Deadwood
Population ~1,300 · Lawrence County
One of America's most famous frontier towns. Wild Bill Hickok was shot here. The entire city is a National Historic Landmark. Since 1989, legalized gaming has been the primary economic engine.
~1,300
Population
$35,000-$42,000
Median Income
$200,000-$275,000
Median Home Price
Casinos
Key Industry
The Challenge
Deadwood's gaming model is aging. Revenue peaked in the mid-2010s and is declining as online gambling expands. The city's municipal services depend on gaming tax revenue. If gaming declines, Deadwood faces a fiscal and population crisis.
~1,300
Population
$35,000-$42,000
Median Income
~10-14%
Poverty Rate
BHC's Role in Deadwood
How Seed Foundation and the Black Hills Consortium are investing in Deadwood's future.
THE CULT convention host — leveraging existing hotel/casino/restaurant infrastructure
Outpost Media events — film premieres, podcast recordings, live shows
Settle the West — 8-10 relocations Year 1, 120-150 cumulative by Year 5
Year-round entertainment — BHC-funded winter programming
Staff housing protection — work with city to protect long-term rental stock
Projected Impact by Year 5
Conservative projections based on the Tulsa Remote model and BHC's base case financials.
8-12
BHC Jobs
120-150
Relocations
$5.8M
Economic Impact (5yr)
43-54
New Students
What makes Deadwood unique
Entertainment and events hub. THE CULT convention alone could generate $2-5M in local economic impact by Year 5 using existing infrastructure.
School District
Lead-Deadwood School District 40-1
Current enrollment: ~200-250 Deadwood students
Projected new students by Year 5: 43-54
South Dakota funds ~$6,200 per student.
Housing
Median home price: $200,000-$275,000
South Dakota has 0% state income tax. Combined with affordable housing, relocators build wealth dramatically faster than in coastal cities.
“BHC is not replacing gaming — we are adding a new economic layer. THE CULT brings 1,000-2,000 attendees to your hotels and restaurants in the off-season.”
— The pitch to Deadwood
Move to Deadwood
Apply to Settle the West and start your new life in the Black Hills.