Cities and Towns in Sanborn County, South Dakota
Founded in 1883, Sanborn County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Sanborn County was formed from Miner County. The city of Woonsocket is the county seat. With FIPS code of 111, Sanborn County has a population of 2,378 and area of 569 square miles (1,474 km²).
List of all cities in Sanborn County, SD alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Artesian, SD | 57314 | 605 |
| Forestburg, SD | 57314 | 605 |
| Letcher, SD | 57359 | 605 |
| Storla, SD | 57359 | 605 |
| Woonsocket, SD | 57385 | 605 |
Major Cities and Towns in Sanborn County, South Dakota
Woonsocket, South Dakota
Location and History
Woonsocket, the county seat of Sanborn County, is located in east-central South Dakota, approximately 50 miles west of the Missouri River and 30 miles north of Mitchell. The town was founded in 1880 and named after Woonsocket, Rhode Island, reflecting the heritage of early settlers from the East Coast. Woonsocket grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to its location along the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, which made it a critical transportation hub for agricultural goods in the region. The town became a commercial center for the surrounding farming communities, and agriculture—particularly wheat, corn, and livestock—remains the economic backbone of the area. In addition to farming, Woonsocket has maintained a close-knit community with a strong focus on education, local businesses, and civic engagement. While its population has declined slightly over the years, Woonsocket remains a vibrant small town, proud of its history and committed to its agricultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Woonsocket is served by the Woonsocket School District, which includes Woonsocket High School and Woonsocket Elementary School. The district is known for its strong academic performance, sports teams, and community involvement. Notable landmarks in Woonsocket include the Sanborn County Courthouse, a historic building that serves as the center of government for the county. The town also features the Woonsocket Community Center, a hub for local events and activities, and a public library that offers educational programs and community services. For outdoor recreation, residents enjoy the local parks, which include playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails. The surrounding countryside, with its rolling hills and agricultural fields, provides opportunities for hunting, fishing, and nature walks. Woonsocket is also home to the annual Woonsocket Fall Festival, a popular event that showcases the community’s agricultural heritage with a parade, fair, and livestock exhibitions. The town’s historic buildings and vibrant local culture continue to make it an attractive destination for visitors and a proud place to live for its residents.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: 600 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57385
- Latitude: 44.2878° N
- Longitude: 98.2272° W
Letcher, South Dakota
Location and History
Letcher is a small town located in the northern part of Sanborn County, South Dakota, approximately 15 miles north of Woonsocket and 40 miles south of Mitchell. Letcher was established in 1880, and like many small towns in South Dakota, it grew as an agricultural hub, serving the surrounding farming community. The town was named after the Letcher family, who were early settlers in the area. In the early 20th century, Letcher boasted a growing population and was a vibrant local center for trade, with general stores, a bank, and post office catering to the needs of farmers in the region. Over the years, Letcher has seen population decline, as many small rural towns have experienced in South Dakota, but the town continues to maintain a rural charm. Farming remains a central part of the local economy, with many residents still engaged in crop and livestock production.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Letcher is served by the Sanborn Central School District, which includes Sanborn Central High School and Sanborn Central Middle School. The district offers a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service projects. While Letcher does not have many major landmarks, it is known for its close-knit community and rural setting. The Letcher City Park is a local gathering place where residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as picnicking, walking, and sports. The surrounding farmland provides a scenic backdrop for the town and offers opportunities for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation. Letcher is also home to a small community center, where events and social gatherings take place. The town celebrates its agricultural heritage and continues to be an important stop for those interested in South Dakota’s rural lifestyle.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: 150 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57359
- Latitude: 44.1202° N
- Longitude: 98.2787° W
Artesian, South Dakota
Location and History
Artesian is a small town in the southern part of Sanborn County, South Dakota, located about 30 miles southeast of Woonsocket and 25 miles north of the Nebraska border. The town was founded in the early 1900s and grew rapidly during its early years, benefiting from its location along the railroad. Artesian’s name comes from the artesian wells in the area, which provided a steady supply of fresh water to the early settlers. Like many small towns in the Midwest, Artesian was primarily an agricultural community, with the local economy based on farming and ranching. Over the years, the town has faced a decline in population, as mechanized farming reduced the need for local labor, and many young people moved to larger cities for better job opportunities. Despite this, Artesian remains an important part of Sanborn County, with a small but active community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Artesian is part of the Sanborn Central School District, which serves several towns in the county, including Artesian. Students attend Sanborn Central High School, located in nearby Letcher. The district is known for its academic rigor, extracurricular activities, and athletic programs. Major landmarks in Artesian include the Artesian Community Center, which hosts a variety of social events and community activities, and the Artesian City Park, which features playgrounds, picnic areas, and space for outdoor sports. The surrounding landscape offers opportunities for fishing, hunting, and hiking, particularly near the nearby James River. While Artesian may be small, its agricultural roots and community spirit make it a charming and peaceful place to live and visit. The town hosts several local events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of community and tradition among its residents.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.2 square miles
- Population: 120 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57314
- Latitude: 44.0867° N
- Longitude: 98.1250° W
Forestburg, South Dakota
Location and History
Forestburg is a small town located in the southwestern part of Sanborn County, about 25 miles southeast of Woonsocket. The town was founded in the early 1880s and grew as a service center for the surrounding farming and ranching communities. Its name is derived from the lush forests and woodlands that once covered the area, although much of this forest land was cleared for farming over time. Forestburg experienced rapid growth in its early years, becoming a key transportation point for the railroad, which helped to ship crops and livestock to markets. As with many small towns in South Dakota, Forestburg’s population has declined over the years, as mechanized farming and urban migration have reduced the need for local labor. However, the town remains a rural community, with farming and agriculture still central to its economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Forestburg is part of the Sanborn Central School District, which includes Sanborn Central High School and Middle School. The district is well-regarded for its academic performance, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Notable landmarks in Forestburg include the Forestburg Community Center, which serves as a hub for local events and gatherings. The surrounding countryside is ideal for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking. Forestburg is also home to several local businesses that cater to the needs of the surrounding farming community. The town is situated in a picturesque location, surrounded by farmlands and offering stunning views of the surrounding prairies. While the town is small, its rural charm and strong agricultural heritage continue to attract residents and visitors who appreciate a quiet, small-town lifestyle.
Key Statistics
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: 100 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 57335
- Latitude: 44.1278° N
- Longitude: 98.2092° W