About the Box Elder and Ellsworth Communities
We support local businesses through efforts to create a strong business environment, networking opportunities and to grow professional connections.
Box Elder, home to Ellsworth Air Force Base, is a growing residential community for both military and civilian families. It is the 11th largest city in South Dakota with a population slightly over 12,500 people. It’s also one of the fastest-growing cities in South Dakota.
Founded in 1907 as a whistle stop on the Chicago & North Western Railroad line, Box Elder took on an important new role in 1941 as home to the Rapid City Army Air Base. During World War II, the base was a training facility B-17 bomber crews. It later served in a variety of roles. In 1953, it was named renamed in honor of Brig. Gen. Richard Ellsworth, who died in a crash over Newfoundland.
During the Cold War, Ellsworth was a missile and bomber base, hosting a missile wing and a fleet of B-52 bombers. In 1987, the B-1B Lancer bombers came to Ellsworth. Today, Ellsworth has 20 of the sleek B-1s. The most recently unveiled B-21 Raider will join soon.
On March 27, 2019, Ellsworth AFB was selected as the home to the B-21 Formal Training Unit and will be the first base to receive an operational squadron of B-21 Raider bombers. This is huge for Box Elder, western SD and the state. We look forward to the integration of this very important new mission.
Ellsworth’s total impact on the South Dakota economy is estimated at $489 million. Also, Box Elder is fast becoming the go-to destination for young families seeking affordable housing.
Box Elder
- 2020 Population: 10,551
- Climate: Winter Average High 28 °F / Summer Average High 84.7°F
- Zip Code: 57719
- Owner Occupied Housing Unit Rate, 2015-2019:46.8%
- Median household income 2015-2019: $53,382
- Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2015-2019: $160,700