reflects the town’s deep agricultural roots. The open prairies and nearby rivers offer scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hunting and fishing.
Ree Heights
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Approximately 0.2 square miles
- Population: Around 60 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 57371
- Latitude: 44.4764° N
- Longitude: 99.2253° W
Location and History
Ree Heights, located in western Hand County, was founded in the late 19th century as a stop along the railroad. The town was named for the nearby Ree Hills, which were significant landmarks for settlers and Native Americans. Ree Heights grew as a small agricultural community, serving the surrounding farms and ranches with essential services and connections to larger markets.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Students from Ree Heights attend schools in Miller or other nearby towns. Landmarks include the Ree Heights Community Hall, which hosts local events and gatherings, and the scenic Ree Hills, which offer opportunities for hiking and exploring the area’s natural beauty. The surrounding farmland underscores the town’s historical and economic reliance on agriculture, making Ree Heights a peaceful rural retreat.
