How do they differ? As the state capital, Pierre offers a unique blend of the metropolitan and the small-town — friendly and welcoming, with a diverse cultural life and the region’s best shopping and dining opportunities. Government, retail, health care and education are the city’s biggest employers, followed by finance, recreation and entertainment, and real estate.

Fort Pierre is a rural community with a quiet way of life that belies its significance in American history. It was here in 1743 that Chevalier and Louis la Verendrye buried a lead tablet in a bluff above the Missouri River, thereby claiming for France the territory that eventually became the Louisiana Purchase. Today, Fort Pierre’s employment base resembles that of the capital city across the river, though agriculture, forestry, construction and related industries represent some 15 percent of area jobs.

The figures below provide a demographic snapshot of central South Dakota’s two river towns.

Pierre Demographics

Total Population 13,876

• Male  47.5%

• Female 52.5%

Median age (years)

• 37.5

Median household income

• $42,962

Adults with high school diploma or higher

•  89.6%

Fort Pierre Demographics

Total Population 1,991

• Male 50%

• Female 50%

Median age

• 36.8

Median household income

• $41,181

Adults with high school diploma or higher

•  87.9%