Rapid City’s population is estimated to have grown to 86,484 in 2025, marking a 1.83 percent increase from the 2024 estimate of 84,930, according to figures compiled by the city’s Long Range Planning Division.
The latest estimate continues a trend of steady population growth in recent years. Since 2020, when the U.S. Census Bureau estimated Rapid City’s population at 74,703, the community has grown by nearly 12,000 residents.
City officials calculate the annual population estimate using a methodology approved by the U.S. Census Bureau. The process incorporates data such as approved building permits, housing demolitions, census occupancy rates, and persons-per-household figures from the 2020 census for Rapid City and Pennington County.
Based on the city’s analysis, Rapid City’s population has increased each year, from 82,418 in 2023 to 84,930 in 2024, and now to an estimated 86,484 by the end of 2025.
“The data reflects continued increases in population for our community,” said Kelly Brennan, the city’s long-range planner. “We base these projections on the available data. The estimates are important as the information assists city leaders and department staff as we make plans for the future.”
Brennan said the population figures help guide decisions related to infrastructure, community planning, transportation, housing and other policy and planning needs.
The population estimate report is scheduled to be presented Wednesday to the City’s Legal and Finance Committee. The meeting will begin at 12:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
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