Elevation
Highest point in South Dakota
The highest point in South Dakota is Black Elk Peak, at 7,244 feet (2,208 meters) above sea level. It ranks 15th among the 50 state high points.
From Big Stone Lake on Minnesota border to Black Elk Peak
South Dakota spans about 6,278 ft from its lowest point to its highest. A barometer carried from one to the other would fall by about 6.02 inHg, purely because there is less air overhead. Water that boils at 210 °F at the bottom boils at about 199 °F on top.
Live barometric pressure across South Dakota · How pressure changes with altitude
Elevation of cities in South Dakota
| City | Feet | Meters |
|---|---|---|
| Custer, SD | 5,315 | 1,620 |
| Deadwood, SD | 4,531 | 1,381 |
| Rapid City, SD | 3,241 | 988 |
| Pierre, SD | 1,480 | 451 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 1,470 | 448 |
| Aberdeen, SD | 1,302 | 397 |
High points of nearby states
Elevations from Wikipedia’s list of US states by elevation (USGS and NGS data, CC BY-SA).
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest elevation in South Dakota?
The highest point in South Dakota is Black Elk Peak, at 7,244 feet (2,208 meters) above sea level. That makes it the 15th highest state high point of the 50.
What is the lowest point in South Dakota?
The lowest point is Big Stone Lake on Minnesota border, at 966 ft.
What is the average elevation of South Dakota?
The mean elevation of South Dakota is about 2,201 feet (671 meters).
What is the air pressure at the top of Black Elk Peak?
On a standard day about 22.87 inHg (775 hPa), 76% of sea-level pressure. Water boils there at about 199 °F (93 °C).