Rapid City Population 2026
Rapid City has a population of 73,569, making it the #516 biggest city in 🇺🇸 United States, located in South Dakota. It is about 120× smaller than New York City, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
73,569
Rank in United States
#516
Coordinates
44.08°N, 103.23°W
~988 m elevation · America/Denver
Distance to capital (Washington)
2,246 km
1,395 miles, straight line
Other big cities in South Dakota
| City | Population | Rank in United States |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | 171,544 | #154 |
| Aberdeen | 28,102 | #1662 |
| Brookings | 23,657 | #2005 |
| Watertown | 22,073 | #2156 |
| Mitchell | 15,669 | #2990 |
Cities near Rapid City
FAQ
What is the population of Rapid City?
Rapid City has a population of 73,569 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #516 biggest city in United States.
What state is Rapid City in?
Rapid City is located in South Dakota, United States.
Is Rapid City the capital of United States?
No, the capital of United States is Washington D.C., about 2,246 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
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