Lead, South Dakota
Where particle physics meets tech entrepreneurship. Population 3,000. Home to SURF — the deepest underground research lab in North America. 200+ scientists. $200K homes. Zero state income tax. The densest concentration of STEM talent in the rural West.
~3,000
Population
$200K
Median Home
92-108
Y5 Relocations
200+
SURF Scientists
The Opportunity
Why Lead
A gold rush town turned science capital. SURF brings world-class researchers, Deadwood next door brings entertainment, and BHC brings tech workers — creating a talent density no rural town can match.
SURF — World-Class Science Hub
The Sanford Underground Research Facility employs 200+ scientists and staff. $50M+ annual DOE budget. You live alongside particle physicists, neutrino researchers, and the engineers building humanity's next breakthroughs.
Homestake Gold Mine Heritage
The largest gold mine in the Western Hemisphere operated here for 125 years (1876-2001). Now converted into the deepest underground laboratory in North America — 4,850 feet below the surface.
Zero State Income Tax
South Dakota has no state income tax. A remote worker earning $100K keeps $4,400+ more per year than in Colorado, and $10,900+ more than in New York.
STEM Talent Density
200+ SURF employees, 100+ visiting scientists annually, plus BHC remote workers and Seed Academy grads. An unprecedented concentration of science and tech talent for a town of 3,000.
Historic Homestake Opera House
A stunning 1914 performing arts venue hosting concerts, theater, and community events. Built during the gold rush era and beautifully restored — culture in the heart of science country.
Deadwood Next Door
Adjacent to Deadwood — South Dakota's gaming and entertainment capital. Casinos, restaurants, nightlife, and Wild West history are a 5-minute drive away.
The Math
Science Town, Small Town Prices
Live alongside world-class scientists at a fraction of the cost of any coastal research hub. $200K homes, zero state income tax, and monthly costs under $2,200.
| Category | Lead, SD | Denver, CO | Austin, TX | New York, NY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home | $200K | $590K | $475K | $750K+ |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | ~$650 | ~$1,800 | ~$1,500 | ~$3,200 |
| Monthly Mortgage | ~$1,100 | ~$3,200 | ~$2,600 | ~$4,100 |
| State Income Tax | 0% | 4.4% | 0% | 10.9% |
| Est. Monthly COL | $1,800-2,200 | $3,200-3,800 | $3,000-3,500 | $4,500+ |
Housing
Affordable Homes in a Science Town
At $200K median home price, Lead offers genuine homeownership for remote workers. Buy a home for less than a single year of rent in San Francisco. Historic mining-era homes, newer construction, and mountain views — all within walking distance of SURF.
Housing Demand Projections
Based on relocator + BHC satellite growth
Education & Careers
STEM Curriculum Meets Tech Training
Lead-Deadwood School District 40-1, SURF science education programs, Seed Academy tech training, and BHC positions at $145K+ minimum.
Education
- Lead-Deadwood School District 40-1 (shared with Deadwood)
- SURF science education partnerships — lab tours, STEM outreach
- Seed Academy — AI, Vibe Coding, Remote Work training (Hot Springs)
- 25% tuition discount for relocator families
- +13-16 students Y1 → +68-79 students Y5
- SD funding: $6,200/pupil — $422K-$490K new revenue by Y5
BHC Presence in Lead
5-8 satellite BHC jobs Y1, all positions $145K+ (equiv. $210K+ in Denver)
SURF Synergy
Where Particle Physics Meets Tech Entrepreneurship
No other town in the BHC network has this. SURF researchers + BHC remote workers + Seed Academy graduates create an unprecedented concentration of science and tech talent in the rural West.
200+
SURF Employees
Scientists, engineers, technicians, admin
$50M+
DOE Annual Budget
Federal research funding flowing into Lead
100+
Visiting Scientists/yr
Researchers from universities worldwide
4,850 ft
Depth Below Surface
Deepest underground lab in North America
92-108
BHC Remote Workers (Y5)
Tech workers relocating through Settle the West
50+
Seed Academy Grads (Y5)
AI and tech trained talent in the region
The Convergence Effect
By Year 5, Lead will have 200+ SURF scientists, 92-108 BHC remote workers, and 50+ Seed Academy graduates — all in a town of 3,000. That is a 10%+ concentration of STEM professionals in a single small town. The shared infrastructure potential is massive: coworking spaces, housing, dining, childcare, and community events that serve both populations. Joint STEM education programs between SURF and Seed Academy could produce the most unique curriculum in rural America.
Lifestyle
Mountains, Canyons, and Powder
Spearfish Canyon, Terry Peak skiing, Mickelson Trail, and the Black Hills National Forest — Lead sits at the northern gateway to some of the most dramatic landscape in the region.
Spearfish Canyon
1,000-ft limestone canyon, waterfalls, scenic highway
Terry Peak Ski Area
Downhill skiing & snowboarding, 1,100-ft vertical
Mickelson Trail
109-mile rail trail through the Black Hills
Black Hills Nat'l Forest
1.2 million acres of pine forest and trails
Roughlock Falls
Stunning cascade in Spearfish Canyon, easy hike
Open Cut Viewing
Historic surface mine — one of the largest in the world
Deer Mountain
Hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country trails
Fishing & Hunting
Spearfish Creek, trout streams, deer and turkey
Stargazing
Minimal light pollution, dark skies above the Hills
Snowmobiling
Hundreds of miles of groomed trails in winter
Economic Impact
$37.0M Cumulative Impact Over 5 Years
94-111 new households bringing remote-worker salaries into a science town already anchored by $50M+ in annual SURF funding. The combined payroll transforms the local economy.
| Year | New Relocations | Cumulative (w/ BHC) | Local Impact (1.6x) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Y1 | 12-15 | 17-23 | $2.05M |
| Y2 | 15-18 | 29-36 | $3.38M |
| Y3 | 18-22 | 47-58 | $6.61M |
| Y5 | 25-28 | 94-111 | $12.8M |
| Y10 | 30-35 | 270-320 | $33.3M |
$8.0M
Combined Local Payroll (Y5)
Relocator + BHC satellite jobs
$127K/yr
New Tax Revenue (Y5)
Property + sales tax
$37.0M
5-Year Cumulative Impact
1.6x economic multiplier
Local Businesses
The Businesses That Make Lead Home
A mining town turned science hub, with craft breweries, cafes, historic venues, and mountain lodging. Every new relocator is a new regular.
Dakota Shivers Brewing
Craft BreweryLead's craft beer anchor — small-batch brews in a historic mining town taproom. The community gathering spot.
Lotus Up Espresso and Deli
Cafe & DeliCoffee, sandwiches, and a cozy workspace. The kind of spot remote workers make their second office.
Homestake Opera House
Performing ArtsA stunning 1914 venue hosting concerts, theater, film, and community events. Gold rush era architecture, beautifully restored.
Cheyenne Crossing
Restaurant & LodgeLegendary stop in Spearfish Canyon — known for Indian tacos, bison burgers, and its position at the crossroads of two scenic byways.
Blackstone Lodge and Suites
LodgingMountain lodging for visitors, site-visit weekends, and temporary housing for new arrivals getting settled.
Deadwood (5 min away)
Entertainment DistrictCasinos, restaurants, live music, and Wild West history — all a 5-minute drive from your front door in Lead.
Location
The Northern Hills Science Corridor
Lead sits in the northern Black Hills, adjacent to Deadwood and at the doorstep of Spearfish Canyon. The Lead-Deadwood corridor is the science and entertainment anchor of the BHC network.
Network Connections
Lead connects to the full BHC ecosystem
Ready to Join Science City?
Apply today to relocate to Lead. $10,000-$15,000 cash incentive, housing assistance, co-working access at Grow Campus (~45 min south in Custer), and a community where particle physicists and tech workers share the same coffee shop. Site visit weekends available monthly.