Rapid Valley is a census-designated place (CDP) and unincorporated community in Pennington County, South Dakota, United States, and a suburb of Rapid City. The population was 8,260 at the 2010 census. Rapid Valley has been a retreat for people living in Rapid City due to its low crime, cheap land, and views of the Black Hills. Rapid Valley is home to many industrial and financial businesses, and is the headquarters for many corporations specializing in transport and engineering. The Rapid City Regional Airport is located in Rapid Valley.GeographyRapid Valley is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 10.1 square miles, all of it land. Rapid Valley is considered an unincorporated suburb of Rapid City, and is located 5 minutes east of Rapid City on the prairie. Many industrial-economic companies headquarter in Rapid Valley.ControversyRapid Valley is often portrayed as the ideal example of urban sprawl. Many subdivisions are located in Rapid Valley. Rapid City has repeatedly made attempts at annexing Rapid Valley and while sections have been annexed, most attempts fail.