#41: South Dakota

Unemployment rate: 4

Economy: 6

Education: 31

Crime: 27

South Dakota offers a peaceful lifestyle with its wide-open prairies, Black Hills, and iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park. The state’s economy is driven by agriculture, tourism, and financial services, with a growing focus on technology.

Residents enjoy a low cost of living and no state income tax. Education is solid, with quality public schools and universities like South Dakota State University. Community spirit and small-town values define life in South Dakota, where residents embrace a connection to nature and a focus on family.