South Dakota, known for its iconic Mount Rushmore and vast prairies, offers a unique blend of affordability and quality of life. Let’s explore key aspects of living in the Mount Rushmore State.
Cost of Living
South Dakota boasts one of the lowest costs of living in the United States, with expenses running 12% below the national average:
- Housing costs are 28% lower than the national average
- Utilities are 4% lower
- Food costs are 4% lower
- Healthcare is 6% lower
- Transportation costs are 5% lower
The yearly cost of living in South Dakota is approximately $49,040 per typical adult, making it an attractive option for many residents[8].
Housing Market
The South Dakota housing market remains relatively affordable:
- Median home value: $306,829 (as of 2024)
- Year-over-year increase: 3.2%
- Average time on market: 35 days
While prices have risen, they remain significantly below the national median, making homeownership more attainable for many South Dakotans[3].
Education
South Dakota’s education system shows both strengths and areas for improvement:
- Ranked 30th in the 2024 Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT® Data Book, a significant improvement from 48th in 2014
- Strong educational policies and increased investment in Pre-K programs
- ACT scores remain strong, with an average composite score of 21.1 for the class of 2024, well above the national average of 19.4
The state continues to work on enhancing its education system, with a focus on improving overall educational outcomes[1].
Healthcare
Healthcare in South Dakota presents a mixed picture:
- Ranked 21st in overall healthcare quality and access
- Faces challenges in public health
- Launched Wellness on Wheels (WOW) mobile clinics to bring critical healthcare services to underserved and rural communities
The state is working on improving healthcare access and quality across all regions, particularly in rural areas[5].
Transportation and Infrastructure
South Dakota’s infrastructure received mixed reviews:
- Ranked 36th in overall infrastructure according to U.S. News & World Report
- Roads improved from a “D+” to a “C-” since 2015
- Bridges improved from a “C-” to a “C+” since 2015
- Commuters spend an average of 14.7 hours stuck in traffic annually, ranking 8th best in the country
The state has recognized these issues and is working on improving its infrastructure, with a focus on road and bridge maintenance[6].
In conclusion, South Dakota in 2024 offers a compelling mix of affordability and quality of life. While challenges exist in areas such as healthcare and infrastructure, the state’s low cost of living, improving education system, and ongoing infrastructure investments make it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between affordability and opportunity in the heart of America.
Citations:
[1] https://doe.sd.gov
[2] https://livingcost.org/cost/united-states/sd
[3] https://listwithclever.com/south-dakota/
[4] https://sdbor.edu/news/increased-enrollments-highlights-the-value-of-higher-education-9-11-2024/
[5] https://doh.sd.gov/media/jeqlqbgc/2024-sd-doh-annual-report-web.pdf
[6] https://dot.sd.gov
[7] https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/11/top-states-for-business-south-dakota.html
[8] https://www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/sd/
[9] https://innago.com/south-dakota-housing-market-trends-forecast/
[10] https://www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota-school-voucher-program-education-2024-election-poll/
