Box Elder is enjoying rapid growth and welcomes a new downtown center
While Box Elder enjoys panoramic vistas of The Black Hills mountains and the grassy slopes of The Badlands, it’s what people see inside the city that attracts the most attention. Located east of Rapid City, Box Elder has been known for decades as home to the South Dakota Air and Space Museum and nearby Ellsworth Air Force Base. And that was it — until recently. According to the Box Elder Chamber of Commerce, the city of nearly 12,000 people is expected to reach 16,000 by 2026.
Expansion at the air base, as well as new construction in retail, education and housing, are driving growth. The much-awaited Liberty Plaza, a mixed-use development under construction, will add single-family homes, apartments, the $12.5 million Liberty Center YMCA and new retail space. It will also offer something Box Elder has lacked to date — a true Main Street and a downtown center. “The city of Box Elder has done a great job of planning for this expansion,” says Megan Dickerson, a Realtor with Ascend Realty for more than eight years. “They’re looking 10 years out, not two years out. A lot of change is under way for Box Elder, but it’s all positive and will impact the city residents for years to come.”
Box Elder has unique and amazing retail stores like Dahl's Chainsaw Art.
The Museum of Geology helps draw tourism to Box Elder.
Downtown Box Elder offers many restaurants and retail stores to the residents in Box Elder.
Target offers a one stop store for shoppers in Box Elder.
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Ellsworth Air Force Base is the area’s leading employer
Box Elder gained fame during World War II when the U.S. Army Air Corps built what would become Ellsworth Air Force Base to train crews for the B-17 bomber. It’s fitting that Ellsworth is now gearing up to become a base for the military's newest front-line warplane, the B-21 Raider. As a result, the base will add 4,000 jobs and expand its facilities to accept the cutting-edge airplane and its personnel.
Ellsworth Air Force Base offers a large amount of employment for residents in Box Elder.
The Ellsworth Air Force Base in Box Elder has an amazing display of past aircrafts.
Ellsworth Air Force Base in Box Elder has a wide variety of outdated aircrafts.
Ellsworth Air Force Base in Box Elder attracts tourisms who enjoy looking at the past aircrafts.
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Home prices are slightly lower than surrounding county median prices
Compared to surrounding Pennington and Meade counties, Box Elder's median home price of about $350,000 is lower by $50,000 to more than $100,000. Midcentury modern homes have sold from $275,000 to $375,000, while new ranch-style homes and two-story New Traditional homes have recently sold for as much as $675,000. One of Box Elder’s newest subdivisions, Freedom Landing, offers new homes starting around $300,000.
Box Elder is home to affordable yet beautiful housing in South Dakota.
Box Elder offers new and beautifully built buildings.
Box Elder is home to quite suburban streets.
Box Elder offers newly built condominiums to residents.
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Two school districts serve Box Elder students
Box Elder is zoned for both the Rapid City Area School District, which has a B-minus grade from Niche and the Douglas School District, which is graded B-plus. Both districts receive high grades for the diversity of their student population and for their athletics programs. Black Hills State University/Rapid City is a four-year liberal arts university offering eight Masters programs and about 120 undergraduate degrees.
Black Hills State University offers a wide range of advanced classes to residents in Box Elder.
Black Hills State University offers higher end education to students in Box Elder.
Douglass High School provides quality and safe education for students in Box Elder.
Douglass High School serves students in Box Elder with a high quality and professional teachers.
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City parks and day trips to Mount Rushmore
Just outside the air base and open to the public for free, South Dakota Air and Space Museum displays around 80 years of military aircraft and weapons. Day trips to Mount Rushmore are easy to make via Highway 16, a 34-mile drive southwest of the city. The city manages eight parks that feature playgrounds, sports fields and bicycle trails.
The Box Elder Events Center leads the way for cultural and sporting events
Another example of notable growth in Box Elder, the Box Elder Events Center — known as “The Box ”— opened in 2023 and hosts a variety of sports, cultural and local events. Shopping destinations offer a mix of retail businesses and military exchanges. While dining options are expanding with the Liberty Plaza Project, locals will often head to Rapid City for retail shopping.
The Box Elder Events Center offers a place for families to host events in Box Elder.
It's common to see youth attending events at The Box Elder Events Center in Box Elder.
The Box Elder Events Center attracts sporting events in Box Elder.
The Box Elder Events Center is the perfect place to host a family event in Box Elder.
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Mild summers and cold winters define Box Elder
Chinook winds are common to the region, often driving wide swings in temperature in a short time. They can take place year-round but most often in winter or early spring. Similar to California's Santa Ana winds, they blow down out of the nearby mountains to the west, delivering warm and dry gusts that can reach 50-100 mph and rapidly melt the snow pack. When such melts take place, river flooding can be a concern. Since 2020, Box Elder’s reported rates of violent and property crimes have been mostly lower than the national and state averages, according to FBI data. However, periodic spikes have occurred.
Easy access to Rapid City and surrounding cities
Car travel is the primary form of transportation for residents. Interstate 90 bisects South Dakota from west to east and flows between Box Elder and Ellsworth Air Force Base. The Liberty Plaza project will transform the I-90 corridor and welcome statewide travelers to the area for new retail, dining and cultural opportunities. Rapid City Regional Airport is 9 miles south of the city and the closest commercial airport. Rapid City itself is 10 miles west, while Spearfish is almost 60 miles northwest. The state capital of Pierre is 162 miles east along the Missouri River.
Written By
Sarah Albiston
Photography Contributed By
Teal Mandzik
Video By
Jason Jacot
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andrea Ronning,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Box Elder, SD sell after 15 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Box Elder, SD over the last 12 months is $301,250, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Listed by Rosa Krogman RE/MAX Advantage 605-209-6364. Welcome home to easy, one-level living just minutes from Ellsworth Air Force Base ~ where modern newer construction meets everyday affordability. This stylish ranch-style home features an open, airy layout designed for comfort and connection. The spacious kitchen is perfectly positioned for effortless entertaining and flows seamlessly to the
Welcome to 1238 Juneau Drive in Box Elder, SD, where exceptional design, quality craftsmanship, and modern convenience come together. This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers over 2,050 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space featuring one of the area's most sought-after floor plans. From the moment you step inside, you'll appreciate the soaring vaulted ceilings and
Welcome to 579 Quinton Ln in Box Elder! This well maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home features a fully finished interior and an open concept layout with vaulted ceilings extending from the living room through the kitchen. The kitchen offers stainless steel appliances, a tile backsplash, and a large center island with seating. The finished lower level provides additional living space, while the
Listed by Kevin Andreson, KWBH 605-646-5409. Commercial Development Opportunity | Box Elder, South Dakota Positioned in one ofthe fastest-growing corridors in the Black Hills region, this development-ready commercial site in Box Elder offers exceptional potentialfor multifamily, mixed-use, or residential investment. Located just minutes from the main gate at Ellsworth Air Force Base—and
Looking for space, privacy, and room to grow that also allows horses and chickens? This beautifully maintained 2,490 sq ft home situated on 12.45 acres offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and stunning Black Hills views. More than enough room to build the shop of your dreams! The main level features an inviting open-concept layout with a spacious kitchen complete with granite
Country living with beautiful skyline views of the Black Hills and rolling plains. What an opportunity to create your dream home just outside of town. This property is already complete with a THREE-SIDED PERIMETER FENCE, Association Water, & Electric to the lot as well as a county-maintained road. This is it folks! Look no further, basic covenants to protect your investment, gives you room to
Listed by Michelle Chenoweth EXP Realty and Jeni Lemon 605.801.0626 * $17,580 Builder Incentive available. Welcome to 461 Yelner Dr in the Liberty Plaza community of Box Elder. This spacious home offers 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2-car garage, and finished basement designed for flexible modern living. Open-concept layout connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas for comfortable everyday living
Listed by Megan Dickerson, Ascend Realty, Inc. - 605-981-0113. Rare two-story in sought-after Liberty Plaza Subdivision, just minutes from Ellsworth AFB! Nearly new with build completed in 2023, this 3 bed, 2.5 bath home features a layout unlike most in the Black Hills. The main level boasts an open-concept living area, oversized island, dedicated mudroom, and butler's pantry, plus a dedicated
Listed by Kevin Andreson, KWBH 605-646-5409. Commercial Development Opportunity | Box Elder, South Dakota Positioned in one of the fastest-growing corridors in the Black Hills region, this development-ready commercial site in Box Elder offers exceptional potential for multifamily, mixed-use, or residential investment. Located just minutes from the main gate at Ellsworth Air Force Base—and
Great location in a high growth corridor of Box Elder. This property is located off off of exit 67a on I-90. Strong traffic count 31,000 VPD and excellent access to Liberty Boulevard along Yorktown Blvd. Box Elder is one of the fastest growing communities in SD as it prepares to for the expanded mission at the AFB. This property has all utilities on site and is shovel ready for construction.
Country living with beautiful skyline views of the Black Hills and rolling plains. What an opportunity to create your dream home just outside of town. This property is already complete with a THREE-SIDED PERIMETER FENCE, Association Water, & Electric to the lot as well as a county-maintained road. This is it folks! Look no further, basic covenants to protect your investment, gives you room to
Listed by Michelle Chenoweth EXp Realty and Jeni Lemon 605.801.0626 * $14,780 Builder Incentive available. Welcome to 460 Yelner Dr in the Liberty Plaza community of Box Elder. This new construction home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage with a functional layout designed for comfortable everyday living. Open-concept main living area connects the kitchen, dining, and living spaces
Listed by Kevin Andreson, Keller Williams Black Hills | 605-646-5409 Single-Family Rental Portfolio – 19 Homes | Box Elder, SD Exceptional opportunity to acquire a 19-home single-family rental portfolio in the rapidly growing community of Box Elder, South Dakota, located just minutes from Rapid City and Ellsworth Air Force Base, home to the future B-21 Raider mission. The significant expansion
NO COVENANTS | 31.2 ACRES | Space. Freedom. Opportunity. 22759 155th Avenue delivers 31.2 acres of wide-open South Dakota prairie with single-level living, big sky views, and the kind of quiet that's genuinely hard to find anymore. No covenants means you decide what this land becomes. Keep the existing home and move right in, build the home you've always envisioned, explore subdividing the
Listed by Michelle Chenoweth EXP Realty 605.461.1824 * Welcome to this beautiful new construction two-story home in the growing Liberty Plaza community of Box Elder, SD. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a thoughtfully designed floor plan, this home combines modern style with everyday functionality. The open-concept main level creates an inviting space for entertaining, while the spacious
Welcome to 10Bedrock in Box Elder, SD! This modern apartment complex offers a convenient elevator, central air for comfort, and a fitness room for residents to stay active. Pamper your furry friends at the pet spa or enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool with grills on the pool deck for outdoor cooking. Residents can take advantage of the package room for easy deliveries and stainless steel
Join the growing community of Box Elder when you live at The Union. Our brand new apartment community features studio through three-bedroom homes with modern gray finishes. You'll love the open floor plans, large closets, out door patios and a variety of amenities. When you step out of your home, enjoy our community which offers a pool and sundeck, community room, fitness center
Mountain View Village offers comfortable, budget-friendly living in the heart of Rapid City, South Dakota. This community provides a practical and welcoming place to call home, with spacious one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes designed for everyday convenience. Residents enjoy a peaceful neighborhood setting while staying just minutes from local shopping, dining, and major employers. With
K&O Property Management has beautiful apartments for rent located in Box Elder. You will be conveniently located next to Ellsworth Airforce Base and the Douglas School District. These spacious apartments feature a washer and dryer in each unit, balcony or patio, walk-in closets, open floor plans, garages and storage units. You will be about 20 minutes away from the Black Hills, numerous hiking
This 2 bedroom, 1 bath lower level apartment features a new hot water heater, in-unit washer/dryer hook-ups, and a spacious kitchen/dining area. Conveniently located at the border of Box Elder, its only minutes away from shopping, schools, and the I-90 Corridor. Accepts Section 8, pets with approval. Non-smoking. 4-unit building with private, off-street parking. Fenced dog-run area. Conveniently
Kahler Property Management invites you to take a look at this beautiful 4 bed, 3 bath home located at 470 Sovereignty Lane in Box Elder! This home was built in 2012 and offers 2,104 square feet of living space with an attached double car garage! Some other great features of this home include a primary bedroom with walk in closet and en-suite bathroom, water softener, radon mitigation system, gas
Newer 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhome with solid surface countertops, stainless steel appliances, washer and dryer in unit, attached garage, close to EAFB in Box Elder. Pets are allowed with restrictions and extra fees. Great open floor plan with a living room on each floor. Tenant responsible for electricity and water/sewer/trash.View our 3D tour here: Images and virtual tours are
This 3-year-old, well-kept 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2-stall garage home in Box Elder. This home features an open floor plan and a privacy-fenced backyard. Along with a washer, dryer, and water softener, this house is ready to move in! Tenant responsible for utilities, snow removal, and lawn care. Pets are negotiable. Non-smoking.Home is also offered for sale. Will remove this ad if an acceptable
3 bedroom 2 bathroom townhome in Box ElderBuilt in 2020Rental TermsRent: $1,850Application Fee: $50Security Deposit: $1,850Available NowPet PolicyCats and dogs allowed with restrictionsYoutube walkthrough is of a similar unit.
$1,295 per month
Modern Comfort: Discover Our 2-Bedroom 2-Bath Apartment Gem
Discover these stunning, modern apartments at Foxborough! These recently built residences boast elegant, upscale finishes, spacious floor plans, and state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances. Convenience is at the forefront, as Foxborough is perfectly situated, within walking distance of Douglas schools and Ellsworth Air Force Base, while still offering a serene and welcoming atmosphere.
$2,150 per month
Modern 3-Bedroom Gem with Spacious Basement and Fenced Yard in Box Elder
Discover this charming 3-bedroom home in Box Elder, featuring a beautifully designed kitchen with pretty cabinets and modern appliances. The open layout seamlessly connects the living room, creating a warm and inviting space for gatherings. Enjoy the spacious basement, perfect for a variety of uses, along with a large mechanical room that offers extra counter space for your convenience. Step
Welcome to Antelope Ridge – where we redefine the concept of community. Tucked just a stone's throw from the military base, we're not just your average housing option – we're the ultimate upgrade to your lifestyle. Our convenient location provides thebasis for life the way you like it.
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