Best Cities for Retirees in South Dakota
South Dakota ranks #3 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 82.8. Brandon is its best city for retirees at 70.0.
- South Dakota, all states
- #3 of 50
- Population
- 10,996
Why South Dakota Works for Retirees
South Dakota ranks #3 nationally for retirees, making it one of the very best destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's excellent fiscal health (76/100) and light overall tax burden of 6.46% help retirement savings go further. Notably, South Dakota levies no state income tax — a significant advantage for retirees drawing from pensions, 401(k)s, and Social Security.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. South Dakota's health score of 52/100 is middling — life expectancy of 77.3 years is roughly in line with national norms, but healthcare quality varies by region. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 6.46% of income. The absence of state income tax is a meaningful benefit for retirees living on fixed incomes. Property taxes run 1.14% (effective rate), which is near the national average.
A typical home value of $321,574 is manageable for retirees selling homes in higher-cost markets. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 72/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Brandon | A+ | 70.0 | 70.0 | 63 | 83 | 77 | 10,996 |
| 2Tea | A+ | 68.2 | 69.8 | 66 | 84 | 74 | 6,786 |
| 3Dakota Dunes | A+ | 65.2 | 68.7 | 73 | 94 | 67 | 3,936 |
| 4Harrisburg | B+ | 64.5 | 62.7 | 69 | 82 | 74 | 8,519 |
| 5Madison | C+ | 63.0 | 55.7 | 63 | 51 | 86 | 6,094 |
| 6Sioux Falls | B+ | 61.6 | 61.9 | 55 | 56 | 78 | 201,469 |
| 7Aberdeen | B+ | 61.1 | 59.8 | 58 | 43 | 87 | 28,189 |
| 8Rapid Valley | C+ | 61.0 | 54.8 | 59 | 68 | 79 | 6,975 |
| 9Watertown | C+ | 60.6 | 55.7 | 55 | 54 | 84 | 23,044 |
| 10Pierre | C+ | 59.1 | 53.5 | 60 | 55 | 84 | 13,948 |
| 11Mitchell | C+ | 59.1 | 52.8 | 51 | 43 | 87 | 15,649 |
| 12Yankton | C+ | 58.2 | 53.9 | 52 | 44 | 87 | 15,540 |
| 13Brookings | B | 57.4 | 56.9 | 59 | 37 | 84 | 23,948 |
| 14Spearfish | C+ | 56.5 | 55.1 | 67 | 41 | 79 | 12,930 |
| 15Box Elder | C+ | 56.0 | 52.7 | 61 | 58 | 73 | 12,902 |
| 16Sturgis | D | 55.8 | 47.6 | 60 | 47 | 83 | 7,086 |
| 17Huron | C | 54.6 | 49.4 | 50 | 37 | 88 | 14,385 |
| 18Belle Fourche | C | 54.2 | 49.1 | 52 | 49 | 84 | 5,804 |
| 19Rapid City | C | 54.0 | 52.1 | 56 | 48 | 78 | 77,946 |
| 20Vermillion | D | 52.5 | 48.4 | 59 | 17 | 87 | 11,878 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: South Dakota for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Dakota a good state for retirees?
South Dakota ranks #3 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 82.8/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (85/100) and its weakest is Livability (42/100).
What is the best city for retirees in South Dakota?
Brandon ranks #1 in South Dakota for retirees with a score of 70.0/100, followed by Tea and Dakota Dunes.
What factors are most important for retirees in South Dakota?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.