Cities and Towns in Hanson County, South Dakota
Founded in 1873, Hanson County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Hanson County was formed from Buffalo and Deuel Counties. The city of Alexandria is the county seat. With FIPS code of 61, Hanson County has a population of 3,505 and area of 435 square miles (1,127 km²).
List of all cities in Hanson County, SD alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alexandria, SD | 57311 | 605 |
| Clayton, SD | 57332 | 605 |
| Emery, SD | 57332 | 605 |
| Farmer, SD | 57311 | 605 |
| Fulton, SD | 57340 | 605 |
| Plano, SD | 57340 | 605 |
Major Cities and Towns in Hanson County, South Dakota
Alexandria
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Approximately 0.5 square miles
- Population: Around 600 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 57311
- Latitude: 43.6550° N
- Longitude: 97.7883° W
Location and History
Alexandria, the county seat of Hanson County, is located in southeastern South Dakota. Established in the 1880s, the town was named after Alexander Mitchell, a prominent railroad official. Alexandria grew rapidly as a service center for the surrounding agricultural region, thanks to its location near the railroad and fertile farmland. It became the administrative center of the county, reflecting its importance in governance and commerce.
Major Schools and Landmarks
The Hanson School District serves Alexandria, offering K-12 education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and extracurricular activities. Landmarks include the Hanson County Courthouse, an iconic structure that represents the town’s administrative significance, and the Alexandria City Park, a popular spot for recreation and community events. The nearby James River provides opportunities for fishing and outdoor activities, while local celebrations, such as the Alexandria Summer Festival, foster a strong sense of community.
Emery
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Approximately 0.3 square miles
- Population: Around 450 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 57332
- Latitude: 43.6253° N
- Longitude: 97.6283° W
Location and History
Emery, located in the southern part of Hanson County, was established in the late 19th century as a farming and trading community. The town was named after a prominent local settler and developed as a hub for grain and livestock production. Emery’s strong agricultural roots continue to shape its economy and way of life, while its small-town charm makes it an inviting place to live.
Major Schools and Landmarks
The Emery School District provides comprehensive K-12 education, emphasizing academic achievement and sports. Landmarks include the Emery City Park, which hosts local events and recreational activities, and the historic Emery Community Hall, a venue for gatherings and celebrations. The surrounding farmland highlights the town’s agricultural heritage, while its proximity to regional trails and rivers offers additional opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Farmer
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Approximately 0.1 square miles
- Population: Around 10 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 57311
- Latitude: 43.7053° N
- Longitude: 97.7261° W
Location and History
Farmer, a small unincorporated community in northern Hanson County, was founded in the late 19th century. The town’s name reflects its agricultural origins, as it was established to serve the needs of local farmers and ranchers. Though its population has declined over time, Farmer retains its historical identity as a rural settlement in South Dakota.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Students from Farmer typically attend schools in nearby Alexandria or Emery. Landmarks include the remnants of historic grain elevators and other structures that point to its past as an agricultural hub. The surrounding prairie offers scenic views and opportunities for hunting and outdoor activities, making Farmer a quiet but historically rich part of Hanson County.
