The Missouri River forms South Sioux City's western boundary, with the city of 13,000 occupying the Nebraska bank opposite Sioux City, Iowa. Elevation sits at roughly 1,100 feet on the river's floodplain, where the landscape transitions from prairie to river valley. Continental climate brings cold winters averaging around 20°F with substantial snow, and hot, humid summers reaching the upper 80s. The city developed as an industrial center taking advantage of the river location, with residential areas spreading eastward from the waterfront. South Sioux City functions as part of the greater Sioux City metropolitan area despite the state boundary.
