Moving To State • South Dakota

Moving to South Dakota: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Thinking about relocating to South Dakota? You’re not alone. The Mount Rushmore State has a magnetic pull—whether you’re drawn to the buzz of Sioux Falls or prefer the charm of its quiet small towns, there’s a perfect spot here for everyone.

There’s plenty to love about South Dakota, but before you dive into buying a home and relocating, make sure you weigh both the advantages and drawbacks.

We’ll break down all the key details about relocating to South Dakota to help you decide if it’s the right move for you.

Jump to the South Dakota information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to SD
Top car shippers to SD
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in South Dakota

Moving to South Dakota comes with lots of perks, but there are also some hurdles you’ll want to keep in mind.

Check out the main perks and drawbacks of living in the Mount Rushmore State to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros of living in South Dakota

✓Outstanding tax benefits
✓Robust job market
✓Low cost of living
✓Beautiful rural landscapes
✓Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities

Cons of living in South Dakota

✖Extreme weather
✖Small-town mindset
✖Sparsely populated
✖Strange and offensive laws
✖Unpredictable weather

Things to do in South Dakota

Whether you’re moving to South Dakota for a fresh start, a new job, or to be near family, you’re in for a treat. From famous attractions to hidden gems, South Dakota is bursting with adventures and exciting opportunities waiting for you every day..

If you’re traveling with friends or flying solo and ready to make new connections, these destinations have you covered. With tons of choices, you’re sure to find a place that fits your vibe and instantly feels welcoming.

Popular Attractions in South Dakota

Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Crazy Horse Memorial
Mitchell Corn Palace
Black Hills National Forest
Badlands National Park
Mammoth Site of Hot Springs
Wind Cave National Park
National Music Museum
Sioux Falls Park
Spearfish Canyon

Museums in South Dakota

Adams House
The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs
Adams Museum
Story of the Bison
South Dakota Air and Space Museum
The Museum @ Black Hills Institute
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame
Days of ’76 Museum
Delta-09 Missile Silo
Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries

Parks in South Dakota

Falls Park
Canyon Lake Park
Founders Park
Memorial Park
Upper Chautauqua Park
Wylie Park
Petrified Wood Park
J.H. Keith Park and Whitney Preserve at Cascade Springs
Terrace Park
Veterans’ Memorial Park

Fun facts about South Dakota

Each state has its own personality — shaped by its history, culture, and the people who call it home. Getting to know the little details and sill traditions can give you a better sense of what life there is really like.

These fun facts about South Dakota, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.

It is estimated that a total of 450,000 tons of rock was removed in order to create the enormous carved heads. More than 2 million people visit Mount Rushmore every year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations of the U.S.
The mountain was named for the New York lawyer Charles E. Rushmore. The lawyer traveled to the Black Hills in 1884 to inspect mining claims in the region.
The original design for Mount Rushmore National Memorial included the four presidents from head to waist. However, after the death of the sculptor Gutzon Borglum, and due to World War II, the nation had to limit the funding for the project.
South Dakota has one of the world’s largest, most complete fossil of T. rex discovered. It is named Sue, after the fossil hunter, Sue Hendrickson, who found it in 1990.
More than 175 different butterfly species live in South Dakota.
South Dakota is home to the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota tribes, which together make up the Sioux Nation.
City of presidents – on the streets of Rapid City you can find a bronze statue of each U.S. president. The project started in 2000 and is privately funded. The life-sized bronze president statues were built to honor the legacy of the American presidency.
South Dakota leads the nation in production of bison and pheasants. Agriculture is its top industry, generating one-third of its overall economic activity.

South Dakota population and demographics

As you consider making the move to South Dakota, take a moment to dig deeper than just the stats—you’ll get a real feel for what life in the Mount Rushmore State is all about.

If you choose a state with a bigger population, you’ll likely find more jobs, entertainment options, and better infrastructure. In contrast, states with fewer people often mean a quieter pace of life and close-knit communities.

Average education levels can show what job opportunities are available or how easy it is to access local schools and colleges. Meanwhile, a state’s political breakdown might reveal its core values and priorities.

Knowing who calls South Dakota home, their lifestyles, and what matters most to them can help you figure out if it’s the kind of place where you’ll feel at ease and find your community.

Metric	South Dakota
Population	919,318
Female	49.2%
Male	50.8%
College graduation rate	30.0%
Political leaning	Republican 63-37
Crime index	21.14

South Dakota weather

Weather plays a big role in everyday life, so it’s smart to consider it when deciding if South Dakota is right for you. Looking at the average temperatures and precipitation each season can help you figure out how much time you’ll spend outdoors, what kind of gear you’ll need, and how you’ll deal with changing conditions.

Scorching summer days can send your energy bills soaring and keep you cranking the AC, while frigid winters call for a ready closet and a reliable heating system. When snow arrives, you might face anything from a gentle flurry to a heavy storm that throws off your travel and daily routine.

If you love the sun, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snowy winters, knowing what South Dakota’s climate is like can help you figure out if it’s the right match for your lifestyle.

Metric	South Dakota
Summer high	85ºF
Winter low	7ºF
Annual rain	23″
Annual snow	39″

Income and cost of living in South Dakota

Digging into top industries, typical salaries, housing prices, and everyday expenses gives you a real sense of how practical—and affordable—life in South Dakota can be.

Understanding the main industries in the area gives you a clear idea of job prospects and long-term stability in your field. And since housing costs are likely to have a big impact on whether you rent or buy, they’re an essential part of your moving decision.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is really worth compared to the national average. If the index is lower, you can expect to spend less on essentials like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers do more than just sit on a page—they give you a real look at how your current lifestyle stacks up against what South Dakota has to offer, so you can make your move feeling confident and in the know.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Finance and insurance ($8.1 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($5.4 billion)
Manufacturing ($5.1 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($4.8 billion)
Wholesale trade ($3.7 billion, #40)
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting ($3.6 billion)
Retail trade ($3.5 billion)
Professional and business services ($3.1 billion)
Construction ($2 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($2 billion)

Metric	South Dakota
Average rent cost	$878
Average home cost	$306,944
Average income (per capita)	$69,457
Cost of living index*	100
Unemployment rate	1.9%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	0.0%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in South Dakota

If great schools and universities matter to you, checking out a state’s education scene can tell you a lot about its job market and overall atmosphere.

If having access to excellent schools matters to you—whether you’re pursuing more education, have kids getting ready to graduate, or simply want strong academic choices—South Dakota is a smart place to consider.

Here are some of the top schools in South Dakota:

University of South Dakota
South Dakota State University
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Dakota State University
Augustana University
Northern State University
Black Hills State University
National American University
University of Sioux Falls
Dakota Wesleyan University
Mount Marty University
Presentation College

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to South Dakota

We’ve reviewed 2,756 moving companies, with 9 being in South Dakota, and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.

If you’re planning on moving to the Mount Rushmore State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.

Cost of moving to South Dakota

Before making your move to South Dakota, it’s smart to get an idea of what you’ll spend on movers. On average, you’re looking at around $136 per hour for professional help. Your final price will depend on how much you’re bringing with you and the distance you’re traveling—cross-country relocations are going to cost more than a shorter move within the state.

Your choice of moving style can have a major impact on your overall costs.

For a budget-friendly move, check out one of the best moving container companies. You’re in charge of packing and loading, while they take care of the driving—offering a great balance between a DIY move and hiring full-service professionals.

Looking to cut costs? Renting a moving truck is your cheapest bet. You’ll handle everything yourself—from packing and loading to driving and unloading.

If you’d prefer to skip the heavy lifting, professional interstate movers can handle everything for you. Remember, this level of convenience can be pricey, so it’s smart to compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best fit for your budget and needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to South Dakota

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to South Dakota.

South Dakota car insurance requirements

In South Dakota, drivers are required to prove financial responsibility, usually through car insurance. Key coverages include: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000 per accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers injuries from motorists with inadequate insurance. Note: Coverages do not stack; each works independently.

South Dakota drivers license requirements

New residents of South Dakota must get a South Dakota driver’s license within 90 days of moving there.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to South Dakota?

Moving to South Dakota is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if South Dakota is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to South Dakota?

On the cost of living index, South Dakota has a score of 100. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in South Dakota?

The average income in SD is $69,457, and the an unemployment rate is 1.9. Home prices are $306,944, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $878.

What is the downside of living in South Dakota?

Like any place, South Dakota has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Mount Rushmore State include:

Extreme weather
Small-town mindset
Sparsely populated
Strange and offensive laws
Unpredictable weather

South Dakota Moving Resources

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