South DakotaPop. 201,469Mid-size cities
Is Sioux Falls a Good Place to Live? Sioux Falls, South Dakota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sioux Falls ranks #309 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #43 of 256 mid-size cities and #5 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2%, #1 of 241) and short commutes (17 min, #8 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Sioux Falls by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sioux Falls's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Sioux Falls?
Sioux Falls's cost of living index is 90.6, 9% below the US level of 100 and #228 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,035/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $332,295, 3% above the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
| Measure | Sioux Falls | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 90.6#228 of 1,308 | 88.6 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $332,295#472 of 1,187 | $321,574 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,302/mo#166 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $292,400#509 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,035/mo#249 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 16.3%#116 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). South Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Sioux Falls housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Sioux Falls is in the Sioux Falls, SD metro.
South Dakota housing market →Is Sioux Falls safe?
Sioux Falls recorded 364 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 11% above the US rate of 328 and 18% above South Dakota's 308. That ranks #666 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #127 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sioux Falls Police Department. Property crime runs 2,198 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Sioux Falls | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 364#666 of 1,085 | 308 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,198#760 of 1,085 | 1,312 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). South Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Sioux Falls?
The median household in Sioux Falls earns $75,970, 9% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% below South Dakota ($76,881). Unemployment is 2% (US 4.3%). 9.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Sioux Falls | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $75,970#686 of 1,312 | $76,881 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2%#3 of 1,058 | 2.1% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 9.6%#468 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +1.8%#117 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). South Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Sioux Falls?
The median resident of Sioux Falls is 35.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 38.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #520 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sioux Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 35.5 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 38.1%#520 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 59.5% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Sioux Falls's schools and health?
Sioux Falls's 44 public schools graduate 87.3% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $11,372 spent per pupil. 36.9% of adults are obese and 10.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Sioux Falls | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 87.3%#572 of 1,063 | 82.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.3#514 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $11,372#1029 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 36.9%#939 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.5%#500 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 15.7%#363 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8.9%#500 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). South Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 28,439 students are enrolled in Sioux Falls's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Sioux Falls?
The average commute in Sioux Falls is 17 minutes (South Dakota 18.5); 0.6% of workers take transit and 10.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sioux Falls scores 12.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #464 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.9°F and winters 19.5°F, with 28.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Sioux Falls | South DakotaSD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 17 min#137 of 1,312 | 18.5 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.4%#89 of 1,312 | 4.4% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 78.1% | 78.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 0.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.9% | 3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 10.6% | 8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.1#464 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). South Dakota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25.3 | 7.4 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 30 | 11.4 | 0.8 |
| Mar | 43.3 | 23.4 | 1.5 |
| Apr | 57 | 35.5 | 3 |
| May | 69.9 | 48.5 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 80.4 | 59.3 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 84.8 | 63.7 | 3.3 |
| Aug | 81.7 | 61.2 | 3.3 |
| Sep | 74.8 | 51.7 | 3 |
| Oct | 60.6 | 37.8 | 2.3 |
| Nov | 43.6 | 24.2 | 1.2 |
| Dec | 30.4 | 12.5 | 0.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sioux Falls Wfo Airport.
| Measure | Sioux Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 46.6°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 71.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 19.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 28.3 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sioux Falls Wfo Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sioux Falls?
Minnehaha County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Minnehaha County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 70% of US counties.
| Measure | Sioux Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 36#161 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.12%#431 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Minnehaha County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Minnehaha County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0018% | 91% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.019% | 85% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0029% | 81% of counties |
| Hail | 0.004% | 65% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.079% | 47% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0015% | 42% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Sioux Falls compare with similar-size cities?
Sioux Falls is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #43 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 201,469.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SDPop. 201,469 | #309 | 61.9 | $75,970 | $1,035/mo | 364 | 17 min |
| Little Rock, ARPop. 203,436 | #1190 | 45.3 | $63,003 | $1,106/mo | 1,485 | 18.5 min |
| Mobile, ALPop. 203,416 | #1131 | 47.2 | $53,558 | $1,068/mo | 588 | 22.8 min |
| Grand Prairie, TXPop. 201,883 | #760 | 54.0 | $81,619 | $1,629/mo | 202 | 28 min |
| Tallahassee, FLPop. 201,875 | #1007 | 49.9 | $57,409 | $1,293/mo | 629 | 19.1 min |
| Augusta, GAPop. 201,528 | #1173 | 45.9 | $55,485 | $1,142/mo | 547 | 21.1 min |
| Oxnard, CAPop. 200,928 | #912 | 51.5 | $96,212 | $2,032/mo | 557 | 25.3 min |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #116 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 | 19.7 min |
| Sunrise Manor, NVPop. 200,218 | #1275 | 40.0 | $58,421 | $1,397/mo | no data | 28.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Sioux Falls compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Sioux Falls ranks #5 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 61.9 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 1% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 18% above the statewide rate. Homes are 3% above the typical South Dakota home.
| City | Rank in SD | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon, SDPop. 10,996 | #1 | 70.0 | $110,806 | $976/mo | 46 |
| Tea, SDPop. 6,786 | #2 | 69.8 | $120,139 | $1,220/mo | 169 |
| Dakota Dunes, SDPop. 3,936 | #3 | 68.7 | $136,125 | $1,225/mo | no data |
| Harrisburg, SDPop. 8,519 | #4 | 62.7 | $108,724 | $1,362/mo | no data |
| Sioux Falls, SDPop. 201,469 | #5 | 61.9 | $75,970 | $1,035/mo | 364 |
| Aberdeen, SDPop. 28,189 | #6 | 59.8 | $64,405 | $762/mo | 425 |
| Brookings, SDPop. 23,948 | #7 | 56.9 | $63,493 | $889/mo | 113 |
| Watertown, SDPop. 23,044 | #8 | 55.7 | $69,600 | $942/mo | 181 |
| Madison, SDPop. 6,094 | #9 | 55.7 | $65,593 | $981/mo | 99 |
| Spearfish, SDPop. 12,930 | #10 | 55.1 | $65,688 | $963/mo | 232 |
| Rapid Valley, SDPop. 6,975 | #11 | 54.8 | $83,208 | $1,174/mo | no data |
| Yankton, SDPop. 15,540 | #12 | 53.9 | $67,804 | $790/mo | 191 |
| Pierre, SDPop. 13,948 | #13 | 53.5 | $77,672 | $983/mo | 561 |
| Mitchell, SDPop. 15,649 | #14 | 52.8 | $58,620 | $851/mo | 288 |
| Box Elder, SDPop. 12,902 | #15 | 52.7 | $73,008 | $1,491/mo | 312 |
| Rapid City, SDPop. 77,946 | #16 | 52.1 | $70,870 | $1,109/mo | 767 |
| Huron, SDPop. 14,385 | #17 | 49.4 | $61,452 | $888/mo | 281 |
| Belle Fourche, SDPop. 5,804 | #18 | 49.1 | $65,071 | $983/mo | 254 |
| Vermillion, SDPop. 11,878 | #19 | 48.4 | $50,456 | $764/mo | 185 |
| Sturgis, SDPop. 7,086 | #20 | 47.6 | $54,404 | $780/mo | 329 |
All 20 South Dakota cities we track, by overall score. South Dakota statewide: median income $76,881, violent crime 307.5 per 100,000.
How is Sioux Falls's score calculated?
Sioux Falls scores 61.9 out of 100, #309 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with South Dakota's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Sioux Falls. Similar-size median 52.9.
64.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Sioux Falls's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
67.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sioux Falls. Similar-size median 53.8.
55.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Sioux Falls's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
53.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Sioux Falls's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
78.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sioux Falls. Similar-size median 51.2.
55.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Sioux Falls. Similar-size median 42.1.
66.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Sioux Falls. Similar-size median 50.1.
50.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sioux Falls's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
58.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
69.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Sioux Falls's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Sioux Falls has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Sioux Falls
Is Sioux Falls, SD a good place to live?
Sioux Falls ranks #309 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #43 of 256 mid-size cities and #5 of 20 in South Dakota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2%, #1 of 241) and short commutes (17 min, #8 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Sioux Falls?
Sioux Falls's cost of living index is 90.6, 9% below the US level of 100 and #228 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,035/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $332,295, 3% above the typical South Dakota home ($321,574).
What is the crime rate in Sioux Falls?
Sioux Falls recorded 364 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 11% above the US rate of 328 and 18% above South Dakota's 308. That ranks #666 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #127 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sioux Falls Police Department. Property crime runs 2,198 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Sioux Falls?
The median household in Sioux Falls earns $75,970, 9% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% below South Dakota ($76,881). Unemployment is 2% (US 4.3%). 9.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $1,035/mo (Census), #249 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,302/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sioux Falls?
The typical home value in Sioux Falls is $332,295, up 1.3% in a year, against $321,574 for South Dakota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $292,400.
How are the public schools in Sioux Falls?
Sioux Falls's 44 public schools graduate 87.3% of students in four years (South Dakota 82.1%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $11,372 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Sioux Falls?
The average commute is 17 minutes, #137 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 18.5 minutes across South Dakota. 2.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Sioux Falls?
Sioux Falls averages 46.6°F over the year, 71.9°F in summer and 19.5°F in winter, with 28.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Sioux Falls walkable?
Sioux Falls scores 12.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #464 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Sioux Falls at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Minnehaha County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 70% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Sioux Falls?
Minnehaha County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Sioux Falls?
Sioux Falls has 201,469 residents. The median resident of Sioux Falls is 35.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 38.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #520 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sioux Falls compare with the rest of South Dakota?
Sioux Falls ranks #5 of the 20 South Dakota cities we track, with a score of 61.9 against South Dakota's statewide 79.3. Its households earn 1% below the South Dakota median. Violent crime is 18% above the statewide rate. Homes are 3% above the typical South Dakota home.
What cities are similar in size to Sioux Falls?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sioux Falls's population of 201,469 are Little Rock, AR (#1190 overall), Mobile, AL (#1131 overall), Grand Prairie, TX (#760 overall), Tallahassee, FL (#1007 overall), and Augusta, GA (#1173 overall). Sioux Falls is #309.