Healthcare, Economy, And Opportunity Push South Dakota Near Top Nationally
Out of all 50 states, South Dakota landed second in the country this year on U. S. News and World Report's Best States list, jumping six places thanks to improvements in healthcare, economy, and opportunity.
Oleksii LiskonihOleksii LiskonihJust when you thoughtSouth Dakota'sgood thing in its standing among America's best states couldn't get any better, it has. The Mount Rushmore State, eighth overall on last year'sU. S. News & World Report'sannual list, has landed at a new, lofty spot for the2026 Best States rankings. The rankings evaluate all 50 states to capture how they best serve their citizensacross a range of categories, including Healthcare, Education, Economy, Infrastructure, Opportunity, Fiscal Stability, Crime & Corrections and Natural Environment. For the fourth consecutive year, Utah has earned top recognition as the number one state in the country and right behind is South Dakota. READ MORE:South Dakota Ranks Among The Most Tech Frustrated States In The U. S. The state jumped up six spots from 2025 - eighth to second - thanks to what U. S. News says are '. . . positive swings in healthcare, economy and opportunity. '2026 Best States in America (U. S. News & World Report)1. Utah2. South Dakota3. Minnesota4. North Dakota5. Nebraska6. New Hampshire7. Idaho8. Florida9. Washington10. VermontSouth Dakota's other stellar ranking came in the 'Natural Environment' category, where the state was the runner-up to Hawaii. The 2026 Best States rankings draw upon 71 metrics and thousands of data points tomeasure how well U. S. states are performing for their citizens. In addition to healthcare and education, the metrics take into account a state’s economic growth; its roads, bridges, internet access and other infrastructure; its public safety record; the fiscal stability of state government; and the opportunity it affords its residents. Get our free mobile appFrom Frybread to Pheasants - Here are South Dakota's Official State ThingsEvery state in our nation has chosen things that represent the state in one way or another to be official state things. Like a flower, or animal. South Dakotais no different. The Mount Rushmore has a state flower. But did you know we also have a state tree and a state fish? Yes, we even have a state code. Most Expensive South Dakota Related Things on eBayIn South Dakota, we've always prided ourselves on having one of the most reasonable cost of living rates in America. But that doesn't mean that you can't spend a pretty penny when it comes to Mount Rushmore-related items. All you've got to do is head toeBaywhere, in and among the 98,751 search results for South Dakota, you'll find some things that will set you back plenty. Gallery Credit:Jeff HarknessWorst Places to Live in South DakotaA surprising town was named the worst place to live in all ofSouth Dakotaand the reason behind it is a bit unexpected. Money Inc. made a list of the 20 worst cities and towns to live in all of South Dakota and no part of the state is left unmarked. The list focused on a number of key factors, including crime rate, unemployment, low wages, and school funding. So which city is the "worst" in South Dakota, according to the article? Read on:Disclaimer:The opinions expressed in this article are not my own and are taken from a list provided byMoneyinc. comMore From KXRBAdopters Wanted Now! Sioux Falls Shelter At Full Capacity