The Black Hills Flood of 1972 ravaged the city, destroying thousands of homes and causing a building boom. Over a decade of reconstruction, Rapid City rebuilt all of its destroyed buildings and replaced even more. In 1978, the city welcomed the Rushmore Mall, which further enhanced the city's reputation as a local retail center. During that time, Rapid City also experienced substantial growth. In the early 1990s, the city experienced a boom in construction as the construction of new buildings replaced those that were destroyed during the flood.
Rapid City has a diverse economy, with heavy and medium industrial activities. The Portland Cement Company, which was owned by the State of South Dakota for 84 years, is located here. The Army National Guard, based at Camp Rapid, regularly holds exercises in the Black Hills that draw soldiers from as many as five states. Other federal agencies headquartered in Rapid City include the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Indian Health Service, and US Forest Services.
QuickFacts data are based on census data, county business patterns, and surveys. The census also compiles data on a variety of other topics, including education and income. QuickFacts aims to give residents the information they need to make informed decisions. The demographics of Rapid City are detailed below. You can view demographic information on the area's economy, population, and steets by clicking on the tabs above.