Lake
6.4
High score (8-10)
Lake County's seat Madison is home to Dakota State University, a small institution (around 3,500 students) that has built a national reputation in cybersecurity and computer science — remarkable for a rural South Dakota context. DSU attracts students who specifically chose a tech-focused program, which creates a more career-oriented population than the typical small Plains college. Madison's lakes (Lake Herman, Lake Madison) give the town a genuine recreational identity. The tech focus means you'll find people here whose frame of reference extends well beyond southeast South Dakota.
Mid score (6-8) · Your profile
Madison is a small city (around 7,000) with a tech-focused university, some lake recreation, and basic amenities. The DSU cybersecurity programs bring in students from across the country, which keeps the population somewhat transient. The social scene is limited but not dead.
Lower score (below 6)
Madison and DSU are real but small — 7,000 people in the city and 3,500 students at the university. The social scene functions during the school year and thins out in summer. If you're not connected to DSU or the local business community, getting traction takes time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the median income in Lake, SouthDakota?
$79k median
What's the typical marriage age for women in Lake, SouthDakota?
Women marry at 29
How common is a college degree in Lake, SouthDakota?
35% men have degree
What's the average male height in Lake, SouthDakota?
177 cm local avg
What's the average BMI for women in Lake, SouthDakota?
Local women avg 29.8