Madison, SD

Madison, South Dakota

Introduction to Madison, South Dakota

Madison, South Dakota is 37 miles NW of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and 199 miles N of Omaha, Nebraska. It is located in Lake County, and has population of 6,540.

Madison History

The original territory of Madison was established in 1880 by William Lee and Charles Walker. It was named after Madison, Wisconsin. C.B. Kennedy, who built his home in the well drained valley between Lake Herman and Lake Madison in 1878. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, which arrived in 1880, passed very close to Kennedy's homestead. As a result, residents of the original Madison community moved to the area near the railroad. By 1883, residents of the town of Herman had also shifted to this region. Gradually, many industries were established in the area and Madison became a thriving and prosperous city.

Madison and Nearby Attractions

• Smith - Zimmermann State Museum
• Walkers Point Recreation Area
• Prairie Village
• Lake Herman State Park
• Great Plains Zoo

Things To Do In Madison

There are numerous sites of historic interest in Madison including the Prairie Village, and the Herman Luce Cabin. The city is also home to the Smith-Zimmerman Museum. Prairie Village, which is a living history museum, features restored buildings, a sawmill, an operating railroad, steam tractors, and agriculture displays. The Smith-Zimmermann Museum houses various pieces of Victorian furnishings. The Pipestone National Monument marks the area where Plains Indians used to quarry pipestone. Opportunities to play golf are available at the Lakes Golf Course, and Madison Golf and Country Club. The city also offers easy access to the 1,350-acre Lake Herman and the 2,800-acre Lake Madison. Here people can enjoy boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and skiing. The Madison area also offers a variety of fishing, bird viewing, and hunting opportunities. In addition, residents of the city host annual events like the Railroad Days, and Madison Arts in the Park.

Madison Transportation

Air transportation is available from the Joe Foss Field Airport.

Madison Higher Education

Dakota State University is located in the city of Madison. South Dakota State University, University of Sioux Falls, Augustana College, and Kilian Community College are nearby.

High Points

Madison strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in South Dakota):

Category	Trophy
Short Commute Times (vs. Peers)	Top 2%
Affordability of Rents (vs. Peers)	Top 9%
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. Peers)	Top 10%
College Educated Adults (vs. State)	Top 13%
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 15%

Comparative Profile of Madison, SD

Comparing Madison to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in South Dakota (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Senior Citizens
Male Share of the Population
Female Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women
Age of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old
Racial Diversity

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty
Median Family Income

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Short Commute Times
Walking and Biking to Work
Working at Home
Public Transportation Use

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Affordability of Rents
People Living Alone
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Affordability of Property Taxes
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built

Madison Almanac

Madison Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Madison Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Madison, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Madison Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Madison Hospitals

MADISON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL - CAH
(Voluntary non-profit - Private)
917 N WASHINGTON AVE
(605) 256-6551
Emergency Service: Yes

Madison High Schools (2004)

MADISON HI SCH
800 NE 9TH ST
605-256-7706
Serves 432 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 15.5

Madison Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Dakota State University

(List of All South Dakota Colleges)

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