Air Quality
South Dakota enjoys good air quality overall, with average fine particulate (PM2.5) levels around 5.5 µg/m³ in 2023.
Monitored days with good air quality
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County, all monitored South Dakota counties.
Monitored days unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse
1990–2025U.S. EPA AirData, Annual AQI by County (AQI above 100).
| Indicator | South Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 (µg/m³) | 5.5 | 8 |
- •South Dakota's low population density and limited heavy industry contribute to its consistently good air quality ratings.
Wildfires
Wildfire risk is elevated in South Dakota's Black Hills and western grasslands, especially during dry, drought-affected years.
| Indicator | South Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire Risk Index | 6 | 5 |
- •The Black Hills National Forest is one of South Dakota's most wildfire-prone areas due to dense pine stands and dry summers.
Drought
Drought recurs frequently on South Dakota's western Plains, straining ranching and dryland farming operations in 2023-2024.
Area in drought (D1–D4), yearly average
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
Area in extreme or exceptional drought (D3–D4)
2000–2025U.S. Drought Monitor (NDMC / USDA / NOAA), average of weekly maps.
- •Ranchers in western South Dakota have faced multiple severe drought years in the past decade, affecting cattle grazing lands.
Water Usage
Agricultural irrigation from the Missouri River system is the largest driver of water use in South Dakota, especially during drought years.
| Indicator | South Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Water Reliance (index) | 8 | 5 |
- •The Missouri River's Oahe, Big Bend, Fort Randall, and Gavins Point reservoirs support both irrigation and hydropower in South Dakota.
Emissions
South Dakota's total carbon dioxide emissions were about 15 million metric tons in 2023, kept relatively low by its clean electricity mix.
Energy-related CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, all sectors and fuels (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTTTOSDA).
Transportation CO₂ emissions
1970–2021U.S. EIA State Energy Data System, transportation sector (FRED EMISSCO2TOTVTCTOSDA).
| Indicator | South Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 Emissions (MMT) | 15 | 4900 |
- •South Dakota's high share of carbon-free electricity helps keep its statewide CO2 emissions comparatively low.
Climate Indicators
South Dakota experiences a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers, and recurring drought conditions across the western Plains in 2023-2024.
Average annual temperature
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December average.
Annual precipitation
1895–2025NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance, statewide January–December total.
| Indicator | South Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 Emissions (MMT) | 15 | 4900 |
- •West River South Dakota (west of the Missouri) is significantly more drought-prone than the eastern part of the state.