Planning on moving to South Dakota? You’re not alone! More than 34,859 people moved to the Mount Rushmore State in 2022. With this growth, South Dakota’s population has hit 928,767 in 2024.
The Mount Rushmore State has a robust job market with a low unemployment rate of just 1.9%. The average living cost for a single person is $2,400 per month, 49.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, the state’s stunning prairies and historic landmarks appeal to potential movers too.
3 Reasons to Move to South Dakota
South Dakota is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to SD:
| # | Reasons to Move to SD | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in South Dakota is 10.7% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Mount Rushmore State aims to add 41,121 new jobs by 2030 across different sectors. |
| 3. | Natural Environment | South Dakota ranks #4 across the country in terms of natural environment. |
1. Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in South Dakota is 10.7% lower than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to other Midwest states like Illinois and Michigan, where living costs are 6.3% and 8.5% below the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in South Dakota’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Sioux Falls | $334,950 | $1,241 | $47.3 | $205.37 | $590 |
| Rapid City | $351,640 | $1,162 | $38 | $171.99 | $562 |
| Aberdeen | $217,500 | $1,150 | $45.3 | $205.13 | $475 |
| Brookings | $285,000 | $1,310 | $48 | $169.90 | $667 |
2. Employment Opportunities
South Dakota ranks #3 best state to get a job in the nation. Employment in the Mount Rushmore State is projected to increase by 8.5% by 2030 decade, with 41,121 new jobs.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: This sector is expected to add 5,093 new jobs by 2032. Nurse practitioners are one of the fastest-growing roles, with a 55% projected growth rate. Major employers include Avera Health and Huron Medical Center.
- Food Preparation and Serving: This industry is projected to grow by 3,682 jobs by 2030. Restaurant cooks are in high demand, with job openings expected to rise by 42%. Regency Hotel Management and Alex Johnson are among the top employers in the sector.
- Transportation and Material Moving: This sector is projected to add 4,040 new jobs by the end of 2032. Wicker Park Logistics, UPS, and FedEx are among the top employers in the state.
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair: By 2032, this sector is expected to see an increase of 2,397 new jobs. The wind turbine service technician role is the fastest-growing occupation in SD, with 77% projected growth. This is due to the state’s growing renewable energy sector, as South Dakota established its first wind farm in 2003.
3. Natural Environment
South Dakota ranks #4 across the country in terms of natural environment. With just 11.3 people per square mile, it ranks as the fifth-least densely populated state. It is also home to the Badlands National Park and the iconic Black Hills, featuring unique geological formations.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the 109-mile Mickelson Trail for biking and hiking or try rock climbing at the Needles’ granite spires. In winter, the Black Hills provide great spots for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Cost of Moving to South Dakota 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to SD:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $666 to $6,011
Moving to South Dakota involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- South Dakota movers typically cost $182 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Nebraska.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to South Dakota.
- When relocating to South Dakota, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average cost of utilities in SD is around $408/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in South Dakota. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in SD ranges from $36 – $144. A standard title fee is around $10.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Mount Rushmore State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Aberdeen the average rent ranges between $1,000 and $1,500.
- However, buying can be complex as home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in South Dakota in your budget. Popular neighborhoods like Colonial Pine Hills have a median home price of $945K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in small cities like Huron is $190K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to South Dakota ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to SD, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that South Dakota neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
