South Dakota
South Dakota ranks #3 of 50 US states in 2026 with a composite score of 81.0/100 and a A+ grade. Its strongest category is Education (90/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (46/100).
How Does South Dakota Rank For...
Weights vary by lifestyle. Families prioritize education & safety; retirees prioritize fiscal health & healthcare. See methodology →
Top Strengths
Areas to Watch
Category Breakdown
12-Month Composite Trend
IllustrativeCities in South Dakota
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | Tea | A+ | 65.6 | 6,339 | $104,643 | 104.8 | — |
| 70 | Dakota Dunes | A+ | 65.0 | 4,129 | $123,438 | — | — |
| 95 | Harrisburg | A+ | 63.9 | 7,790 | $101,534 | — | 96.5 |
| 102 | Rapid Valley | A | 63.6 | 7,153 | $85,217 | — | — |
| 200 | Brandon | A | 60.2 | 10,996 | $104,806 | 161.4 | — |
| 247 | Sioux Falls | B+ | 59.0 | 206,405 | $70,925 | — | 90.3 |
| 299 | Spearfish | B+ | 57.7 | 12,551 | $59,731 | 188.3 | — |
| 365 | Rapid City | B | 56.2 | 79,409 | $70,094 | — | 90 |
| 388 | Aberdeen | B | 55.7 | 28,297 | $63,715 | — | — |
| 478 | Madison | B | 53.5 | 6,158 | $62,180 | 164.9 | 95.8 |
| 492 | Box Elder | B | 53.2 | 12,457 | $73,698 | 441.3 | — |
| 495 | Brookings | B | 53.1 | 23,710 | $61,979 | — | — |
| 519 | Watertown | C+ | 52.6 | 22,859 | $62,721 | — | 90.5 |
| 529 | Yankton | C+ | 52.4 | 15,501 | $69,071 | 352.8 | — |
| 542 | Belle Fourche | C+ | 52.2 | 5,741 | $59,920 | 251.7 | — |
| 567 | Pierre | C+ | 51.8 | 14,008 | $74,053 | 459.6 | — |
| 606 | Mitchell | C+ | 50.7 | 15,637 | $56,374 | 344.9 | — |
| 633 | Vermillion | C+ | 50.1 | 11,800 | $52,815 | 199.8 | — |
| 642 | Huron | C+ | 49.8 | 14,347 | $51,556 | 185.4 | — |
| 660 | Sturgis | C | 49.3 | 7,111 | $51,101 | 374.7 | — |
Best Cities in South Dakota for...
| # | City | Families Score | 🎓 Education | 🛡️ Safety | 🏠 Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dakota Dunes | 66.7 | 89.8 | 62.7 | 63.0 |
| 2 | Tea | 66.6 | 50.9 | 91.5 | 69.6 |
| 3 | Rapid Valley | 66.5 | 89.8 | 62.7 | 70.8 |
| 4 | Brandon | 64.4 | 58.0 | 93.0 | 70.2 |
| 5 | Harrisburg | 63.5 | 57.7 | 62.7 | 75.1 |
More Midwest States
South Dakota Rankings Overview
South Dakota earns an overall grade of A+ with a composite score of 81 out of 100, ranking #3 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Education (90/100) while its biggest challenge is Outdoor Access (46/100).
Economy & Employment in South Dakota
With an unemployment rate of 2% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), South Dakota performs above average on economic indicators. The median household income is $72,280, which ranks below the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in South Dakota
South Dakota's violent crime rate of 330 per 100,000 residents places it in the top half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in South Dakota
South Dakota ranks #24 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #6 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates. Life expectancy in South Dakota is 78.5 years, and the high school graduation rate is 85%.
Taxes & Fiscal Health in South Dakota
South Dakota's total tax burden is 6.46% of personal income, which is below the national average of 8.74%. South Dakota has no state income tax. The effective property tax rate is 1.14% and the combined state and local sales tax rate is 6.11%.
Housing & Affordability in South Dakota
The median home price in South Dakota is $320,000, below the national average of $394,620. The cost of living index is 88 (where 100 equals the national average), making it a more affordable state. The price-to-income ratio is 4.4x.
Environment in South Dakota
South Dakota has a median air quality index of 35 (EPA AirData), better than the national average. 80% of the state's electricity comes from renewable sources, one of the highest rates in the country. The FEMA natural disaster risk score is 66.1 (above average risk).
Growth & Migration in South Dakota
South Dakota's population growth rate is +1% year over year. The net domestic migration rate is +2.3 per 1,000 residents, indicating more people are moving in than out. 93.2% of households have broadband internet access.
Best Cities in South Dakota
The top-ranked cities in South Dakota based on our composite scoring are Tea, Dakota Dunes, and Harrisburg. These cities score highest across economy, safety, health, and affordability metrics among the cities we track in South Dakota.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Dakota's overall ranking?
South Dakota ranks #3 out of 50 states with a composite score of 81/100 and a grade of A+.
Is South Dakota a good place to live?
South Dakota ranks among the top-performing states in America with a composite score of 81/100. Its strengths in areas like economic opportunity and public safety make it an attractive place to live for many residents.
What is the crime rate in South Dakota?
The violent crime rate in South Dakota is 330 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does South Dakota's economy compare?
South Dakota's median household income is $72,280 with an unemployment rate of 2%. The unemployment rate is below the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is below the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in South Dakota?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in South Dakota are Tea, Dakota Dunes, and Harrisburg.
How does South Dakota rank for families?
South Dakota ranks #7 of 50 states for families with a score of 84.7/100. This is a top-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing education, safety, housing.
How does South Dakota rank for retirees?
South Dakota ranks #4 of 50 states for retirees with a score of 78.8/100. This is a top-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing health, fiscal, housing.
How does South Dakota rank for remote workers?
South Dakota ranks #1 of 50 states for remote workers with a score of 79.7/100. This is a top-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing housing, economy, outdoor.