Moving to South Dakota
South Dakota, otherwise known as ‘Mount Rushmore State’, is a fabulous state to work and live. If you are moving or relocating to SD, we have compiled a comprehensive list of some important facts and useful tidbits to help make your move an easy transition.
Geography
Located in the West North Central Region of the country, South Dakota is bordered by Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wyoming. With a total land area of over 77,116.49 Square Miles, it comes in as the 17th largest state.
Population
Currently, the population of SD is 865,454 making it the 4th least populated state in the union and the 3rd least densely populated. The state capital, Pierre, has a population of 13876. which is the 1st smallest capital in the country.
Other Populous South Dakota Cities are:
| US Rank | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 145 | Sioux Falls | 174,360 |
Notable South Dakotans
South Dakota is home to many famous and some infamous people such as, Sparky Anderson a memorable baseball manager is from Bridgewater and Tom Brokaw a notable TV newscaster is from Webster. Others include people like John James Exon a senator and Myron Floren a accordionist .
Climate
South Dakota lies in the northern Great Plains, straddling the transition from the moist eastern United States to the semi-arid western United States. Due to its location in the center of the North American continent, far from the moderating effects of the oceans, the state experiences a wide range of temperature extremes. Average January temperatures range from less than 12°F in the northeast to more than 24°F in the southwest, while average July temperatures range from less than 64°F in Black Hills National Forest to more than 75°F in the south-central part of the state. Temperatures of 100° F or more occur nearly every year. The warmest year on record was 2012, with a statewide average annual temperature of 49.3°F, 4.7°F above the long-term average. The lack of mountain ranges to the north allows arctic air masses to enter the state frequently during the winter, bringing bitter cold spells.
National Parks
South Dakota is home to 2 beautiful national parks.
- Badlands
The Badlands are a collection of buttes, pinnacles, spires, and mixed-grass prairies. The White River Badlands contain the largest assemblage of known late Eocene and Oligocene mammal fossils. The wildlife includes bison, bighorn sheep, black-footed ferrets, and prairie dogs.
- Wind Cave
Wind Cave is distinctive for its calcite fin formations called boxwork, a unique formation rarely found elsewhere, and needle-like growths called frostwork. The cave is one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. Above ground is a mixed-grass prairie with animals such as bison, black-footed ferrets, and prairie dogs, and ponderosa pine forests that are home to cougars and elk. The cave is culturally significant to the Lakota people as the site “from which Wakan Tanka, the Great Mystery, sent the buffalo out into their hunting grounds.”[100]
Crime Statistics
Safety and security should always be an important factor when moving to a new area. A state’s crime rate affects more than just the safety of its resident, it highly affects property value, economics and the overall quality of life. Based on the last FBI Crime Statistics, South Dakota’s violent crime rate is 32 per 10k residents which is less than the national average of 37.3. In addition, the state’s property crime rate is 186per 10k residents which is less than the national average of 248.7.
South Dakota ranks #26 in the US for violent crime and #43 for property crime.
Schools & Education
Whether you are a student, have children, or neither, a state’s educational system is not only important to those attending, it’s vital to the overall quality of life, culture and economics of the state. Based on data from multiple public and private sources, we were able to rank South Dakota’s educational system.
Overall Grade: C-
South Dakota spends on average $11287.00 per pupil, which is less than the national average ($11,900). SD ranks #38 in the US compared to the rest of the country. While SD ranks #38 in spending, the latest graduation rate is 83.90%%.
Another important factor is the percentage of families that enroll their young children (ages 3-4) in an accredited pre-school program. South Dakota ranks #41 with over 40.20% of children attending a early educational program.
Taxes
The current income tax rate for South Dakota is 0.00% which ranks 1st favorable amongst other states. If you are purchasing property, you may want to consider the the property tax burden rate. This is the amount you pay in taxes per $1000 earned. SD’s rate is $28.99 which ranks 26th in the US.
Currently, SD sales tax is $33.18 for which it comes in as 43rd compared to other states.
Sports
Unfortunately South Dakota does’nt have any major league teams.
Utility Companies
Before you move to South Dakota, it’s advised that you know who your utility companies are. We have an extensive list of both public and private utility companies in SD.
Other Resources
For more information about moving to South Dakota, visit their website at http://www.state.sd.us/