When you hail from the Midwest, you are used to being surrounded by not only beautiful churches and religious communities, but ample church-related dinners and events, volunteer opportunities, and faith-based schools. According to Sperling’s Best Places, a whopping 59.6% of South Dakota is religious, with the Lutheran denomination leading the pack at 19.6%, followed by Catholic at 18.4%, and Methodist at 4.9%. To get a better idea of which areas are the most religious and faith-based, check out this round-up of the seven most religious towns in South Dakota:
Not only is Highmore a "Great Place To Live, Work, And Play," but, come to find out, pray as well! According to USA Today, Hyde County (of which Highmore is the county seat) is the most religious county in South Dakota, with church attendance at 58.6% of the state population and congregations in the county at 49 per 10,000 people.
Thanks to its many churches and surprisingly diverse population, Huron is the second most religious town in South Dakota. Don't just take our word for it: Niche even notes Huron as being diverse and gives it kudos for having a place of worship for nearly every belief!
Since Rapid City is one of the largest towns in South Dakota, you better believe that it is also one of the most religious! Whether you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or Buddhist, you can always find a safe place to worship in Rapid City.
Like Rapid City (only larger), Sioux Falls has several different churches for nearly every Christian denomination as well as most non-Christian practices (a la Jewish, Muslim, etc.). In addition to the churches themselves, you can find vibrant faith communities all around the city, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for festivals, fundraisers, and other special events.
Let's be real: You knew that a town called Faith HAD to make our list of the most religious towns in South Dakota! In addition to its holy name, the town of 421 residents also boasts a handful of tight-knit Protestant churches, including Bethel Lutheran, Church of Christ, and United Methodist.
South Dakota's Jewish population may be small (according to a 2014 article by Tablet, there few less than 400 in the state), but they are still faithful and proud, which can be seen at the Congregation B’nai Isaac. Located in Aberdeen, Congregation B’nai Isaac is a 100+-year-old synagogue that is as historic as it is revered.
Last but certainly not least is the ghost town of Scenic, which was bought in 2011 for a cool $700,000. Who had this kind of cash? It was the "Church of Christ," a Philippines-based church that holds worship services every week. ($700,000 to acquire land to build a church? Now THAT is dedication!)
