South Dakota vs Wyoming: Which Is Better to Live In?
South Dakota ranks #3 of 50 overall and Wyoming #2 as of the latest release. South Dakota is cheaper to live in (cost of living index 88.6 vs 92.7), carries a 0.7-point higher tax burden. Overall they are 0.6 points apart, too close to call: South Dakota leads 5 of 11 categories, Wyoming leads 5.
- Violent crime rate is 41% lower in Wyoming (180 vs. 308 in South Dakota).
- Center-based infant care, per year is 32% lower in South Dakota ($8,859 vs. $13,120 in Wyoming).
- Property crime rate is 21% lower in Wyoming (1,038 vs. 1,312 in South Dakota).
| Measure | South DakotaSD | WyomingWY | GapSD−WY | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall scorecomposite of 100, rank of 50Gap -0.6 pts | 79.3#3 of 50 · A+ | 79.9#2 of 50 · A+ | -0.6 pts | — | Even |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap -4.1 pts (-4%) · US 100 | 88.6#6 of 50 | 92.7#16 of 50 | -4.1 pts-4% | 100 | SD |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap +$9,856 · US -$11,758 | +$3,556#7 of 50 | -$6,300#20 of 50 | +$9,856 | -$11,758 | SD |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$50,280 (-14%) · US $368,697 | $321,574#21 of 50 | $371,854#27 of 50 | -$50,280-14% | $368,697 | SD |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +0.67 pts · US 8.74% | 6.46%#5 of 50 | 5.79%#2 of 50 | +0.67 pts | 8.74% | WY |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +128 (+71%) · US 328 | 308#28 of 50 | 180#5 of 50 | +128+71% | 328 | WY |
| Median household incomeGap +$1,349 (+2%) · US $80,903 | $76,881#29 of 50 | $75,532#32 of 50 | +$1,349+2% | $80,903 | Even |
| High school graduation rateGap +0.3 pts · US 85.62% | 82.1%#41 of 50 | 81.8%#42 of 50 | +0.3 pts | 85.62% | Even |
| Life expectancyGap +0.5 yrs · US 76.9 | 77.3#24 of 50 | 76.8#28 of 50 | +0.5 yrs | 76.9 | SD |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap +1,352 · US -33 | +1,539#22 of 50 | +187#26 of 50 | +1,352 | -33 | SD |
Cost of living index from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (US = 100). Left after costs from the America's Dashboard affordability engine for a family of four earning $75,000. Typical home value from Zillow Research. Tax burden from WalletHub. Violent crime from the FBI, per 100,000 residents. Income and graduation from the Census Bureau and NCES. Life expectancy from the CDC. Net households from IRS Statistics of Income. US column is the 50-state average or median.
Is South Dakota or Wyoming better to live in?
South Dakota scores 79.3 and Wyoming scores 79.9 out of 100, a 0.6-point gap this site treats as even. South Dakota leads 5 of 11 categories, Wyoming leads 5, and 1 are within 3 points.
| Category | Weight | South DakotaSD | WyomingWY | Gap | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy15% of scoregap +19.7 | 15% | 70.0#3 · A+ | 50.3#20 · B | +19.7 pts | SD |
| Safety12% of scoregap -14.3 | 12% | 71.8#25 · B | 86.1#6 · A | -14.3 pts | WY |
| Health12% of scoregap +0.3 | 12% | 51.7#28 · C+ | 51.4#29 · C+ | +0.3 pts | Even |
| Education12% of scoregap -4.7 | 12% | 60.6#25 · B | 65.3#16 · B+ | -4.7 pts | WY |
| Affordability10% of scoregap +8.2 | 10% | 84.7#8 · A | 76.5#18 · B+ | +8.2 pts | SD |
| Fiscal Health8% of scoregap -3.1 | 8% | 76.3#2 · A+ | 79.4#1 · A+ | -3.1 pts | WY |
| Growth7% of scoregap +17.8 | 7% | 60.3#4 · A+ | 42.5#22 · B | +17.8 pts | SD |
| Transportation7% of scoregap +6.8 | 7% | 54.4#15 · B+ | 47.6#31 · C+ | +6.8 pts | SD |
| Livability7% of scoregap -8.3 | 7% | 42.2#12 · B+ | 50.5#3 · A+ | -8.3 pts | WY |
| Outdoor Access6% of scoregap -49.9 | 6% | 45.8#7 · A | 95.7#2 · A+ | -49.9 pts | WY |
| Environment4% of scoregap +6.7 | 4% | 53.3#11 · B+ | 46.6#18 · B+ | +6.7 pts | SD |
Scores run 0 to 100 within each category; weight is the category's share of the composite. Grades follow rank (1–5 A+, 6–10 A, 11–18 B+, 19–26 B, 27–34 C+, 35–42 C, 43–48 D, 49–50 F). Methodology →
Is South Dakota cheaper than Wyoming?
South Dakota is cheaper: cost of living index 88.6 vs 92.7 in Wyoming (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 keeps $9,856 more a year in South Dakota after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes.
| Measure | South DakotaSD | WyomingWY | GapSD−WY | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap -4.1 pts (-4%) · US 100 | 88.6#6 of 50 | 92.7#16 of 50 | -4.1 pts-4% | 100 | SD |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap +0.1 pts (0%) · US 100 | 95.5#11 of 50 | 95.4#9 of 50 | +0.1 pts0% | 100 | Even |
| Residential electricity priceGap 0.00¢ (0%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 13.38¢/kWh#14 of 50 | 13.38¢/kWh#13 of 50 | 0.00¢0% | 17.84¢/kWh | Even |
| Residential natural gas priceGap -$1.88 (-16%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $9.86/Mcf#5 of 50 | $11.74/Mcf#15 of 50 | -$1.88-16% | $15.83/Mcf | SD |
| Gasoline priceGap +$0.11 (+4%) · US $3.32/gal | $3.23/gal#27 of 50 | $3.12/gal#17 of 50 | +$0.11+4% | $3.32/gal | WY |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap -$4,261 (-32%) · US $15,633 | $8,859#2 of 50 | $13,120#16 of 50 | -$4,261-32% | $15,633 | SD |
Cost of living index and the price level for goods from the Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (US = 100). Electricity, natural gas and gasoline prices from the EIA; center-based infant care from Child Care Aware of America. Lower is ahead.
| Measure | South DakotaSD | WyomingWY | GapSD−WY | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Adultearning $75,000Gap +$848 | +$35,354costs $39,647 | +$34,506costs $40,494 | +$848 | Even |
| Couple, No Kidsearning $75,000Gap +$1,053 | +$26,617costs $48,383 | +$25,564costs $49,436 | +$1,053 | SD |
| Family of 4earning $75,000Gap +$9,856 | +$3,556costs $71,445 | -$6,300costs $81,300 | +$9,856 | SD |
| Retiree Coupleearning $75,000Gap +$976 | +$39,353costs $35,647 | +$38,377costs $36,623 | +$976 | Even |
Income left after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and state and local taxes for four household types earning $75,000, from the affordability engine. Negative means typical costs exceed take-home pay.
| Measure | South DakotaSD | WyomingWY | GapSD−WY | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HousingGap -$1,541 | $23,179 | $24,720 | -$1,541 | SD |
| ChildcareGap -$8,522 | $17,718 | $26,240 | -$8,522 | SD |
| UtilitiesGap -$197 | $4,253 | $4,450 | -$197 | Even |
| GroceriesGap +$11 | $10,756 | $10,745 | +$11 | Even |
| TransportationGap +$345 | $10,151 | $9,806 | +$345 | Even |
| State and local taxesGap +$49 | $5,388 | $5,339 | +$49 | Even |
Annual cost lines for a family of four (two adults, two children). Lower is ahead.
Which has lower taxes, South Dakota or Wyoming?
Wyoming collects a smaller share of income in state and local taxes: 5.79% vs 6.46%. South Dakota has no income tax, with property and sales taxes in the middle of the pack; Wyoming has no income tax, low property tax, low sales tax.
| Measure | South DakotaSD | WyomingWY | GapSD−WY | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +0.67 pts · US 8.74% | 6.46%#5 of 50 | 5.79%#2 of 50 | +0.67 pts | 8.74% | WY |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap 0 pts · US 5.46% | none#3 of 50 | none#2 of 50 | 0 pts | 5.46% | Even |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap +0.56 pts · US 1.02% | 1.14%#32 of 50 | 0.58%#12 of 50 | +0.56 pts | 1.02% | WY |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap +0.55 pts · US 6.66% | 6.11%#15 of 50 | 5.56%#8 of 50 | +0.55 pts | 6.66% | WY |
Total tax burden (state and local taxes as a share of personal income) from WalletHub; top marginal income tax rate, effective property tax rate and combined state and local sales tax from the Tax Foundation. Lower is ahead.
Are homes more expensive in South Dakota or Wyoming?
Homes cost 16% more in Wyoming: a typical home value of $321,574 in South Dakota vs $371,854 in Wyoming. Buying the typical home takes about $90,326 of income in South Dakota and $95,729 in Wyoming; the median household earns $76,881 and $75,532.
| Measure | South DakotaSD | WyomingWY | GapSD−WY | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$50,280 (-14%) · US $368,697 | $321,574#21 of 50 | $371,854#27 of 50 | -$50,280-14% | $368,697 | SD |
| Home value change, one yearGap +1.1 pts · US +1.2% | +2.5%#20 of 50 | +1.4%#33 of 50 | +1.1 pts | +1.2% | SD |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap -$243 (-16%) · US $1,948 | $1,289#5 of 50 | $1,532#17 of 50 | -$243-16% | $1,948 | SD |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap -$5,403 (-6%) · US $100,006 | $90,326#22 of 50 | $95,729#26 of 50 | -$5,403-6% | $100,006 | SD |
| Home value to income ratioGap -0.7x (-14%) · US 4.6x | 4.2x#21 of 50 | 4.9x#34 of 50 | -0.7x-14% | 4.6x | SD |
Typical home value, one-year change, largest-metro rent and income needed to buy from Zillow Research (a modeled estimate, not a median). Price-to-income ratio divides that typical home value by ACS median household income. Lower is ahead.
| SD | WY | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly payment, 20% down | $1,654 | $1,913 |
| Income needed vs. median | +18% | +27% |
| Five-year change | +24.2% | +25.1% |
| Market temperature | Cool | Warm |
| Largest metro | Sioux Falls | Cheyenne |
Income needed vs. median: how far the income required to buy the typical home sits above (+) or below (−) the state's median household income. Temperature blends price cuts, days to pending and inventory against the national market (Zillow).
Do people earn more in South Dakota or Wyoming?
Median household income is about the same, $76,881 in South Dakota and $75,532 in Wyoming, with unemployment at 2.1% and 3.4%. Across 20 occupations with BLS wage data in both states, South Dakota's best-paying metro comes out ahead in 5 after adjusting for local costs and Wyoming's in 5.
| Measure | South DakotaSD | WyomingWY | GapSD−WY | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeGap +$1,349 (+2%) · US $80,903 | $76,881#29 of 50 | $75,532#32 of 50 | +$1,349+2% | $80,903 | Even |
| Unemployment rateGap -1.3 pts · US 3.95% | 2.1%#1 of 50 | 3.4%#10 of 50 | -1.3 pts | 3.95% | SD |
| GDP per capitaGap -$7,731 (-11%) · US $64,333 | $64,792#19 of 50 | $72,523#12 of 50 | -$7,731-11% | $64,333 | WY |
| Real GDP growthGap +2.8 pts · US +1.91% | +1.3%#41 of 50 | -1.5%#50 of 50 | +2.8 pts | +1.91% | SD |
| Population growthGap +0.51 pts · US +0.51% | +0.86%#12 of 50 | +0.35%#32 of 50 | +0.51 pts | +0.51% | SD |
Median household income from the Census Bureau ACS; unemployment from BLS LAUS; GDP per capita and real GDP growth from the BEA; population growth from Census Bureau estimates.
Show all 20 occupations
| Occupation | SD | WY | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyers | $141,728$124,721 in Sioux Falls | $134,581$122,469 in Cheyenne | SD |
| General & Operations Managers | $90,123$79,308 in Sioux Falls | $96,752$88,044 in Cheyenne | WY |
| Software Developers | $124,314$109,396 in Sioux Falls | $128,625$117,049 in Cheyenne | WY |
| Sales Representatives (Wholesale/Manufacturing) | $63,552$55,926 in Sioux Falls | $59,243$53,911 in Cheyenne | SD |
| Police & Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $70,181$61,759 in Sioux Falls | $66,726$60,721 in Cheyenne | SD |
| Civil Engineers | $88,719$78,073 in Sioux Falls | $91,746$83,489 in Cheyenne | WY |
| HVAC Mechanics & Installers | $55,730$49,042 in Sioux Falls | $52,707$47,963 in Cheyenne | SD |
| Mental Health Counselors | $48,902$43,034 in Sioux Falls | $51,243$46,631 in Cheyenne | WY |
| Electricians | $55,802$49,106 in Sioux Falls | $57,929$52,715 in Cheyenne | WY |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $93,043$81,878 in Sioux Falls | $95,089$86,531 in Cheyenne | Even |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | $53,188$46,805 in Sioux Falls | $51,290$46,674 in Cheyenne | SD |
| Secondary School Teachers | $63,716$56,070 in Sioux Falls | $61,856$56,289 in Cheyenne | Even |
| Registered Nurses | $79,282$69,768 in Sioux Falls | $77,469$70,497 in Cheyenne | Even |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $202,091$177,840 in Sioux Falls | $203,633$185,306 in Cheyenne | Even |
| Dietitians & Nutritionists | $62,577$55,068 in Sioux Falls | $64,019$58,257 in Cheyenne | Even |
| Accountants & Auditors | $76,534$67,350 in Sioux Falls | $77,879$70,870 in Cheyenne | Even |
| Welders, Cutters & Brazers | $43,748$38,498 in Sioux Falls | $44,963$40,916 in Cheyenne | Even |
| Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $48,506$42,685 in Sioux Falls | $49,484$45,030 in Cheyenne | Even |
| Construction Laborers | $40,411$35,562 in Sioux Falls | $39,819$36,235 in Cheyenne | Even |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $32,119$28,265 in Sioux Falls | $31,541$28,702 in Cheyenne | Even |
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, latest release: the median wage in each state's best-paying metro, adjusted for that metro's cost of living (BEA regional price parities). Sorted by the size of the gap.
Is South Dakota safer than Wyoming?
Wyoming is safer: 180 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 308 in South Dakota (FBI). Property crime runs 1,312 and 1,038 per 100,000.
| Measure | South DakotaSD | WyomingWY | GapSD−WY | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +128 (+71%) · US 328 | 308#28 of 50 | 180#5 of 50 | +128+71% | 328 | WY |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +274 (+26%) · US 1,535 | 1,312#16 of 50 | 1,038#7 of 50 | +274+26% | 1,535 | WY |
FBI state crime estimates, offenses per 100,000 residents, latest release. Florida and North Dakota use the FBI's prior-year estimate because the latest year is based on limited data. Lower is ahead.
- Brandon, SD46 violent per 100K
- Laramie, WY93 violent per 100K
Among each state's 20 tracked cities, latest FBI release.
Which has better schools and health, South Dakota or Wyoming?
Wyoming scores higher for education (#16 of 50 vs #25), with high school graduation rates of 82.1% and 81.8%. They are close on health (#28 and #29); life expectancy is 77.3 years in South Dakota and 76.8 in Wyoming.
| Measure | South DakotaSD | WyomingWY | GapSD−WY | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap +3 · US 273 | 281#6 of 50 | 278#12 of 50 | +3 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap -0 · US 257 | 260#16 of 50 | 260#15 of 50 | -0 | 257 | Even |
| High school graduation rateGap +0.3 pts · US 85.62% | 82.1%#41 of 50 | 81.8%#42 of 50 | +0.3 pts | 85.62% | Even |
| Life expectancyGap +0.5 yrs · US 76.9 | 77.3#24 of 50 | 76.8#28 of 50 | +0.5 yrs | 76.9 | SD |
| Adults with obesityGap +4.5 pts · US 34.03% | 37%#39 of 50 | 32.5%#17 of 50 | +4.5 pts | 34.03% | WY |
| Residents without health insuranceGap -2.2 pts · US 7.6% | 8.1%#31 of 50 | 10.3%#43 of 50 | -2.2 pts | 7.6% | SD |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap 0 pts (0%) · US 38.8 | 35#11 of 50 | 35#10 of 50 | 0 pts0% | 38.8 | Even |
High school graduation rate from NCES; life expectancy from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics; median air quality index from EPA AirData (lower is cleaner).
- Brandon, SDeducation score 98
- Powell, WYeducation score 97
City education scores blend graduation rate, student-teacher ratio and per-pupil spending (NCES). State education scores combine NAEP math and reading with the graduation rate; health scores combine life expectancy, adult obesity and the uninsured rate. Education: South Dakota #25, Wyoming #16. Health: South Dakota #28, Wyoming #29.
Are more people moving from South Dakota to Wyoming, or from Wyoming to South Dakota?
453 households moved from Wyoming to South Dakota in the latest IRS release (average income $56,468); the flow from South Dakota to Wyoming is too small to appear among Wyoming's top origin states. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 721 people (±498) moving from South Dakota to Wyoming and 727 (±455) the other way, a gap inside the margin of error, so the flows are roughly balanced.
Bars show people (Census ACS, latest release, with 90% margins of error). IRS counts tax-filing households and reports the movers' average income; pairs outside a state's top ten origins and destinations are not published.
| Measure | South DakotaSD | WyomingWY | GapSD−WY | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Households moving inIRSGap +3,284 (+26%) | 15,986#46 of 50 | 12,702#49 of 50 | +3,284+26% | SD |
| Households moving outIRSGap +1,932 (+15%) | 14,447#4 of 50 | 12,515#2 of 50 | +1,932+15% | WY |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap +1,352 | +1,539#22 of 50 | +187#26 of 50 | +1,352 | SD |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap +1.3 | +1.6#14 of 50 | +0.3#24 of 50 | +1.3 | SD |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap -$6,145 (-8%) | $73,743#31 of 50 | $79,888#23 of 50 | -$6,145-8% | WY |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap -$5,267 (-8%) | $63,892#44 of 50 | $69,159#33 of 50 | -$5,267-8% | WY |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap -0.2 | +2.3#17 of 50 | +2.5#15 of 50 | -0.2 | Even |
Each state's total inbound and outbound households and the movers' average income from IRS Statistics of Income; net domestic migration per 1,000 residents from Census Bureau population estimates. Latest releases.
Which is better for retirees, families or remote workers, South Dakota or Wyoming?
South Dakota is the better fit for young professionals and small business; Wyoming is the better fit for families and outdoor enthusiasts; 2 of the six lifestyle indexes are within 4 places. Each index re-weights the same 11 category scores for one kind of household.
| Measure | South DakotaSD | WyomingWY | GapSD−WY | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FamiliesGap +4 places | #6score 81 | #2score 86.8 | +4 places | WY |
| RetireesGap +2 places | #3score 82.8 | #1score 85.6 | +2 places | Even |
| Remote WorkersGap +1 places | #2score 83.3 | #1score 83.6 | +1 places | Even |
| Young ProfessionalsGap -7 places | #1score 81.7 | #8score 67.5 | -7 places | SD |
| Small BusinessGap -5 places | #1score 87.4 | #6score 77.9 | -5 places | SD |
| Outdoor EnthusiastsGap +7 places | #8score 68.2 | #1score 95 | +7 places | WY |
Rank of 50 on each lifestyle index. A state is called ahead when the ranks are at least 4 places apart.
- FamiliesWyoming (#2 vs #6)
- RetireesEven (#3 vs #1)
- Remote WorkersEven (#2 vs #1)
- Young ProfessionalsSouth Dakota (#1 vs #8)
- Small BusinessSouth Dakota (#1 vs #6)
- Outdoor EnthusiastsWyoming (#1 vs #8)
Which cities stand out in South Dakota and Wyoming?
South Dakota has 20 tracked cities and Wyoming has 20; the largest are Sioux Falls and Cheyenne. The table picks the best city in each state for one purpose at a time.
| Best for | South DakotaSD | WyomingWY |
|---|---|---|
| Largest citypopulation | Sioux Falls201,469 people | Cheyenne65,239 people |
| Highest composite scorecomposite score | Brandonscore 70 | Jacksonscore 70.9 |
| Safest cityviolent crime per 100,000 | Brandon46 violent per 100K | Laramie93 violent per 100K |
| Cheapest citycost of living index | Dakota Dunescost index 86.5 | Gillettecost index 91.6 |
| Most walkableEPA walkability index, 1 to 20 | Sioux Fallswalkability 12.1 of 20 | Torringtonwalkability 12.8 of 20 |
| Cleanest airmedian air quality index, county | Pierrecounty median AQI 18 | Rawlinscounty median AQI 8 |
| Best schoolsgraduation rate, % | Brandon98% graduation rate | Powell97% graduation rate |
| Richest citymedian household income | Dakota Dunesmedian income $136,125 | Ranchettesmedian income $121,445 |
| Fastest growingpopulation growth, % | Tea+4.1% growth | Cheyenne+1.1% growth |
Among the 20 tracked cities in each state. Census ACS, FBI, NCES and BEA data, latest releases.
How do South Dakota and Wyoming compare on everything else?
State finances, environment, and getting around. South Dakota carries AAA credit rating and Wyoming AAA.
Show fiscal, environment and commuting tables
| Measure | South DakotaSD | WyomingWY | GapSD−WY | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable share of electricityGap +47 pts · US 29.34% | 80%#2 of 50 | 33%#18 of 50 | +47 pts | 29.34% | SD |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap +28.1 (+74%) · US 29.6 | 66.1#49 of 50 | 38.0#35 of 50 | +28.1+74% | 29.6 | WY |
| Public land shareGap -42.8 pts · US 17.16% | 5.4%#34 of 50 | 48.2%#6 of 50 | -42.8 pts | 17.16% | WY |
| Mean travel time to workGap -1.2 min · US 25.2 min | 18.5 min#2 of 50 | 19.7 min#4 of 50 | -1.2 min | 25.2 min | SD |
| Commuters using public transitGap -0.9 pts · US 2.29% | 0.2%#50 of 50 | 1.1%#23 of 50 | -0.9 pts | 2.29% | WY |
| Workers working from homeGap -1.7 pts · US 12.28% | 8%#47 of 50 | 9.7%#37 of 50 | -1.7 pts | 12.28% | WY |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap +1.4 pts · US 92.67% | 91.3%#40 of 50 | 89.9%#48 of 50 | +1.4 pts | 92.67% | SD |
Renewable share of electricity from the EIA; natural disaster risk from FEMA's National Risk Index; public land share from USGS PAD-US; mean travel time to work, transit and work-from-home shares from the Census Bureau ACS; households with a broadband subscription from the Census Bureau ACS.
| Measure | South DakotaSD | WyomingWY | GapSD−WY | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap 0 pts · US 92.7 | 100#2 of 50 | 100#1 of 50 | 0 pts | 92.7 | Even |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap -32.3 pts · US 12.39% | 12.9%#16 of 50 | 45.2%#2 of 50 | -32.3 pts | 12.39% | WY |
| Pension funded ratioGap +23 pts · US 74.3% | 100%#1 of 50 | 77%#20 of 50 | +23 pts | 74.3% | SD |
| State debt per capitaGap +$920 (+65%) · US $3,506 | $2,340#16 of 50 | $1,420#2 of 50 | +$920+65% | $3,506 | WY |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap -0.7 pts · US +4.66% | +7.8%#7 of 50 | +8.5%#4 of 50 | -0.7 pts | +4.66% | WY |
Credit rating index (S&P / Moody's; South Dakota AAA, Wyoming AAA), rainy-day fund and budget balance as a share of spending (Pew, NASBO), pension funded ratio (Pew) and state debt per capita (Census Bureau).
South Dakota vs Wyoming: every metric side by side
Every measure behind the category scores, with each state's rank of 50 and the US figure. South Dakota is ahead on 20 of 51, Wyoming on 17, and 14 are even.
Show all 54 metrics
| Measure | South DakotaSD | WyomingWY | GapSD−WY | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationGap +346,341 (+59%) · US 6.8 million | 935,094#46 of 50 | 588,753#50 of 50 | +346,341+59% | 6.8 million | SD |
| Median household incomeGap +$1,349 (+2%) · US $80,903 | $76,881#29 of 50 | $75,532#32 of 50 | +$1,349+2% | $80,903 | Even |
| Unemployment rateGap -1.3 pts · US 3.95% | 2.1%#1 of 50 | 3.4%#10 of 50 | -1.3 pts | 3.95% | SD |
| Population growthGap +0.51 pts · US +0.51% | +0.86%#12 of 50 | +0.35%#32 of 50 | +0.51 pts | +0.51% | SD |
| GDP per capitaGap -$7,731 (-11%) · US $64,333 | $64,792#19 of 50 | $72,523#12 of 50 | -$7,731-11% | $64,333 | WY |
| Real GDP growthGap +2.8 pts · US +1.91% | +1.3%#41 of 50 | -1.5%#50 of 50 | +2.8 pts | +1.91% | SD |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +128 (+71%) · US 328 | 308#28 of 50 | 180#5 of 50 | +128+71% | 328 | WY |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +274 (+26%) · US 1,535 | 1,312#16 of 50 | 1,038#7 of 50 | +274+26% | 1,535 | WY |
| High school graduation rateGap +0.3 pts · US 85.62% | 82.1%#41 of 50 | 81.8%#42 of 50 | +0.3 pts | 85.62% | Even |
| NAEP math score, grade 4Gap -4 · US 237 | 240#11 of 50 | 243#2 of 50 | -4 | 237 | Even |
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap +3 · US 273 | 281#6 of 50 | 278#12 of 50 | +3 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 4Gap -8 · US 214 | 214#30 of 50 | 222#2 of 50 | -8 | 214 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap -0 · US 257 | 260#16 of 50 | 260#15 of 50 | -0 | 257 | Even |
| Life expectancyGap +0.5 yrs · US 76.9 | 77.3#24 of 50 | 76.8#28 of 50 | +0.5 yrs | 76.9 | SD |
| Adults with obesityGap +4.5 pts · US 34.03% | 37%#39 of 50 | 32.5%#17 of 50 | +4.5 pts | 34.03% | WY |
| Residents without health insuranceGap -2.2 pts · US 7.6% | 8.1%#31 of 50 | 10.3%#43 of 50 | -2.2 pts | 7.6% | SD |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$50,280 (-14%) · US $368,697 | $321,574#21 of 50 | $371,854#27 of 50 | -$50,280-14% | $368,697 | SD |
| Home value change, one yearGap +1.1 pts · US +1.2% | +2.5%#20 of 50 | +1.4%#33 of 50 | +1.1 pts | +1.2% | SD |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap -$243 (-16%) · US $1,948 | $1,289#5 of 50 | $1,532#17 of 50 | -$243-16% | $1,948 | SD |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap -$5,403 (-6%) · US $100,006 | $90,326#22 of 50 | $95,729#26 of 50 | -$5,403-6% | $100,006 | SD |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap -4.1 pts (-4%) · US 100 | 88.6#6 of 50 | 92.7#16 of 50 | -4.1 pts-4% | 100 | SD |
| Home value to income ratioGap -0.7x (-14%) · US 4.6x | 4.2x#21 of 50 | 4.9x#34 of 50 | -0.7x-14% | 4.6x | SD |
| Residential electricity priceGap 0.00¢ (0%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 13.38¢/kWh#14 of 50 | 13.38¢/kWh#13 of 50 | 0.00¢0% | 17.84¢/kWh | Even |
| Residential natural gas priceGap -$1.88 (-16%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $9.86/Mcf#5 of 50 | $11.74/Mcf#15 of 50 | -$1.88-16% | $15.83/Mcf | SD |
| Gasoline priceGap +$0.11 (+4%) · US $3.32/gal | $3.23/gal#27 of 50 | $3.12/gal#17 of 50 | +$0.11+4% | $3.32/gal | WY |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap +0.1 pts (0%) · US 100 | 95.5#11 of 50 | 95.4#9 of 50 | +0.1 pts0% | 100 | Even |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap -$4,261 (-32%) · US $15,633 | $8,859#2 of 50 | $13,120#16 of 50 | -$4,261-32% | $15,633 | SD |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +0.67 pts · US 8.74% | 6.46%#5 of 50 | 5.79%#2 of 50 | +0.67 pts | 8.74% | WY |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap 0 pts · US 5.46% | none#3 of 50 | none#2 of 50 | 0 pts | 5.46% | Even |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap +0.56 pts · US 1.02% | 1.14%#32 of 50 | 0.58%#12 of 50 | +0.56 pts | 1.02% | WY |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap +0.55 pts · US 6.66% | 6.11%#15 of 50 | 5.56%#8 of 50 | +0.55 pts | 6.66% | WY |
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap 0 pts · US 92.7 | 100#2 of 50 | 100#1 of 50 | 0 pts | 92.7 | Even |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap -32.3 pts · US 12.39% | 12.9%#16 of 50 | 45.2%#2 of 50 | -32.3 pts | 12.39% | WY |
| Pension funded ratioGap +23 pts · US 74.3% | 100%#1 of 50 | 77%#20 of 50 | +23 pts | 74.3% | SD |
| State debt per capitaGap +$920 (+65%) · US $3,506 | $2,340#16 of 50 | $1,420#2 of 50 | +$920+65% | $3,506 | WY |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap -0.7 pts · US +4.66% | +7.8%#7 of 50 | +8.5%#4 of 50 | -0.7 pts | +4.66% | WY |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap 0 pts (0%) · US 38.8 | 35#11 of 50 | 35#10 of 50 | 0 pts0% | 38.8 | Even |
| Renewable share of electricityGap +47 pts · US 29.34% | 80%#2 of 50 | 33%#18 of 50 | +47 pts | 29.34% | SD |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap +28.1 (+74%) · US 29.6 | 66.1#49 of 50 | 38.0#35 of 50 | +28.1+74% | 29.6 | WY |
| Public land shareGap -42.8 pts · US 17.16% | 5.4%#34 of 50 | 48.2%#6 of 50 | -42.8 pts | 17.16% | WY |
| Mean travel time to workGap -1.2 min · US 25.2 min | 18.5 min#2 of 50 | 19.7 min#4 of 50 | -1.2 min | 25.2 min | SD |
| Commuters using public transitGap -0.9 pts · US 2.29% | 0.2%#50 of 50 | 1.1%#23 of 50 | -0.9 pts | 2.29% | WY |
| Workers working from homeGap -1.7 pts · US 12.28% | 8%#47 of 50 | 9.7%#37 of 50 | -1.7 pts | 12.28% | WY |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap +1.4 pts · US 92.67% | 91.3%#40 of 50 | 89.9%#48 of 50 | +1.4 pts | 92.67% | SD |
| Households moving inIRSGap +3,284 (+26%) · US 78,682 | 15,986#46 of 50 | 12,702#49 of 50 | +3,284+26% | 78,682 | SD |
| Households moving outIRSGap +1,932 (+15%) · US 78,715 | 14,447#4 of 50 | 12,515#2 of 50 | +1,932+15% | 78,715 | WY |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap +1,352 · US -33 | +1,539#22 of 50 | +187#26 of 50 | +1,352 | -33 | SD |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap +1.3 · US +0.4 | +1.6#14 of 50 | +0.3#24 of 50 | +1.3 | +0.4 | SD |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap -$6,145 (-8%) · US $77,690 | $73,743#31 of 50 | $79,888#23 of 50 | -$6,145-8% | $77,690 | WY |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap -$5,267 (-8%) · US $77,024 | $63,892#44 of 50 | $69,159#33 of 50 | -$5,267-8% | $77,024 | WY |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap -0.2 · US +1.1 | +2.3#17 of 50 | +2.5#15 of 50 | -0.2 | +1.1 | Even |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap +$9,856 · US -$11,758 | +$3,556#7 of 50 | -$6,300#20 of 50 | +$9,856 | -$11,758 | SD |
| Left after costs, single adultearning $75K a yearGap +$848 · US +$31,418 | +$35,354#15 of 50 | +$34,506#17 of 50 | +$848 | +$31,418 | Even |
| Left after costs, retiree coupleearning $75K a yearGap +$976 · US +$35,970 | +$39,353#17 of 50 | +$38,377#21 of 50 | +$976 | +$35,970 | Even |
Every metric in the registry, direction-aware: ahead means better for a resident. Ranks are among the states with data. Sources are listed at the foot of the page.
Key takeaways
What the South Dakota and Wyoming numbers say when read together.
Neither state is better overall
South Dakota (79.3, #3) and Wyoming (79.9, #2) are within 2 composite points. South Dakota leads 5 categories, Wyoming leads 5, and 1 are even. The answer depends on which categories matter to you.
South Dakota is cheaper day to day
South Dakota's cost of living index is 88.6 against 92.7 in Wyoming (US = 100). The typical home costs $321,574 in South Dakota and $371,854 in Wyoming. A family of four on $75,000 keeps +$3,556 a year after typical costs in South Dakota and -$6,300 in Wyoming.
Wyoming takes a smaller share in taxes
South Dakota collects 6.46% of income in state and local taxes (no income tax, with property and sales taxes in the middle of the pack); Wyoming collects 5.79% (no income tax, low property tax, low sales tax).
Wyoming is safer
Median household income is $76,881 in South Dakota and $75,532 in Wyoming, with unemployment at 2.1% and 3.4%. Violent crime runs 308 per 100,000 residents in South Dakota and 180 in Wyoming.
Moves between the two run about even
721 people moved from South Dakota to Wyoming and 727 the other way, a gap inside the survey's margin of error.
Wyoming is the better fit for families
For families, South Dakota ranks #6 of 50 and Wyoming #2; for retirees, South Dakota ranks #3 and Wyoming #1.
South Dakota vs Wyoming: frequently asked questions
Is South Dakota or Wyoming better to live in?
South Dakota ranks #3 of 50 overall and Wyoming #2 as of the latest release. South Dakota is cheaper to live in (cost of living index 88.6 vs 92.7), carries a 0.7-point higher tax burden. Overall they are 0.6 points apart, too close to call: South Dakota leads 5 of 11 categories, Wyoming leads 5.
Is South Dakota cheaper than Wyoming?
South Dakota is cheaper than Wyoming: cost of living index 88.6 vs 92.7 (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 would have +$3,556 left after typical housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes in South Dakota, and -$6,300 in Wyoming. The typical home value is $321,574 in South Dakota and $371,854 in Wyoming.
Which has lower taxes, South Dakota or Wyoming?
Wyoming has the lower tax burden: 5.79% of income in state and local taxes vs 6.46% in South Dakota. South Dakota's top income tax rate is zero, its effective property tax rate 1.14% and its combined sales tax 6.11%; Wyoming's are zero, 0.58% and 5.56%.
Is South Dakota safer than Wyoming?
Wyoming is safer: 180 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 308 in South Dakota, per the FBI. South Dakota ranks #28 of 50 for violent crime and Wyoming #5. Property crime is 1,312 per 100,000 in South Dakota and 1,038 in Wyoming. The safest tracked cities are Brandon, SD, and Laramie, WY.
Are homes more expensive in South Dakota or Wyoming?
Homes are 16% more expensive in Wyoming: the typical home value is $321,574 in South Dakota and $371,854 in Wyoming. Buying the typical home takes about $90,326 of household income in South Dakota and $95,729 in Wyoming, against median incomes of $76,881 and $75,532.
Do people earn more in South Dakota or Wyoming?
South Dakota and Wyoming pay about the same: median household income is $76,881 vs $75,532, per the Census Bureau. Unemployment is 2.1% in South Dakota and 3.4% in Wyoming. Across 20 occupations with BLS wage data in both states, South Dakota's best-paying metro comes out ahead in 5 after adjusting for local costs and Wyoming's in 5, with 10 even.
Are more people moving from South Dakota to Wyoming or from Wyoming to South Dakota?
453 households moved from Wyoming to South Dakota in the latest IRS release (average income $56,468); the flow from South Dakota to Wyoming is too small to appear among Wyoming's top origin states. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 721 people (±498) moving from South Dakota to Wyoming and 727 (±455) the other way, a gap inside the margin of error, so the flows are roughly balanced.
Which is better for retirees, South Dakota or Wyoming?
South Dakota and Wyoming are close for retirees: #3 and #1 of 50 on the retiree index. South Dakota has no income tax, with property and sales taxes in the middle of the pack; Wyoming has no income tax, low property tax, low sales tax. A retiree couple on $75,000 would have +$39,353 left after typical costs in South Dakota and +$38,377 in Wyoming.
Which is better for families, South Dakota or Wyoming?
Wyoming is the better fit for families: #2 of 50 on the families index vs #6 for South Dakota. Center-based infant care costs $8,859 a year in South Dakota and $13,120 in Wyoming. High school graduation rates are 82.1% and 81.8%. A family of four on $75,000 keeps +$3,556 after typical costs in South Dakota and -$6,300 in Wyoming.
Which has better schools, South Dakota or Wyoming?
Wyoming scores higher for education: #16 of 50 vs #25 for South Dakota. Eighth graders average 281 in NAEP math in South Dakota and 278 in Wyoming. High school graduation rates are 82.1% in South Dakota and 81.8% in Wyoming, and the education category scores are 60.6 and 65.3 out of 100. Among tracked cities, Brandon and Powell have the strongest school metrics.
Compare a different pair
Swap either state, or jump to the matchups people open alongside South Dakota vs Wyoming.
Why this pair is featured: bordering states.