The southern segment extends from U.S. Route 12 (US 12) south of Java to a rural intersection at the Walworth–Campbell county line, northeast of Selby.

SD 271's southern segment begins at an intersection with US 12 (134th Street) south of Java.

SD 271 heads due north on 314th Avenue and skirts along the western edge of Java.

Here, this segment ends, the roadway intersects 124th Street, and continues to the north as 315th Avenue.

After a slight eastward bend, SD 271 reaches its northern terminus, an intersection with 102nd Street at the North Dakota state line.