Box Elder “defying the odds” of rural communities [Video]

BOX ELDER, S.D. (KOTA) – The city of Box Elder is steadily growing and is expected to continue as the Air Force Base prepares to welcome the B-21 bomber.

“We’re defying the odds of what a rural community is defined as,” Sean Overeynder, director of community and economic development at the City of Box Elder, said.

Box Elder’s population is growing annually at 2.5%, according to the World Population Review.

The city is also seeing record sales tax growth as new businesses prepare to open to accommodate the number of people.

“We’re really kicking it there with sales tax, and again a lot of that has to do with some of the new businesses but also the growth that we’re seeing in people coming here and waiting to live here and use these businesses,” Box Elder Mayor Larry Larson said.

November sales tax numbers show a nearly 22% increase over the same period last year.

“With our growth of 22%, rural communities typically lose …