Best Cities for Young Professionals in South Dakota
South Dakota ranks #1 of 50 for young professionals, with a young professionals score of 81.7. Tea is its best city for young professionals at 71.0.
- South Dakota, all states
- #1 of 50
- Population
- 6,786
Why South Dakota Works for Young Professionals
South Dakota ranks #1 out of 50 for young professionals — a top destination for ambitious early-career workers. The state's economy scores 70/100, reflecting a strong job market with 2.1% unemployment and a median household income of $76,881. Modest population growth of 0.86% suggests a stable but not booming market.
For young professionals, the equation comes down to earning potential versus cost of living. South Dakota's cost-of-living index of 88.6 is significantly below the national average, meaning entry-level salaries go further here than in most metros. The growth score of 60/100 — driven by population gains and migration patterns — suggests expanding opportunity.
Beyond the paycheck, livability matters. South Dakota's livability score of 42/100 is adequate — metro areas have decent options, though the state isn't known as a cultural hub. Transportation is car-dependent in most areas (score: 54/100), which is worth factoring into housing location decisions.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Young Professionals
| # City | Grade | Young Professionals score | Overall | Economy | Growth | Walkability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Tea | A+ | 71.0 | 69.8 | 74 | 87 | 39 | 6,786 |
| 2Brandon | A+ | 69.3 | 70.0 | 66 | 84 | 33 | 10,996 |
| 3Dakota Dunes | A+ | 68.3 | 68.7 | 88 | — | 38 | 3,936 |
| 4Sioux Falls | B+ | 63.6 | 61.9 | 65 | 66 | 58 | 201,469 |
| 5Harrisburg | B+ | 60.3 | 62.7 | 64 | 63 | 33 | 8,519 |
| 6Aberdeen | B+ | 57.8 | 59.8 | 59 | 46 | 42 | 28,189 |
| 7Spearfish | C+ | 55.8 | 55.1 | 27 | 66 | 52 | 12,930 |
| 8Rapid City | C | 55.6 | 52.1 | 63 | 55 | 40 | 77,946 |
| 9Brookings | B | 53.9 | 56.9 | 25 | 57 | 39 | 23,948 |
| 10Watertown | C+ | 52.0 | 55.7 | 30 | 44 | 41 | 23,044 |
| 11Rapid Valley | C+ | 51.8 | 54.8 | 42 | — | 32 | 6,975 |
| 12Yankton | C+ | 50.7 | 53.9 | 29 | 39 | 43 | 15,540 |
| 13Pierre | C+ | 49.6 | 53.5 | 37 | 31 | 41 | 13,948 |
| 14Mitchell | C+ | 48.2 | 52.8 | 21 | 36 | 47 | 15,649 |
| 15Madison | C+ | 47.6 | 55.7 | 27 | 20 | 29 | 6,094 |
| 16Huron | C | 47.2 | 49.4 | 23 | 33 | 38 | 14,385 |
| 17Box Elder | C+ | 46.6 | 52.7 | 33 | 31 | 27 | 12,902 |
| 18Belle Fourche | C | 43.3 | 49.1 | 26 | 11 | 43 | 5,804 |
| 19Vermillion | D | 42.7 | 48.4 | 13 | 14 | 40 | 11,878 |
| 20Sturgis | D | 41.9 | 47.6 | 17 | 11 | 41 | 7,086 |
City young professionals 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.
Compare: States with Similar Young Professionals Rankings
Also See: South Dakota for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Dakota a good state for young professionals?
South Dakota ranks #1 out of 50 for young professionals with a persona-weighted score of 81.7/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (85/100) and its weakest is Livability (42/100).
What is the best city for young professionals in South Dakota?
Tea ranks #1 in South Dakota for young professionals with a score of 71.0/100, followed by Brandon and Dakota Dunes.
What factors are most important for young professionals in South Dakota?
Rankings weighted toward job market strength, economic growth, affordable living, transportation, and vibrant community life — the factors that attract ambitious young professionals.