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Moving to South Dakota in 2024? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to South Dakota.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to South Dakota.

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Are you thinking of moving to South Dakota? 

Relocating to South Dakota means living in a state with an affordable cost of living and beautiful landscapes. The state experiences four distinct seasons, where winters are cold and snowy. If you move here, you will enjoy the friendly and welcoming environment and ample outdoor opportunities like biking, hiking, camping, fishing, and more. The job market is limited in South Dakota as compared to larger cities. But these details are not sufficient to decide whether to relocate there or not. Let us explore South Dakota through this moving guide-

What are the demographics of South Dakota? 

South Dakota is known to have a relatively small population as compared to other states. The population of South Dakota is approximately 884,659 with a median age of 37.8 years.
Maine Demographics

Most of the population is white, with a mix of different ethnicities. The highest population ratio lives in urban areas. In this section, you can check the statistics associated with the demography of South Dakota-

Male vs Female Population of South Dakota 
Gender Population Percentage
Male 484,684 50.5%
Female 475,730 49.5%
Population distribution by Ethnicity in South Dakota
Ethnicity Population Percentage
White 840,212 87.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 87,516 9.1%
Two or more races 21,377 2.2%
Black or African American 10,166 1.1%
Asian 5,748 0.6%
Other races 1,136 0.1%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 17,334 1.8%

What are some quick facts about South Dakota? 

Before you move to South Dakota, here are some interesting facts that you must be aware of-
Quick Facts of South Dakota
Corn Palace is an iconic building in Mitchell decorated with colorful murals from corn kernels.
Darwin in South Dakota is home to the World’s Largest Ball of Twine.
The largest catfish ever caught was caught in South Dakota.
The Music Shop in Sioux Falls is one of the music stores in the world.
The Waterwheel in Chamberlain is one of the largest natural waterwheels in the United States.

What are the top reasons to move to South Dakota? 

If you are planning to move to South Dakota you need some strong reasons to relocate there. Here we have listed the major reasons to move to South Dakota-
Top reasons to move to South Dakota
Cost of Living- The cost of living in South Dakota is relatively affordable with lower housing prices. The state has a relatively low tax burden.
Job market- The state has a growing economy with several opportunities in various sectors. Some of the flourishing industries in South Dakota are healthcare, agriculture, and more.
Strong sense of community- The people of South Dakota are known for their hospitality and friendly demeanor. The state has a lower crime rate which makes it a perfect place to live.
Education- The state has a strong public education system with numerous universities and colleges.
Quality of life- The state offers a slower pace of life and a good healthcare system.
Natural Beauty- The state has breathtaking scenery where you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like hunting, camping, fishing, and more.

What are the Pros and Cons of living in South Dakota?

Exploring a state before moving there is essential as it will help you to prepare for the upcoming challenges. In this section of our guide, we have listed all the pros and cons of living in South Dakota.
Pros & Cons of Living in South Dakota
Pros of living in South Dakota Cons of living in South Dakota
The state has a lower cost of living with affordable food, housing and more Winters are cold with heavy snowfall and can be challenging for some people
Offers high quality of life with excellent schools, healthcare and recreation activities Job opportunities are limited in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing and agriculture
South Dakota has stunning natural landscapes Some parts of the state can be remote with limited access to major cities
The state is known for its friendly and welcoming community Population of South Dakota is relatively homogenous
The state has a lower crime rate compared to other states The state economy depends on the seasonal tourism

What are the best places to live in South Dakota? 

Finding the right place to settle as a single or with a family is challenging. But if you did prior research, you can find the right city in South Dakota. Here you can study the statistics about different cities in South Dakota with their population, median home value, and unemployment rate-
Best Places to Live in South Dakota
City Population Median Home Value Unemployment Rate
Sioux Falls 187,105 $315,600 2.4%
Rapid City 74,071 $315,600 2.6%
Brookings 23,614 $314,900 1.3%
Aberdeen 25,366 $212,800 2.5%
Watertown 21,351 $212,800 2.4%
Yankton 25,167 $212,800 2.1%
Mitchell 15,157 $212,800 2.4%
Tip: When you've got a home to move in South Dakota, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

What are the best neighborhoods in South Dakota? 

The right neighborhood is the first place where you will connect with new friends in the new state. So, before moving to South Dakota start exploring the neighborhoods online.
Best Neighborhoods in the South Dakota
Downtown Sioux Falls- This is a vibrant neighborhood with trendy shops, a lively art scene, and historic buildings.
Black Hills National Forest- This neighborhood is surrounded by beautiful Black Hills that offer a peaceful and natural setting.
Ellsworth Air Force Base- This is a military community with a strong sense of camaraderie and access to base amenities.
Rapid Valley- This is a suburban neighborhood to raise a family. This neighborhood has a growing population and good schools.
Downtown Aberdeen- This is a historic downtown area with a mix of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.
Lake Kampeska- This is a waterfront neighborhood with beautiful views of Lake Kampeska.

What is the cost of living in South Dakota? 

The cost of living in South Dakota is lower as compared to the other states in the US. Ths housing costs are typically lower than in many states. The cost of groceries and utilities depends on the location. Before moving to South Dakota, study the statistics available about the cost of living-
Cost of living in South Dakota
Cost of Living by Categories in South Dakota vs USA 
Category South Dakota
Overall 90.8
Grocery 96.6
Housing 85.1
Utilities 97.2
Transportation 101.2
Miscellaneous 95.2
Median House Price in South Dakota vs USA
Location Median House Price
South Dakota $315,600
United States $414,700
Median Rent Price in South Dakota vs USA
Location Median Monthly Rent
South Dakota $775
United States $1,785
Housing Market in South Dakota

The housing market in South Dakota is typically lower than in other parts of the country. The state has experienced a steady demand in recent years. However, there is a limited supply of homes for sale. The mortgage rates are competitive offering a favorable environment for homebuyers.

Average Rental Cost in South Dakota

The average rental cost in South Dakota is generally lower than in many other parts of the US. The rental process varies depending on several factors like location, size of the property, amenities, and age of the property.

Median Home Value in South Dakota

The median home value in South Dakota is generally lower than in many other states in the US. The median home value varies depending on several factors including location, amenities, size, and age of the property.

How is the job market in South Dakota? 

In recent years, the job market in South Dakota has shown stability and it focuses on certain industries. The unemployment rate in the state is lower as compared to other states and the economy is growing. Before moving to South Dakota, it is important to research its job market. This section of our guide will provide relevant details about the job market in South Dakota-

Median Income in South Dakota vs USA 
Location Median Household Income
South Dakota $67,220
United States $67,521
Unemployment Rate in South Dakota vs USA
Location Unemployment Rate (2023)
South Dakota 2.6%
United States 3.5%

Major Industries in South Dakota

The economy of South Dakota is diverse, and several industries are flourishing. Here is the list of major industries in South Dakota-
South Dakota  job market
Agriculture
Tourism
Healthcare
Manufacturing
Technology
Tourism
Government
Mining

Top Career Options in South Dakota

With a growing economy and thriving job market, South Dakota offers a wide range of employment opportunities. Here are the statistics for different career options in South Dakota with their average salary, entry-level salary, and number of employees-
Top Career Options in South Dakota
Career Average Salary (Annual) Entry-Level Salary (Annual) Number of Employees (Estimated)
Healthcare $65,000 $45,000 45,000
Education $55,000 $35,000 30,000
Agriculture and Food Processing $50,000 $30,000 25,000
Manufacturing $55,000 $35,000 20,000
Retail $30,000 $20,000 35,000
Hospitality $30,000 $20,000 25,000
Construction $55,000 $35,000 15,000
Information Technology $75,000 $50,000 5,000
Finance and Insurance $60,000 $40,000 10,000
Biggest Companies in South Dakota by city and number of employees

Before you plan to relocate to South Dakota, it is better to explore the companies in the state. The state is home to some of the biggest companies and here we have listed their details.

Company City Industry Number of Employees (Estimated)
Sanford Health Sioux Falls Healthcare 10,000+
Avera Health Sioux Falls Healthcare 7,500+
Smithfield Foods Sioux Falls Food Processing 3,500+
Hy-Vee Food Stores Sioux Falls Retail 3,000+
Black Hills Corporation Rapid City Utilities 3,000+
Daktronics Aberdeen Manufacturing 2,500+
South Dakota State University Brookings Education 2,000+
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Watertown Healthcare 1,500+
First PREMIER Bank Yankton Finance 1,000+
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What are the best things to do in South Dakota? 

Moving to a new state will affect you emotionally, but exploring it will make you feel better. So, after moving to South Dakota, plan some trips and explore the state.
Best things to do in South Dakota
Visit Badlands National Park and explore the landscapes of Badlands with its buttes, spires, and more.
Plan a trip to Corn Palace, adorned with murals made entirely of corn kernels.
Discover the beauty of the Black Hills, featuring Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and more.
Take a day out for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and golfing.
There are many vineyards and local wineries in South Dakota where you can go for wine tasting.
Explore the world’s third-longest cave system at the Jewel Cave National Monument.

What are the best schools in South Dakota? 

Finding a new school for your children in a new state is one of the most important tasks. Before you move to South Dakota, it is important to find the right school for your children.
Education System in South Dakota

For your reference, we have listed some of the best schools, colleges, and universities in the table-

Elementary Schools in South Dakota
Challenge Center- 51, Sioux Falls
Canistota Elementary, Canistota
Warner Elementary, Warner
Dell Rapids Elementary, Dell Rapids
Valley Springs Elementary, Valley Springs
Middle Schools in South Dakota
Gettysburg Middle School, Gettysburg
Timber Lake Middle School
Southwest Middle School, South Dakota
Vermillion Middle School
Elk Point-Jefferson Middle School
High Schools in South Dakota
Lincoln High School, Sioux Fall
Warner High School, Warner
Stevens High School, Rapid City
Brandon Valley High School, Brandon
Northwestern High School, Mellette
Colleges and Universities in South Dakota
University of South Dakota, Vermillion
South Dakota State University, Brookings
Northern State University, Aberdeen
Black Hills State University
Dakota State University, Madison

Which insurance is required in South Dakota? 

Insurance is a necessity to tackle the financial crisis. When you move to a new state, these insurance coverages financially assist you in case something bad happens. Here is the breakdown of different types of insurance you might need when you move to South Dakota
Type of insurance required in South Dakota

Auto Insurance- If you move to South Dakota, all vehicle owners must have this insurance by law. This insurance policy provides coverage in case of property damage liability, bodily injury liability, personal injury liability, and more.

Professional Liability Insurance- This insurance policy is for doctors, lawyers, and accountants as it will protect them against claims of negligence or errors in their work. This insurance is also known as malpractice insurance.

Worker’s Compensation Insurance- All employers in the state with one or more than one employee are generally required to have worker’s compensation insurance. This insurance will cover medical expenses and lost wages if the employees get injured on the job.

Homeowners Insurance- This insurance policy provides coverage against the damage to your home and belongings. It will also provide liability for injuries or property damage caused by you or your family.

Renters Insurance- This insurance will protect your personal belongings and liability if you are renting a house.

Life Insurance- This insurance policy provides financial support to your family in the event of your death.

What different taxes are applicable in South Dakota? 

South Dakota has a relatively simple tax structure compared to many other states in the US. Here is the breakdown of taxes applied in South Dakota-
Taxes in South Dakota

State Income Tax- There is no state income tax in South Dakota.

Local Income Tax- Some cities and counties in South Dakota may impose local income tax.

Sales Tax- The state has 4.5% of state sales tax. Some cities and counties impose local sales tax that varies for each location.

Property taxes- The property taxes in South Dakota are accessed on the real estate in the state. The tax rate may vary depending on the location, assessed value, and other factors related to the property.

Excise taxes- South Dakota imposes excise taxes on various goods and services like gasoline, tobacco, and alcohol.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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