Population7,467 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
A Springs Town With Territorial County Roots
Fall River County, South DakotaHot Springs anchors Fall River County, whose government developed during the Dakota territorial period. The county’s earlier Forsythe name adds a useful historical distinction, while its separate administrative relationship with Oglala Lakota County requires care when following public-service information. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 7,467 residents in Fall River County, South Dakota, on July 1, 2025. The county has approximately 1,740 square miles of land, according to the 2020 Census Gazetteer.
Fall River County at a Glance
Population7,467 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)County SeatHot SpringsEstablished1883 (organized; NACo County Explorer)Total Area, Including Water1,749.164 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)Area Codes605
Discover Fall River County
Fall River County
Fall River County organized in 1883 with Hot Springs selected as its seat. The area had previously carried the Forsythe name. The county also provides administrative services connected with Oglala Lakota County, but the two remain distinct counties. That distinction is important when reading present records alongside the older territorial history. The earlier name and later service arrangements describe different kinds of administrative change. Keeping them separate prevents an institutional relationship from being mistaken for a merger of places or county identities.
Use Hot Springs as the civic starting point and include the earlier Forsythe name when researching older documents. For public records or services, confirm which county has responsibility. A focused local-history inquiry can connect the territorial organization with a particular institution or community. Record both the place name and the relevant date when following a historical reference. That habit helps distinguish territorial-era material from the present offices that may now hold related records.
What Shapes Us
Local Character
The county's earlier Forsythe name adds a useful historical distinction, while its separate administrative relationship with Oglala Lakota County requires care when following public-service information.
Community History
Fall River County organized in 1883 with Hot Springs selected as its seat. The area had previously carried the Forsythe name.
Explore Locally
Use Hot Springs as the civic starting point and include the earlier Forsythe name when researching older documents. For public records or services, confirm which county has responsibility.
Discover local identity through names, places and public history.
A Closer Look
Fall River County
Places and perspectives from Fall River County
County Guide
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Read the Story ExploreAround Fall River County
Stories from every corner of Fall River County.
Brown County
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Butte County
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Custer County
Custer anchors its namesake county in the Black Hills, where French Creek and later railway development provide local reference points. County history also connects the area with forest…
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Fall River County
Hot Springs anchors Fall River County, whose government developed during the Dakota territorial period. The county's earlier Forsythe name adds a useful historical distinction, while its separate administrative…
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Lawrence County
Deadwood anchors Lawrence County on South Dakota's western border, while Lead, Spearfish and Whitewood provide other community identities. The county's name recalls its first treasurer, and its historical…
ExploreCounty Resources
Find the Right Local Connection
Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.
Government
Schools
Public school contacts
Selected local schools from the NCES 2024-2025 directory. Contact the school or district to confirm enrollment, attendance boundaries and current services; this is not a complete school list.
Edgemont Elementary – 03 – Elementary; grades PK-08. 715 Mogul Way, Edgemont, SD 57735. 605-662-7254.
Hot Springs Elementary – 02 – Elementary; grades PK-05. 240 N 19th St, Hot Springs, SD 57747. 605-745-4149.
Oelrichs Elementary – 02 – Elementary; grades PK-05. 214 W 7th St, Oelrichs, SD 57763. 605-535-2631.
Edgemont High School – 01 – High; grades 09-12. 715 Mogul Way, Edgemont, SD 57735. 605-662-7254.
Hot Springs Middle School – 06 – Middle; grades 06-08. 146 N 16th St, Hot Springs, SD 57747. 605-745-4092.
Hot Springs High School – 01 – High; grades 09-12. 110 N 16th St, Hot Springs, SD 57747. 605-745-4147.
Oelrichs High School – 01 – High; grades 09-12. 214 W 7th St, Oelrichs, SD 57763. 605-535-2631.
Hospitals
Local hospital contacts
Facility contacts from the CMS Hospital General Information directory, updated July 22, 2026. Contact the facility directly to confirm current services and appointment arrangements.
Fall River Hospital – Cah – Critical Access Hospitals. 1201 Highway 71 South, Hot Springs, SD 57747. 605-745-8910.
Public Safety
Emergency Services
Libraries
Local library contacts
Locations and public phone numbers are from the IMLS FY2024 Public Libraries Survey. Call the branch to confirm current hours and services before visiting.
Edgemont Public Library – 412 2Nd Ave, Edgemont, SD 57735. 605-662-7712.
Hot Springs Public Library – 2005 Library Drive, Hot Springs, SD 57747. 605-745-3151.
Courts
DMV
South Dakota — Vehicle titles and registration
South Dakota — Driver license locations and hours
South Dakota — Schedule a driver license renewal appointment
South Dakota — Renew a driver license in person
South Dakota — Revenue online services including vehicle renewals
Postal Services
USPS location finder — Search by street address, city or ZIP Code for nearby post offices, collection boxes and available services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Find the mailing ZIP Code for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold and review identity-verification requirements.
USPS change of address and forwarding — Review forwarding options and submit an address-change request through USPS.
USPS package pickup — Check pickup availability for your address and schedule eligible shipments.
Veterans
National services available to local residents
VA accredited representatives — Find help with VA claims and benefit applications.
VA health care applications — Review application options and supporting information.
VA disability claims — Find the official steps for submitting a disability claim.
GI Bill and education benefits — Review how to apply for VA education benefits.
Veteran career and employment support — Explore VA employment, training and career assistance.
Employment
National services available to local residents
USAJOBS federal employment — Search federal openings by location and occupation.
Apprenticeship Finder — Search apprenticeship opportunities by location and occupation.
My Next Move career exploration — Explore occupations, industries and career interests.
Government job-training resources — Find routes to state training programs and support for different job seekers.
Unemployment benefit guidance — Find your state program and its application and eligibility information.
Get to Know Fall River County
Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.
Local Questions
Fall River County Questions, Answered
Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.
7,467 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate). This is a dated Census Bureau estimate, rather than a live resident count.
1,749.164 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography). The total combines land and water area.
Start with Emergency Management, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Register of Deeds, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Veteran’s Services, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Clerk of Court, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Sheriff, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Employment (2), linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with these official South Dakota resources: Vehicle titles and registration; Driver license locations and hours; Schedule a driver license renewal appointment. Choose the page for the service you need, then check its office or online instructions before making a trip. These links cover state services; they do not establish that every transaction is available at a county office.
Use USPS ZIP Code Lookup for the mailing ZIP Code of a specific street address. Use the USPS location finder to search for nearby postal facilities and available services. An address lookup is more useful for mailing than assuming the entire county shares one ZIP Code.
Fall River County organized in 1883 with Hot Springs selected as its seat. The area had previously carried the Forsythe name. The county also provides administrative services connected with Oglala Lakota County, but the two remain distinct counties. That distinction is important when reading present records alongside the older territorial history. The earlier name and later service arrangements describe different kinds of administrative change. Keeping them separate prevents an institutional relationship from being mistaken for a merger of places or county identities.
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