Who’s Moving To and From South Dakota?

Where South Dakota residents go: the biggest destinations are Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa. The single largest stream runs to Minnesota — about 3,697 people in a year. In total, roughly 28,152 residents left South Dakota for another state, versus about 28,329 who moved in.

Who moves to South Dakota: the largest inbound flows come from Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska, led by Minnesota with about 5,373 arrivals. These corridors tend to reflect geography, job markets, and — increasingly — the gap in taxes and cost of living between the two states.

Why people come: South Dakota is a net magnet, and its profile explains why — no state income tax and a below-average cost of living let a paycheck stretch further than in the pricier states that feed it. Arrivals from Minnesota and other high-cost states are a large part of the story.

Thinking about joining one of these moves? The honest comparison is your full tax-and-cost picture, not one line of it. A move between South Dakota and Minnesota can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.

Compare South Dakota with any state in the comparison tool, check your take-home pay and cost of living, or see the national picture in the states Americans are fleeing and the state rankings.

Frequently asked questions

Are people leaving South Dakota?

On net, no — South Dakota gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 177 in 2022. The most people arrive from Minnesota.

Which state do most people move to from South Dakota?

Minnesota is the top destination for people leaving South Dakota, with about 3,697 moves in the latest year, followed by Nebraska and Iowa.

Which states do people move to South Dakota from?

The largest inbound flows to South Dakota come from Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska, led by Minnesota with about 5,373 arrivals.