South Dakota State Flag Size Guide: What Size South Dakota Flag Should You Fly?
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Choosing the right South Dakota state flag size ensures your display looks proportionate, respectful, and strong enough to withstand South Dakota’s rugged climate. Whether you’re flying the South Dakota flag at a home in Sioux Falls or Rapid City, a ranch near Pierre, a farm in Mitchell, a cabin in the Black Hills, or a business in Brookings or Watertown, the right size and material dramatically affect how long your flag will last in this high-wind, four-season state.
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South Dakota is one of the windiest states in America. Combine constant gusts with winter blizzards, intense sun, wide temperature swings, and open plains — and you have a climate that demands the correct flag size and the most durable material. Oversized flags increase wind load, causing poles to bend and flags to wear out faster. This guide breaks down the best South Dakota flag sizes for homes, ranches, farms, and commercial sites, plus which materials perform best across the Mount Rushmore State.
Quick Answer — Standard South Dakota Flag Sizes
Below are the most common South Dakota flag sizes and where they’re typically used:
| Display Type | Recommended South Dakota Flag Size |
|---|---|
| House-mount pole (porch, garage, deck) | 3' × 5' (2' × 3' for smaller porches) |
| Residential in-ground pole (15'–20') | 3' × 5' |
| Rural property, farms, ranches (20'–25') | 4' × 6' |
| Commercial flagpoles (25'–30') | 5' × 8' |
| Indoor / ceremonial displays | 3' × 5' or 4' × 6' with pole sleeve & optional gold fringe |
These sizes fit most standard poles used throughout South Dakota.
Choosing the Right South Dakota Flag Size for Your Location
House-Mount (Wall-Mounted) South Dakota Flags
A 3' × 5' South Dakota flag works best for homes in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and most residential neighborhoods across the state.
- Standard size: 3' × 5'
- Compact porches: 2' × 3'
- Wind tip: Use a reinforced bracket due to frequent high winds
Homes on the plains and prairie edge should choose heavy-duty hardware to keep the flag secure.
Residential In-Ground Flagpoles
Use the industry guideline: flag length ≈ one-quarter of the pole height.
| Pole Height | Ideal SD Flag Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 15'–20' | 3' × 5' | Typical residential yards |
| 20'–25' | 4' × 6' | Large properties, farms, ranches |
| 25'–30' | 5' × 8' | Businesses, schools, courthouses |
Many rural and agricultural properties in South Dakota choose 4' × 6' flags for improved visibility, provided the pole is wind-rated.
Commercial, School & Government Buildings
Common large flag sizes in South Dakota include:
- 5' × 8' for 25'–30' poles
- 6' × 10' for 30'–35' poles
- 8' × 12' for 40'–50' poles
These sizes are typical for government offices, hospitals, banks, and large businesses.
Best Material for the South Dakota Climate
South Dakota’s weather — high wind, snow, ice, and intense sun — makes material selection extremely important.
Nylon South Dakota Flags — Best for Light-to-Moderate Wind Areas
Nylon is a great choice for urban or semi-sheltered environments because it:
- Flies easily in lighter breezes
- Dries quickly after snow or rain
- Shows bright, vivid color
This works well for neighborhoods in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, and Brookings.
Polyester South Dakota Flags — Best for High Wind, Open Plains & Rural Areas
If you live in:
- Open prairie regions
- Black Hills foothills
- Rural farmland
- High-wind corridors near Rapid City
- Exposed countryside homes
…then a heavy-duty 2-ply polyester flag is strongly recommended.
Polyester withstands strong, continuous wind far better than nylon — making it ideal for South Dakota’s harsh conditions.
South Dakota Flag Material Guide: Nylon vs Polyester
Cotton South Dakota Flags — Indoor Only
Best for:
- Courtrooms
- Government offices
- Ceremonial displays
- Museums & indoor exhibits
Cotton does not perform well outdoors in South Dakota due to snow, moisture, and wind.
Browse our South Dakota State Flags — Nylon, Polyester & Indoor Options, proudly Made in the USA.
Flying the U.S. Flag with the South Dakota Flag
- The U.S. flag must fly above the South Dakota flag.
- The state flag should be the same size or slightly smaller than the U.S. flag.
- Additional flags (military, tribal, POW/MIA) fly beneath the state flag.
A typical South Dakota setup: 3' × 5' U.S. flag + 3' × 5' South Dakota flag on a 20' pole.
How to Care for Your South Dakota Flag
Cleaning
- Wash gently using cold water & mild detergent
- Hand wash or gentle cycle
- Air dry — avoid heat
Weather Protection
- Lower flags during blizzards, high wind warnings, or ice storms
- Rotate between two flags to extend lifespan
- Trim small frays early
Proper Storage
- Use breathable storage materials
- Keep away from moisture & extreme cold
- Fold neatly or store flat
When to Replace or Retire a South Dakota Flag
- Fading of the sky blue field or sun emblem
- Fraying of the fly end from heavy wind
- Tears near grommets
- Thinning from sun exposure or winter weather
South Dakota American Legion & VFW posts provide flag retirement services year-round.
FAQs — South Dakota Flag Size & Display
What size South Dakota flag is best for a house?
A 3' × 5' flag is ideal for most South Dakota homes.
What size South Dakota flag fits a 20-foot pole?
A 3' × 5' flag fits a 20' pole. A 4' × 6' flag works for larger rural properties.
Which material lasts longest in South Dakota?
Polyester for high-wind areas; nylon for lighter-wind residential neighborhoods.
Can the South Dakota flag be flown beneath the U.S. flag?
Yes — the U.S. flag must always fly above the state flag.
Shop South Dakota Flags Made in the USA
Explore our full collection of South Dakota state flags in nylon, polyester, and indoor ceremonial styles.
Need help choosing the right size? Contact our flag experts.
