Cities and Towns in Turner County, South Dakota

Founded in 1871, Turner County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Turner County was formed from Lincoln County. The city of Parker is the county seat. With FIPS code of 125, Turner County has a population of 8,708 and area of 617 square miles (1,598 km²).

List of all cities in Turner County, SD alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Center Point, SD	57070	605
Centerville, SD	57014	605
Chancellor, SD	57015	605
Dalesburg, SD	57014	605
Davis, SD	57021	605
Flyger, SD	57036	605
Hooker, SD	57070	605
Hurley, SD	57036	605
Marion, SD	57043	605
Midway, SD	57070	605
Monroe, SD	57047	605
Parker, SD	57053	605
Swan Lake, SD	57070	605
Turkey Ridge, SD	57036	605
Viborg, SD	57070	605

Major Cities and Towns in Turner County, South Dakota

Parker, South Dakota

Location and History

Parker, the county seat of Turner County, is located in the southeastern part of South Dakota, approximately 30 miles south of Sioux Falls and just a few miles north of the Iowa border. Founded in 1879, Parker was named after George W. Parker, a railroad promoter, when the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad passed through the area. Like many towns in the region, Parker developed as a center for farming and agriculture, taking advantage of the rich soil and proximity to transportation routes. Over the years, Parker became known for its agricultural production, particularly corn, soybeans, and livestock. The town flourished as settlers moved westward, establishing homesteads and developing a small commercial hub. The town also became a place for businesses and services to support the surrounding farming communities. As of the 21st century, Parker remains a small, rural community but retains a strong connection to its agricultural roots while also being part of the larger Sioux Falls metropolitan area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Parker is served by the Parker School District, which includes Parker High School, Parker Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its excellent academic programs and extracurricular activities, including a strong sports program. Major landmarks in Parker include the Turner County Courthouse, which is a historic building reflecting the town’s role as the county seat. The Parker Community Center is another key venue that hosts local events, meetings, and social gatherings. Nearby, the town is surrounded by farms and open spaces, offering scenic views of the rolling plains. Parker also has several parks, including the city park, which provides space for picnics, sports, and outdoor recreation. The town hosts the annual Turner County Fair, a celebration of local agriculture, and this event draws many visitors each year to Parker. The town’s small-town charm, coupled with its agricultural history, makes it a key community in southeastern South Dakota.

Key Statistics

• Area: 0.8 square miles
• Population: 1,500 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 57053
• Latitude: 43.3935° N
• Longitude: 97.5154° W

Marion, South Dakota

Location and History

Marion is located in the central part of Turner County, South Dakota, about 20 miles south of Sioux Falls and near the junction of U.S. Highway 81 and South Dakota Highway 44. Marion was founded in 1881 and quickly grew as a farming community due to its fertile soil and favorable location near the Big Sioux River. The town was named after Marion, Indiana, the hometown of several early settlers. Marion developed a small but vibrant economy, centered around agriculture, and over the years became a key service center for surrounding farming areas. The introduction of the railroad in the late 1800s further bolstered the town’s growth by providing transportation routes for the goods produced by local farms. Despite a decline in population in the mid-20th century as people moved to larger cities, Marion has remained a close-knit community with a deep agricultural heritage. Today, Marion continues to thrive as a rural town with a growing focus on community activities, family-friendly living, and agricultural sustainability.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Marion is served by the Marion School District, which includes Marion High School, Marion Middle School, and several elementary schools. The school district offers a variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, and community service. Key landmarks in Marion include the Turner County Veterans Memorial, which honors local veterans and serves as a reminder of the town’s deep sense of patriotism and history. The town also boasts the historic Marion Auditorium, a central gathering place for events, performances, and civic meetings. The Marion City Park offers residents and visitors a peaceful place for outdoor recreation, including walking trails, picnic areas, and sports fields. Marion is also known for its annual Marion Fair, which brings together the community to celebrate local agriculture, crafts, and entertainment. With its quiet rural lifestyle and active community events, Marion continues to be an important small town in Turner County.

Key Statistics

• Area: 1.1 square miles
• Population: 1,100 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 57043
• Latitude: 43.4476° N
• Longitude: 97.4361° W

Centerville, South Dakota

Location and History

Centerville is located in the eastern part of Turner County, South Dakota, about 20 miles south of Sioux Falls. Founded in the 1860s, Centerville was originally a trading post and an important stop for pioneers moving west. The town’s strategic location along the Sioux River and the development of the railroad in the late 19th century helped establish Centerville as a commercial and transportation hub. The town was named “Centerville” because of its central location within Turner County, which at the time made it an ideal spot for settlers and businesses. As agriculture became the dominant industry in the area, Centerville grew as a service center for farmers and ranchers, with a variety of shops, post offices, and other businesses supporting the local economy. Although the population has remained small, Centerville’s location near Sioux Falls has made it an attractive place for those seeking a rural lifestyle with access to the amenities of a larger city.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Centerville is served by the Centerville School District, which includes Centerville High School and Centerville Elementary School. The district is known for its strong academic focus, sports teams, and community involvement. Major landmarks in Centerville include the Turner County Historical Society Museum, which showcases the area’s history, including its Native American and settler heritage. The Centerville Community Center is another important location for social events, meetings, and activities. The town also has several local parks, including the Centerville City Park, which features a playground, picnic areas, and sports fields. The town’s proximity to the Big Sioux River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and nature walks, while the surrounding farmland offers scenic views and a quiet atmosphere. Centerville’s peaceful environment and historical significance make it an appealing location for those seeking to connect with South Dakota’s agricultural and pioneering past.

Key Statistics

• Area: 0.8 square miles
• Population: 900 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 57014
• Latitude: 43.3870° N
• Longitude: 97.0435° W

Chancellor, South Dakota

Location and History

Chancellor is a small town located in the northeastern part of Turner County, South Dakota, approximately 10 miles south of Sioux Falls. The town was founded in the late 19th century and was named after Chancellor, South Dakota, a settlement that no longer exists. Early settlers in Chancellor were drawn to the area for its fertile land and proximity to transportation routes. As with many towns in Turner County, agriculture quickly became the primary industry, with local farms producing crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans. In the early 20th century, Chancellor saw a period of growth, driven by its proximity to Sioux Falls and the larger market opportunities it provided. Though the town has remained small over the years, it continues to be a rural community with strong ties to agriculture. Chancellor offers a quiet, peaceful lifestyle with easy access to the amenities of Sioux Falls, making it an attractive choice for those looking to live in a rural area without being far from urban centers.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Chancellor is served by the Sioux Falls School District, with students attending schools in nearby Sioux Falls, including Washington High School. While Chancellor itself does not have many commercial landmarks, it is surrounded by farmland, offering a quiet rural lifestyle. Local landmarks include the Chancellor Community Hall, which hosts a variety of local events, including meetings and social gatherings. The nearby Big Sioux River offers opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. The town also hosts several community events throughout the year, including holiday gatherings and a local parade. While small, Chancellor’s central location within Turner County and its proximity to Sioux Falls make it a desirable place for families and individuals looking for rural living with easy access to the larger metropolitan area.

Key Statistics

• Area: 0.4 square miles
• Population: 400 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 57015
• Latitude: 43.4360° N
• Longitude: 97.0275° W