Cities and Towns in Hughes County, South Dakota

Founded in 1880, Hughes County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Hughes County was formed from Buffalo County. The city of Pierre is the county seat. With FIPS code of 65, Hughes County has a population of 17,694 and area of 741 square miles (1,919 km²).

List of all cities in Hughes County, SD alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Ames, SD	57501	605
Blunt, SD	57522	605
Canning, SD	57501	605
Degray, SD	57522	605
Eakin, SD	57501	605
Fairbank, SD	57501	605
Francis, SD	57501	605
Harrold, SD	57536	605
Joe Creek, SD	57536	605
Oahe, SD	57501	605
Okobojo, SD	57501	605
Pierre, SD	57501	605
Rousseau, SD	57501	605
Wendt, SD	57501	605

Major Cities and Towns in Hughes County, South Dakota

Pierre

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: Approximately 13.1 square miles
• Population: Around 14,100 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Code: 57501
• Latitude: 44.3683° N
• Longitude: 100.3500° W

Location and History

Pierre, the capital city of South Dakota and the county seat of Hughes County, is located on the eastern bank of the Missouri River in central South Dakota. Established in 1880, Pierre became the state capital in 1889 due to its central location and access to river transportation. Named after Pierre Chouteau Jr., a prominent fur trader, the city developed as a hub for government, trade, and agriculture. Its history is deeply tied to the Missouri River and the indigenous peoples who lived in the region long before European settlement.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Pierre is served by the Pierre School District, including T.F. Riggs High School, which offers strong academic and extracurricular programs. Landmarks include the South Dakota State Capitol, an architectural gem surrounded by beautiful gardens and walking trails, and the Cultural Heritage Center, which highlights the state’s rich history. The nearby Oahe Dam and Lake Oahe provide ample recreational opportunities, such as fishing, boating, and camping, making Pierre a vibrant city that blends history, governance, and outdoor adventure.

Blunt

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: Approximately 0.6 square miles
• Population: Around 350 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Code: 57522
• Latitude: 44.5189° N
• Longitude: 99.9861° W

Location and History

Blunt, located east of Pierre in Hughes County, was established in the 1880s during the expansion of the Chicago and North Western Railway. The town was named after John E. Blunt, a railway official. Blunt developed as a small agricultural community, supporting the surrounding wheat and cattle farming areas. The town retains its historical charm, reflecting its origins as a railroad and farming hub.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Students in Blunt attend schools in Pierre or nearby communities. Key landmarks include the historic Blunt City Hall, which serves as a focal point for community events, and the surrounding farmland that highlights the town’s agricultural roots. Blunt’s proximity to the Missouri River provides additional opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing and hiking.

Harrold

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: Approximately 0.4 square miles
• Population: Around 125 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Code: 57536
• Latitude: 44.5236° N
• Longitude: 99.7311° W

Location and History

Harrold, a small town in western Hughes County, was established in the late 19th century as a stop along the Chicago and North Western Railway. Named after a railroad official, Harrold grew as a center for agricultural activity in the region. Its location in the heart of the prairie made it an important hub for grain storage and livestock operations.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Students from Harrold attend schools in nearby Pierre. Landmarks include the Harrold Grain Elevator, a symbol of the town’s agricultural history, and the Harrold Community Hall, which hosts local gatherings and events. The expansive prairie surrounding Harrold provides scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities such as birdwatching and hunting, reflecting the rural charm of Hughes County.