South Dakota
Low tax burden · COL index 95
Wins 13 categories
Texas
Moderate tax burden · COL index 97
Neither South Dakota nor Texas levies a state income tax. Property taxes are meaningfully different: Texas averages 1.6% annually vs South Dakota's 1.08%.
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
13
South Dakota
0
Texas
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South Dakota ranked in the 10 best states in America for 2025 by U.S. News. With beautiful landscapes, plenty of opportunity, and a top-notch quality of life, we've long thought South Dakota was one of the best states in America. In fact, U.S. News has ranked South Dakota as the 8th best state in America for 2025!