Cathedral Spires, Needles, Custer State Park

Moving to South Dakota

Cathedral Spires, Needles, Custer State Park

Why South Dakota is

The Best Place to Live, Work and Play

Thinking about calling South Dakota home? Learn more about our Great Places and see some of our Great Faces in action.

South Dakota has a statewide population of more than 880,000, and The Mount Rushmore State ranks 16th in total land area among the 50 states. It has one of the very best qualities of life in the country as well as one of the strongest economies and job markets in the nation. South Dakota also consistently ranks as one of the happiest states in the union. It’s truly a great place to call home.

Whether you’re looking for career and job opportunities, help moving or growing your business, higher education options, or information about what’s it’s like to live here in retirement, we can help. With no personal state income tax, corporate income tax, an outstanding business climate, and a respect for individual freedoms, we know you'll love our Great Faces and Great Places.

Message from Governor Kristi Noem

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We mean business in South Dakota, celebrating freedom like no other state in the nation. Here, we trust our people and allow our citizens to innovate and succeed with less government interference. If you're interested in the opportunity to grow your business and are attracted by our quality of life, we'd love to have you join us! 

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Find More Relocation Resources
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For Job Seekers

South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation

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For Businesses

South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development

University of South Dakota, Vermillion
For Students
George S. Mickelson Trail, Black Hills
For Retirees
Location Matters

Find Out How Far Your Income Can Go in South Dakota

After taxes, how much of your income do you take home? How much can you buy with your hard-earned wages? Take a look at the South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development's Real Wage Calculator to see how far your income can go.

The Perfect Place to Start or Grow Your Business

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Freedom isn’t just a buzzword in South Dakota – it’s a way of life. That’s why entrepreneurs love South Dakota’s business-friendly climate that’s free of red tape and full of possibility. This is a place where the quality of life and pro-business policies combine to make South Dakota the land of the truly free.

See Why South Dakota is Best for Business

Great Faces, Great Places in Action

South Dakota Special Place GFGP Screengrab
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A Special Place to Explore

Sioux Falls Great Faces Great Places Screengrab
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Taste the Flavors of South Dakota

Spearfish Great Faces Great Places Screengrab
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Bike, Fish & Climb in South Dakota

Mount Rushmore Great Faces Great Places Screengrab
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Great Faces, Great Places, Genuine Experiences

Compare 50 States

See How South Dakota Compares to Where You Live

South Dakota 50 States Comparison map

Where does South Dakota rank in relation to the other 49 states? Use the South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development's 50 State Comparison tool to see how South Dakota compares in up to 16 different categories, including personal income tax, educational attainment, and cost of living.

South Dakota in the News

Sioux Falls
SmartAsset: Best Cities for Young Professionals – 2021 Edition

Sioux Falls came in #1 when SmartAsset compared the largest 150 U.S. cities across nine metrics, looking at affordability, workforce demographics and entertainment options. 

Arc of Dreams, Sioux Falls
Livability: Sioux Falls #10 Best Place to Live

For the past seven years, Livability.com has released a data-driven list of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in America. Every year, the list changes: we do surveys and studies, adjust our algorithm, add in new variables and data points, and celebrate a new #1 city. 

Falls Park, Sioux Falls
Forbes: Sioux Falls among best retirement cities

Forbes compared more than 750 locales in America, measuring everything from housing costs and taxes to healthcare and air quality. These are the top 25 cities for retirees.

Hilgers Gulch, State Capitol, Pierre
SmartAsset ranked South Dakota the #1 state for veterans

According to SmartAsset, South Dakota is the best state in the U.S. for veterans, including access to health services, availability of VA benefits administration facilities, and no taxation of military pensions,

Mount Rushmore National Memorial
South Dakota is Open for Business

Numerous national media outlets rank South Dakota as a top place to live, work and play.

#HIFROMSD

Find inspiration from what others are sharing about South Dakota and in the images of the Great Faces and Great Places they encounter.

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Illustration of BigHorn Ram in Badlands National Park at Sunrise with flowers and the colorful striated spires leading off into the horizon
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Feeding a burro
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Elevator art in Faulkton
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