South Dakota ranks among the least expensive areas in the U.S. for assisted living care, which helped the state take 8th place overall in our 2024 Senior Living Report. The state’s population is growing at a healthy rate, even as others in the region decline, with close to 900,000 residents in total and 154,000 seniors as of the 2021 Census estimates. People of all ages have relatively good access to clean air and drinking water and a health care system that put South Dakota in 1st place in our report for patient satisfaction. Seniors, in particular, may benefit most from the significantly lower risk of respiratory illness and cancer from air pollutants.
The average cost for care in a South Dakota assisted living facility is $3,350 per month, according to the Genworth Financial 2020 Cost of Care Survey. Seniors who are still living in their own homes also save quite a lot on most other important costs of living, such as the savings of 28.8% on transportation and 16.2% on housing.
This guide is intended to help compare South Dakota’s assisted living costs with other areas. Medicaid and other possible sources of assistance are also explained. It also notes some local nonprofits and other government-supported organizations that help seniors. The guide has important information about the laws and regulations about South Dakota’s Assisted Living facilities.