Cities and Towns in Jones County, South Dakota
Founded in 1916, Jones County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Jones County was formed from Lyman County. The city of Murdo is the county seat. With FIPS code of 75, Jones County has a population of 879 and area of 971 square miles (2,515 km²).
List of all cities in Jones County, SD alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Draper, SD | 57531 | 605 |
| Kary, SD | 57559 | 605 |
| Murdo, SD | 57559 | 605 |
| Okaton, SD | 57562 | 605 |
| Van Metre, SD | 57559 | 605 |
Major Cities and Towns in Jones County, South Dakota
Murdo, South Dakota
Location and History
Murdo is a small city located in Jones County, South Dakota, situated along U.S. Highway 83. Established in 1907, the city grew quickly as a railroad town due to its location on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad line. Its proximity to the Badlands and the Missouri River also helped establish Murdo as a center for agriculture and trade. Murdo was originally named after a local family, the Murdochs, who were prominent figures in the area’s early settlement. The town’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and farming. Despite its small size, Murdo has retained much of its historical character, with many buildings reflecting early 20th-century architecture. Over the years, it has remained a quiet, rural town, though it has grown somewhat with the development of the surrounding region. Murdo is also well known as a stopping point for travelers heading toward the Badlands National Park and the Black Hills, making it an important location for tourism in the region. Its rich history and welcoming atmosphere make Murdo a great place for both locals and visitors to explore the history and beauty of South Dakota.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Murdo is served by the Jones County School District, which operates Murdo High School and Murdo Elementary School. The schools are known for their small class sizes and strong community involvement. Murdo High School offers various extracurricular activities, including sports like basketball, volleyball, and track, as well as a robust academic program. The city is also home to the Pioneer Auto Show & Prairie Town, a major attraction that draws visitors from across the region. The museum features a large collection of vintage cars, historical artifacts, and old-time buildings that recreate an early 20th-century town. Another significant landmark in Murdo is the Jones County Courthouse, a historic building that serves as the administrative center for the county. Additionally, the nearby Badlands National Park, just a short drive away, offers breathtaking scenery, hiking trails, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Murdo also benefits from its proximity to the Missouri River and the surrounding grasslands, which are popular for fishing, hunting, and camping. The town’s combination of historical attractions and natural beauty makes it an appealing destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Key Statistics
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: 500 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57559
- Latitude: 43.7411° N
- Longitude: 100.7074° W
Draper, South Dakota
Location and History
Draper, a small town located in the central part of Jones County, South Dakota, was founded in 1910 and was originally a stop on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. The town grew as a farming and ranching community, with agriculture remaining the backbone of its economy. Draper was named after a local landowner, and like many rural towns, it has faced challenges over the years due to population decline and the consolidation of smaller communities. Despite these challenges, Draper has maintained its small-town charm and continues to serve as a hub for local farmers and ranchers. It is located near the Missouri River, which provided early settlers with access to transportation and trade routes. Draper’s history is marked by a strong agricultural heritage, and the town has managed to hold on to its community spirit and rural values. Today, Draper serves as a peaceful, quiet town where residents enjoy a slower pace of life while staying connected to the land and surrounding farming community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Draper is part of the Jones County School District, which serves the surrounding areas. Although the town does not have its own high school, students from Draper attend Murdo High School for their secondary education. Draper’s schools are known for being close-knit, with a focus on personalized education and community engagement. The town’s landmarks include several historic buildings that reflect its early 20th-century origins, as well as the surrounding farmland that showcases the area’s agricultural roots. The Draper City Park offers residents and visitors a place to enjoy outdoor activities, including picnicking, walking, and socializing. Nearby, the Missouri River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and water-based recreation. Draper is also located close to the Badlands National Park, a major tourist destination known for its dramatic landscapes and rich fossil beds. The combination of Draper’s rural character and its proximity to natural landmarks makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a quiet lifestyle near the beauty of South Dakota’s outdoor attractions.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: 100 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57531
- Latitude: 43.8096° N
- Longitude: 99.3066° W
Quinn, South Dakota
Location and History
Quinn is a small unincorporated community in Jones County, South Dakota, located just off Interstate 90 in the western part of the state. The town was founded in the early 1900s as a railroad stop and grew rapidly with the arrival of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. While the town itself has a relatively small population, its location along the interstate makes it an important stop for travelers, particularly those heading to the Black Hills or the Badlands National Park. Quinn was originally a farming community, with wheat, corn, and cattle as the main products. Over the years, the town has faced a decline in population, but it has maintained its rural charm and small-town atmosphere. Quinn’s history is rooted in the development of South Dakota’s agricultural industry, with many of the town’s original buildings reflecting the agricultural economy that defined the region in the early 20th century. Today, Quinn remains a quiet community, though it continues to serve as a point of interest for those traveling along I-90.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Quinn is part of the Wall School District, with students attending Wall High School for their secondary education. Wall is located a few miles to the west and offers more robust educational facilities. The town does not have major schools of its own but benefits from the educational resources of Wall. In terms of landmarks, Quinn’s most notable feature is its location along the historic route of Interstate 90. While small in size, Quinn serves as a convenient stop for travelers, with several gas stations and motels catering to the needs of those passing through. Nearby landmarks include the famous Wall Drug Store in Wall, one of South Dakota’s most visited tourist attractions, and the Badlands National Park, which is just a short drive away. The nearby prairie and open land are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife watching. Despite its small size, Quinn’s proximity to major landmarks and its rural character make it an appealing location for those passing through or seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.2 square miles
- Population: 50 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57775
- Latitude: 43.7592° N
- Longitude: 102.1855° W
