A striking shift is unfolding in rural South Dakota: a small town’s population is becoming notably diverse. In Plankinton, South Dakota, 163 of the 768 residents identify as Hispanic, according to the 2023 American Community Survey. That’s about one in five people, a share well above the state’s Hispanic population, which sits around 4%.
Local institutions are responding with practical solutions. Churches are offering Spanish-language worship and using interpretation technology to bridge communication gaps. Plankinton Elementary School operates one of the few ESL programs among similarly sized schools in the state. Non-Hispanic residents at a recent city council meeting expressed interest in launching adult Spanish-language classes to better connect with their Hispanic neighbors.
This situation mirrors a broader pattern across rural South Dakota, where diversity is rising as job opportunities expand, in part due to new agricultural processing facilities regionally. Communities are adapting by welcoming newcomers and expanding services, reflecting a growing inclusivity in towns that historically had fewer non-English-speaking residents.
Beadle County’s city of Huron, about 60 miles north, records the highest percentage of Hispanic residents in the state. Plankinton sits in Aurora County, which, despite a population far smaller than Beadle’s, ranks second in Hispanic share.
As diversity grows in these rural areas, residents are finding new ways to support one another. The state is increasingly spotting interpreters and other Spanish-language resources in everyday life, aiding access to services and opportunities for Spanish speakers.
statewide services and professionals who speak Spanish
Ivan Romero, vice president of the South Dakota Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Sioux Falls, notes that the rise in Hispanic population is providing tangible benefits across the state—even in small towns like Plankinton. He recalls a time when obtaining services in one’s own language was a challenge: doctors, legal help, and other necessities often required ad hoc interpreters. Now, with more Spanish-speaking professionals—attorneys, real estate agents, doctors, CPAs, and more—residents can engage in routine activities with greater comfort and cultural understanding.
Worship as a community hub
Herman Perez has lived in South Dakota for more than ten years. A Puerto Rico native with mission experience across Central America and Mexico, he now helps coordinate Spanish-language services through Iglesia Renuevo (Renew Church). This ministry partners with Sunnycrest United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls and the United Methodist Church of Plankinton to provide regular Spanish-language services.
Perez notes that these services draw participants from surrounding towns such as White Lake, Mount Vernon, and Stickney, as well as Plankinton itself. Attendance varies, from small groups of 10–15 to as many as 80 people at a single service. He emphasizes that Plankinton’s large Hispanic population, combined with a welcoming local culture, created fertile ground for establishing a weekly service.
While interpretive services are common in larger cities, rural areas often face gaps. Plankinton’s growing Hispanic community has, in turn, attracted people from nearby areas with smaller Hispanic populations, turning Plankinton into a local gathering space.
Romero adds that, even as statewide diversity rises, integration remains a work in progress. Many Hispanics want deeper collaboration with non-Hispanic residents beyond special cultural events like Hispanic Heritage Month or Día de los Muertos. “We are part of the community, not just an add-on,” he says. “We belong at the table in moments of need and convenience, not on the sidelines.”
Immigration enforcement and community resilience
South Dakota has seen intensified immigration enforcement in recent months. Governor Larry Rhoden announced Operation: Prairie Thunder, a joint initiative aimed at addressing crime while coordinating with federal immigration authorities. The program, initially slated to run from August through December, has continued due to strong results, according to a state spokesperson, who described it as keeping the state “strong, safe, and free.”
The foreign-born population in South Dakota is predominantly Latin American, with other groups following closely. “Foreign-born” status does not necessarily indicate citizenship or legal status, a distinction that fuels ongoing debate and concern.
Despite worries, many residents view immigration activity as a prompt for unity. Perez observes that fear prompts people to seek support networks—churches in particular—as safe spaces where newcomers feel welcome. Romero notes that Hispanic-owned businesses report shifts in customer behavior as families stay closer to home, a trend that also affects surrounding services like hair salons or restaurants. He hopes neighboring communities will continue to support these businesses to help sustain local employment and economic activity.
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is recalibrating its focus in response to shifting conditions, prioritizing advocacy and outreach to help Hispanic-owned enterprises thrive even under challenging times. “We’re playing a different role now—promoting business and visibility while continuing to uplift the community,” Romero says.
Looking ahead, Perez envisions expansion of Iglesia Renuevo’s reach westward, while applauding Plankinton’s openness to diverse services. He encourages continued appreciation of the support networks that have formed in the town.
This story was produced by South Dakota News Watch, an independent nonprofit. For more statewide reporting and to support the work, visit sdnewswatch.org. Investigative reporter Molly Wetsch is a Report for America corps member covering rural and Indigenous issues. Reach her at molly.wetsch@sdnewswatch.org.
