The Standing Rock Indian Reservation is uniquely located in southern North Dakota and northern South Dakota. The land area is approximately 2,300,000 acres of which 1,408,000 acres are under federal and tribal jurisdiction. This Indian Reservation is larger than the States of Rhode Island and Delaware and approximately the size of Connecticut but with fewer than 4 persons per square mile as compared to 4,845 persons per sq. mile in Connecticut. The primary land use is ranching and dryland farming.

The people on the reservation are mostly Hunkpapa Sioux. The reservation has a population of about 8,217 with approximately 78% of the residents American Indian. The primary type of permanent work on the reservation is government which includes federal, state and tribal government units. Most recent unemployment rate on the reservation is approximately 86% compared nationwide rate of 4.6%. The average per capita income is approximately $21,625 compared to a nationwide per capita income of $55,775. Median family income is about $23,922 compared to a national median of $68,260. There are small returns from leasing land to area farmers and ranchers.

The reservation borders the Oahe Reservoir, which provides all types of water recreation and excellent fishing. Picnic areas and campgrounds are available in many locations on, or adjacent to, the reservation.