--- title: More about South Dakota | South Dakota Trade description: Key industries like precision ag, bioscience, and cybersecurity are fueling growth in South Dakota, the nation, and the world. --- [Skip to content](https://southdakotatrade.com/more-about-south-dakota#main-content) - [Newsletter Sign Up](https://southdakotatrade.com/sign-up-for-our-newsletter) [![South Dakota Trade Logo](https://southdakotatrade.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SDTrade_logo_color-1.png?width=150&height=116&name=SDTrade_logo_color-1.png "South Dakota Trade Logo")](https://southdakotatrade.com?hsLang=en) - [More About SD](https://southdakotatrade.com/more-about-south-dakota) - [Trade Statistics](https://southdakotatrade.com/trade-in-sd) - [STEP Program Overview](https://southdakotatrade.com/step-grant-program) - [STEP Application](https://southdakotatrade.com/apply-for-the-step-grant-program) - [STEP Activity Report](https://southdakotatrade.com/step-activity-report) - About Us - [Who We Are](https://southdakotatrade.com/who-we-are) - [Our Team](https://southdakotatrade.com/meet-our-team) - [Sponsorship Request Form](https://southdakotatrade.com/sponsorshiprequest) - Memberships - [Membership Overview](https://southdakotatrade.com/membership-overview) - [Membership Application](https://southdakotatrade.com/apply-for-membership) - [Request Speaker Form](https://southdakotatrade.com/request-a-speaker) - [Resources](https://southdakotatrade.com/resources) - News & Events - [News](https://southdakotatrade.com/news-events) - [Events](https://southdakotatrade.com/midwest-ag-summit-overview) - [Contact Us](https://southdakotatrade.com/contact-south-dakota-trade?hsLang=en) # More about South Dakota ![SDTD\_1.0\_MoreAboutSD\_\_Hero\_1440x650](https://southdakotatrade.com/hubfs/SDTD_1.0_MoreAboutSD__Hero_1440x650.jpg) ## Local Industries. International Growth. South Dakota businesses can find new markets, diversify their revenue, and spark growth through international trade. South Dakota Trade works with companies to administer [STEP Grants](https://southdakotatrade.com/step-grant-program?hsLang=en) and foster trade partnerships, especially in key industries of growth and impact. ![Manufacturing](https://southdakotatrade.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1.0_MoreAboutSD_Icons_100x100-1.png?width=417&height=417&name=1.0_MoreAboutSD_Icons_100x100-1.png) ### Manufacturing Manufacturing accounts for every 1 out of 10 jobs in South Dakota. Companies here manufacture a variety of high-quality goods, from world-class precision ag products to electronic display boards found at sports stadiums across the globe. ![Bioscience](https://southdakotatrade.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1.0_MoreAboutSD_Icons_100x100-2.png?width=417&height=417&name=1.0_MoreAboutSD_Icons_100x100-2.png) ### Bioscience South Dakota’s bioscience industry is thriving, with the nation’s highest concentration of animal scientists and second-highest concentration of soil and plant scientists. South Dakota offers a wealth of support through partners and programs that promote research, advocacy, and education in biotech. ![Value-Added Agriculture](https://southdakotatrade.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1.0_MoreAboutSD_Icons_100x100-3.png?width=417&height=417&name=1.0_MoreAboutSD_Icons_100x100-3.png) ### Value-Added Agriculture South Dakota is a food processing hub, home to companies like Smithfield, CJ Schwan’s and Bel Brands. From consumer-packaged goods to dairy and pork, South Dakota is at the forefront of value-added ag with one-of-a-kind research facilities and a rich history in food production. ![Livestock Development](https://southdakotatrade.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1.0_MoreAboutSD_Icons_100x100-4.png?width=417&height=417&name=1.0_MoreAboutSD_Icons_100x100-4.png) ### Livestock Development In South Dakota, agriculture’s impact on our economy is significant. The state is responsible for raising 3% of the nation’s hog inventory and 4% of national cattle and calf inventory. In addition to feeding the world, livestock production helps feed economic development through job growth. ![Precision Agriculture](https://southdakotatrade.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1.0_MoreAboutSD_Icons_100x100-5.png?width=417&height=417&name=1.0_MoreAboutSD_Icons_100x100-5.png) ### Precision Agriculture Precision ag uses GP technologies and a variety of computerized monitoring and application equipment to provide real-time data that can help ag producers respond quickly and precisely to conditions. As a leader in this space, South Dakota has the fifth highest precision ag practice utilization. ![Cybersecurity](https://southdakotatrade.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1.0_MoreAboutSD_Icons_100x100-6.png?width=417&height=417&name=1.0_MoreAboutSD_Icons_100x100-6.png) ### Cybersecurity Data breaches, malware infections and identity theft are vulnerabilities we know all too well. But in South Dakota, we’re growing rapidly to meet these challenges, thanks to powerhouse cyber hubs like Dakota State University, one of 13 designated Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations. ![Financial Services](https://southdakotatrade.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1.0_MoreAboutSD_Icons_100x100-7.png?width=417&height=417&name=1.0_MoreAboutSD_Icons_100x100-7.png) ### Financial Services South Dakota is home to some of the world’s largest financial institutions and service providers, including CitiBank, Wells Fargo and PREMIER Bankcard. We are the global leader in trust administration and management with over $500 billion in assets housed right here on the prairie. ![1.0\_MoreAboutSD\_Icons\_100x100-8](https://southdakotatrade.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1.0_MoreAboutSD_Icons_100x100-8.png?width=417&height=417&name=1.0_MoreAboutSD_Icons_100x100-8.png) ### Chemicals & Biofuel South Dakota is leading the clean-energy revolution with state-of-the-art biofuel facilities. Our state is well-known for producing high-quality, low-carbon ethanol and is investing in renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuels. ![Defense Website Graphic](https://southdakotatrade.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Defense%20Website%20Graphic.png?width=418&height=418&name=Defense%20Website%20Graphic.png) ### Defense & National Security South Dakota supports the industries that protect and sustain the nation—from advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity to food production and resilient supply chains. With a pro-business environment, dependable infrastructure, and a workforce built on precision and work ethic, South Dakota offers a stable place to build, grow, and operate with confidence.  ## SOUTH DAKOTA AT A GLANCE  With low unemployment, booming economic development and a tax-friendly climate, South Dakota is a great place to do business, both domestically and internationally. South Dakotans are known for their work ethic, dedication and passion for a job well done. With no corporate income tax, no personal income tax, no personal property tax, no inheritance tax and no business inventory tax, South Dakota offers unique advantages for businesses to expand their markets and grow their bottom line.  [![2025 Population](https://southdakotatrade.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AllEditedIcons_SDTD25_PopulationIcon_120x120.png?width=100&height=100&name=AllEditedIcons_SDTD25_PopulationIcon_120x120.png "2025 Population")](https://app.locationone.com/areas/states/59307fac6a0821227f7ae033?organization=67a613ce088c9c3b91ba3d9e) 2025 POPULATION 935,078 [![Unemployment Rate](https://southdakotatrade.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AllEditedIcons_SDTD25_UnemploymentIcon_120x120.png?width=100&height=100&name=AllEditedIcons_SDTD25_UnemploymentIcon_120x120.png "Unemployment Rate")](https://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE 1.9% [![Median Age](https://southdakotatrade.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AllEditedIcons_SDTD25_MedianAgeIcon_120x120.png?width=100&height=100&name=AllEditedIcons_SDTD25_MedianAgeIcon_120x120.png "Median Age")](https://www.census.gov/data/developers/data-sets/acs-5year.html) MEDIAN AGE 37.1 [![2012-2022 Population Growth](https://southdakotatrade.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AllEditedIcons_SDTD25_PopulationGrowthIcon_120x120.png?width=100&height=100&name=AllEditedIcons_SDTD25_PopulationGrowthIcon_120x120.png "2012-2022 Population Growth")](https://sdgoed.com/build-your-business/demographics/) 2012-2022 POPULATION GROWTH 9.1% [![High School Diploma, GED or Higher](https://southdakotatrade.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AllEditedIcons_SDTD25_HighschoolIcon_120x120.png?width=100&height=100&name=AllEditedIcons_SDTD25_HighschoolIcon_120x120.png "High School Diploma, GED or Higher")](https://app.locationone.com/areas/states/59307fac6a0821227f7ae033?organization=67a613ce088c9c3b91ba3d9e) HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA, GED OR HIGHER 94% [![No Corporate Income Tax](https://southdakotatrade.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AllEditedIcons_SDTD25_NoIncomeTaxIcon_120x120.png?width=100&height=100&name=AllEditedIcons_SDTD25_NoIncomeTaxIcon_120x120.png "No Corporate Income Tax")](https://sdgoed.com/) NO CORPORATE INCOME TAX $0 [![No Business Inventory Tax](https://southdakotatrade.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AllEditedIcons_SDTD25_NoInventoryTaxIcon_120x120.png?width=100&height=100&name=AllEditedIcons_SDTD25_NoInventoryTaxIcon_120x120.png "No Business Inventory Tax")](https://sdgoed.com/) NO BUSINESS INVENTORY TAX $0 ## APPLY FOR A STEP GRANT The SD STEP program helps cover expenses for small businesses looking to promote export-related activities. [LEARN MORE](https://southdakotatrade.com/apply-for-the-step-grant-program?hsLang=en) ## SOUTH DAKOTA PARTNER AGENCIES ### SD Governor’s Office of Economic Development [LEARN MORE](https://sdgoed.com/) ### SD Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources [LEARN MORE](https://danr.sd.gov/) ### Travel South Dakota [LEARN MORE](https://sdvisit.com/) ## LOOKING FOR MORE DATA? [INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION](https://www.trade.gov/) [INTERNATIONAL TRADE DATA](https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/data/index.html) [![South Dakota Trade Footer Logo](https://southdakotatrade.com/hubfs/logo-sdtrade-footer.svg)](https://southdakotatrade.com/?hsLang=en) ![SBA-Logo-Stacked1-768x835-1](https://southdakotatrade.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SBA-Logo-Stacked1-768x835-1.png?width=98&height=77&name=SBA-Logo-Stacked1-768x835-1.png) [![facebook](https://southdakotatrade.com/hubfs/facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/people/South-Dakota-Trade/61558409871174/?_rdr) [![linkedin](https://southdakotatrade.com/hubfs/linkedin.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sdtrade/posts/?feedView=all) - [Contact Us](https://southdakotatrade.com/contact-south-dakota-trade) - [Privacy Policy](https://southdakotatrade.com/privacy-policy) South Dakota Trade is a 501c(6) nonprofit association that navigates international trade for South Dakota. Funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration. [South Dakota Trade 990 Form](https://southdakotatrade.com/hubfs/SD%20Trade%20FYE2024_990.pdf?hsLang=en) ### Sign Up. Stay Up to Date. [Sign Up for Emails](https://southdakotatrade.com/sign-up-for-our-newsletter?hsLang=en)