Americans love SD! And why wouldn’t you? SD is ranked as the 3rd best state in the U.S. in terms of fiscal stability. The rankings are based on effective administration, roads, good amenities, and a quality education system.
Also, the housing costs in the state are 12% cheaper than the national average. From Brookings, Sioux Falls, to Rapid City, SD has everything that pleases an eye.
Apart from affordable housing, the Mount Rushmore State offers excellent job opportunities. On average, the state has created 24,000 new jobs every month in the past year. Let’s explore the best places to live in SD.
3 Reasons to Live in South Dakota 🗻
- Flourishing Job Market: South Dakota has one of the most stable job markets in the country. The state ranks 7th in terms of best places to work.
- Affordable Healthcare:In South Dakota, the cost of healthcare services such as body check-up and dentistry is 2% lower than the national average.
- Enormous Tax Benefits: There is no tax on income in SD,and no estate or inheritance tax. Also, homeowners over 65 are exempt from paying property taxes.
7 Best Places to Live in SD
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sioux Falls | 1,798 | $132,390 | $6,862 | 1.70% | 63/100 |
| 2. | Pierre | 27,332 | $314,921 | $7,476 | 1.50% | 63/100 |
| 3. | Rapid City | 2,459 | $273,282 | $6,840 | 1.4% | 64/100 |
| 4. | Yankton | 25,167 | $274,789 | $7,417 | 1.40% | 64/100 |
| 5. | Brookings | 3,358 | $377,712 | $6,840 | 0.52% | 68/100 |
| 6. | Vermillion | 39,487 | $315,074 | $6,840 | 1.40% | 64/100 |
| 7. | Aberdeen | 7,943 | $198,217 | $6,799 | 1.70% | 61/100 |
1. Sioux Falls: Best Place to Live for Young Adults and Families
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.4% |
| Median Income | $37, 380 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,862 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.70% |
Whether you are a young professional or moving with your family, Sioux Falls is a perfect city for you. The unemployment rate here is 2.10%, way less than the national average of 3.7%. Also, 3 public schools from Sioux Falls are listed in the top 10 schools of South Dakota.
The median home price in Queen City is 8.7% cheaper than the national average. Moreover, the cost of living is 10% lower than the national average.
Prominent outdoor activities in the city include 80 parks and more than 25 miles of bike paths around the river Sioux. Furthermore, Sioux Falls scores an A+ in the air quality metrics.
» Homes for Sale in Sioux Falls, SD: Find your dream home in this beautiful city.
2. Pierre: Best Place to Live for Families
| Home Value | ⬇️ 0.2% |
| Median Income | $41,688 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,476 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.50% |
With world-class museums, state-of-the-art town planning, and picturesque heritage, Pierre has everything it takes to be listed as the best place in SD. The city has an excellent community well-being score of 56.
The median home price in the state capital has decreased by 0.2% compared to 2023. The cost of living is 6% less than the national average. Moreover, the city scores A+ in the air quality metrics.
Pierre has one of the best healthcare in the state. It is home to highly-ranked hospitals like Avera Pierre Hospital and St. Mary Regional Healthcare Center. Furthermore, the administration in the city is hailed for proactively promoting mental health awareness among the citizens.
» Homes for Sale in Pierre, SD: View the best properties in the Pierre online.
3. Rapid City: Best Place to Live for Retirees
| Home Value | ⬆️ 2.9% |
| Median Income | $44,914 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,840 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.4% |
Located in the western part of the state, Rapid City boasts mesmerizing natural beauty in the form of Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park. The Employee Benefit Research Center lists Rapid City as the best place to live in South Dakota for retirees.
With a median home price of 20% below the national average, Rapid City is among the most affordable places to live in South Dakota. Moreover, the cost of living is 7% lower than the national average.
Besides that, Black Hills, Regional Health Rapid City Hospital, and Black Hills Surgical Hospital are among the major employers in the city across multiple sectors like energy and healthcare.
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4. Yankton: Best City for People Moving on Budget
| Home Value | ⬇️ 1.7% |
| Median Income | $40,553 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,417 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.40% |
Known as the “Mother City of the Dakotas”, Yankton has a major role in the progress of the Dakota territory. The city along the Missouri River has established itself as a perfect option for those wishing to live an exciting and vibrant city life.
The median home price in Yankton has decreased by 1.7% in the last few months. This drop in home prices makes it the best place to live for people moving on a budget.
The cost of living in the city is 12% lower than the national average. Moreover, the job market is projected to grow by 6.9% in the next few years. First Dakota National Bank, TruXedo, Avera Health, and GROWMARK are the major employers.
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5. Brookings: Best Place for Quality Higher Education Seekers
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.0% |
| Median Income | $58,696 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,840 |
| Unemployment Rate | 0.52% |
Brookings is known for its cultural inclusivity, diversity, and vibrant city life. For the past few years, it has consecutively ranked in the top 10 college towns in the country. The city offers its residents a perfect blend of quality education and unmatched entertainment.
The median rent in Brookings is $1075, which is quite affordable for students. The city is home to the prestigious South Dakota State University, ideal for higher education. Moreover, the cost of living is 20% lower than the national average.
» Homes for Sale in Brookings, SD: Find your dream home on Houzeo.
6. Vermillion: One of the Safest Places in SD
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.9% |
| Median Income | $43,997 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,840 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.40% |
Vermillion has the best geographical location in SD. The city’s closeness to the Missouri River makes Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota accessible. Its rich heritage, artistically built towns, and nightlife make Vermillion a dream city for many.
The city is one of the safest in South Dakota. Vermillion’s crime rate is 2%, lower than the state and national average. Its safety is one of the reasons why an increasing number of students and families are migrating to the city.
The median home price in Vermillion has gone by 3.9% in 2023, reflecting high demand. Moreover, the cost of living is 5% lower than the state average.
» Homes for Sale in Vermillion, SD: View thousands of properties for sale in this amazing city.
7. Aberdeen: City With One of the Best Healthcare in SD
| Home Value | ⬆️ 3.1% |
| Median Income | $24,613 |
| Monthly Expenses | $6,799 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.70% |
Here’s the showstopper! Aberdeen is home to Storybook Land, the perfect outing for families and young adults. Situated in Wylie Park, Storybook Land offers a classic collection of rhyme books for kids and adventurous events for adults.
The median home price in Aberdeen is $215,030. The cost of living is 4% lower than the state average. Moreover, the healthcare system in the city is not only the best in the state but also the most advanced in the Dakota region.
» Homes for Sale in Aberdeen, SD: Find the best properties in Home of the Wapper.
Bottom Line
SD is one of the best places to live in the US due to its thriving job market and low cost of living. Other things that contribute are its excellent education system and vibrant city life.
South Dakota’s current population is 8.8 million, projected to increase by 7% by 2030. Moreover, Mount Rushmore State is ranked as the 6th best state in terms of natural beauty.
In some cities, the median home price is around $132,390, whereas in cities like Brookings, it can go up to $377,712. So, you must do your research before you move to South Dakota. To start your home search, browse properties online.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with South Dakota’s most accurate home value estimator.
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Research Methodology
We considered different regions to rank the best cities to live in SD. The comparison criteria for the best cities to live in South Dakota and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: South Dakota Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[8]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in SD for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best place to live in South Dakota?
Sioux Falls is the best place to live in South Dakota. The city's cost of living is low and has a flourishing job market.
Which is the best place to live in South Dakota for retirees?
Rapid City is the best place to live for retirees. The city has excellent connectivity and great climatic conditions.
Which is the cheapest place to live in South Dakota?
Yankton is the cheapest place to live in South Dakota. The home prices and cost of living in the city are lowest in the state.
