[5] Ellsworth Air Force Base lies on the northeast side of the city.

Box Elder was named from nearby Boxelder Creek.

[9] Indie Rock band Pavement has a song on their second album named after the city.

[3] Box Elder is located within minutes of Ellsworth AFB, and surrounds it on three sides.

As of the 2020 census, there were 11,746 people, 4,123 households, and 2,992 families residing in the city.

As of the 2010 census, there were 7,800 people, 2,443 households, and 1,968 families residing in the city.

Douglas School District serves families in most portions of Box Elder,[15][16] and those living on Ellsworth AFB.

[17] A portion of Box Elder is in Rapid City School District 51-4.