Also known as the Rushmore State, South Dakota is an agricultural stronghold and popular tourist destination that’s home to 884,659 residents. Seniors aged 65 and older account for 17.2% of the population, which is slightly more than the national average, and by 2030, it’s estimated that nearly 30% of the population will be aged 60 or older. Retirees in South Dakota benefit from a low cost of living that’s 12% below the national average.
Long-term care costs are also more affordable than in other parts of the country. In fact, South Dakota seniors pay just $2,365 per month for independent living, which is 15% lower than the national average. Independent living is an attractive option for seniors who are healthy and active but don’t want to deal with all of the responsibilities of homeownership. These communities offer maintenance-free accommodations, on-site amenities and diverse recreational activities, and seniors can even sign up for restaurant-style meals. Since independent living is typically offered within assisted living facilities or continuing care retirement communities, seniors can stay in the same location, even if their needs change.
This guide provides information about independent living costs in South Dakota and neighboring states. It also touches on possible payment options and provides a directory of helpful programs and services.
The Cost of Independent Living in South Dakota
Note: No data specifically tracks the costs of Independent Living through the U.S.; however, prices are generally 30%-40% lower than Assisted Living. To estimate the costs of Independent Living in the lists below, we’ve subtracted 35% from the Assisted Living costs that appear in Genworth’s 2021 Financial Cost of Care Survey.
South Dakota is the most affordable state in its region for the costs of Independent Living. Estimated monthly costs are $2,177, hundreds of dollars below the U.S. average of $2,925. North Dakota also has relatively low prices at $2,204. All other states that border South Dakota are significantly more expensive. Nebraska’s monthly Independent Living costs are $2,649, Wyoming’s are $2,710 and Iowa’s are $2,839. Regional costs are highest in Montana, at $2,893.
The Genworth Cost of Care Survey only reflects data from two cities in South Dakota. Independent Living prices are lower in Sioux Falls, which sits on the state’s eastern border and has estimated monthly costs of $1,892. The nearest city over the border in Iowa for which data is available is Sioux City, and the cost of Independent Living is about $800 more per month than in Sioux Falls. Rapid City, on the opposite side of the South Dakota and near the Wyoming border, has estimated monthly costs of $2,544.
In addition to Independent Living, there are a few other residence and care options for South Dakota seniors. Adult Day Care, which costs approximately $2,600 per month, is closest to Independent Living in price. Assisted Living, which offers greater day-to-day support than Independent Living, is considerably more expensive at $3,350 per month. There’s another significant jump in price for the in-home care available through Homemaker and Home Health Aide services, both of which cost an average of $5,911 a month. Nursing Home care is roughly $5,000 more than Independent Living per month; a semiprivate room costs $7,118 and a private one costs $7,604.
Nursing Home (semiprivate room)
Nursing Home (private room)
Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in South Dakota?
Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in South Dakota.
Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.
Paying for Independent Living in South Dakota
Seniors who transition to independent living facilities can control their monthly expenses by paying a fixed rate for housing, utilities, maintenance and other value-added services. Because these communities don’t offer medically necessary personal care, there are fewer financial assistance programs, and most seniors pay for room and board out-of-pocket using Social Security benefits, investments or other forms of retirement income. Seniors who own their current home may consider selling it or applying for a bridge loan to cover buy-in fees. A reverse mortgage can also be a valuable source of funding, as long as one owner stays in the property. Our guide to independent living includes more information about expected costs and possible financing options.
Independent Living Resources in South Dakota
Federal funding supports a number of state and local programs that benefit older adults and family caregivers in South Dakota. Individuals who want to learn more about their options for aging in place and maintaining their independence can contact the following agencies for free information and advice.
(605) 773-3656
Managed by the Department of Human Services, the Division of Long-Term Services & Supports is a comprehensive resource for families, caregivers, disabled adults and seniors. It provides information about home- and community-based services, including Medicaid waivers. The state’s long-term care ombudsman advocates for residents in independent and assisted living facilities. Seniors can also contact this agency for more information about Medicare, disease prevention, emergency response systems, legal questions and age-related concerns.
(833) 663-9673
Dakota at Home is a statewide Aging and Disability Resource Center that provides unbiased information and advice about state and local programs designed to promote healthy aging and independent living. Services are available online and by phone, and staff members offer private consultations to help residents and caregivers assess their needs and develop a personalized plan of care.
(605) 773-3656
The Department of Human Services uses federal funding provided by the Older Americans Act to support transportation programs that benefit South Dakota residents aged 60 and older. These services can help individuals who need help traveling to local senior centers and meal sites, as well as grocery stores, medical offices and other important destinations. The agency maintains a comprehensive
directory of programs, which is organized by geographic area.
(605) 856-4444
Dakota Plains Legal Services serves seniors and low-income residents in 33 counties. Its areas of expertise include consumer rights, family law, housing, health care, economic development programs, tribal law and estate planning. Educational resources and one-on-one representation can help seniors maintain their independence and access government assistance, regardless of their ability to pay a legal professional.
(605) 773-3269
This state agency is dedicated to meeting the needs of South Dakota’s veterans by assisting with benefits claims, engaging in advocacy and delivering long-term term care through the state’s network of veterans homes. Impartial services are provided by accredited service officers in all counties and tribal areas. Dependents and surviving spouses also qualify for many benefits.
(800) 645-0673
DakotaLink uses funding from the Department of Human Services and the Black Hills Special Services Cooperative to provide assistive technology to seniors and disabled residents. It operates four regional offices in Aberdeen, Brookings, Rapid City and Sioux Falls that assist more than 1,000 clients annually by providing equipment and software to assist with vision loss and other limitations.
COVID-19 Rules for Independent Living in South Dakota
The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including doh.sd.gov. These rules apply to Independent Living Communities and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/13/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.
Visitation Policies
Rules for South Dakota Communities
Are loved ones allowed to visit to provide emotional support?
Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are relatives allowed to visit for end-of-life care?
Yes
Are residents required to quarantine after visiting with a loved one?
No
Are visitors required to wear PPE (including masks) in order to visit residents?
Yes
Are non-medical contractors (such as hairdressers and entertainers) allowed in senior living facilities?
Yes
Are visitors checked for elevated temperatures?
Yes
Are visitors required to answer questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?
Yes
Outings & Social Activities
Rules for South Dakota Communities
Are residents allowed to leave (errands, visiting family, etc.) for non-medical reasons?
Yes
Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they return?
No (Conditions Apply)
Are senior living communities required to cancel all group outings?
No
Are residents allowed to eat meals together in a common area?
Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are residents allowed to gather in common areas for group activites?
Yes (Conditions Apply)
COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents
Rules for South Dakota Communities
Are staff members regularly required to do a temperature check?
Yes
Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19?
Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are staff members members regularly required to do a health and safety screening, including questions about travel, contact with positive cases, etc?
Yes
Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms?
Yes
Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures?
Yes
Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19?
Yes (Conditions Apply)
Find Independent Living Communities in South Dakota
Use the tool below to find Independent Living Communities near you – if you’d like to search in a specific city in South Dakota, simply put that in the search bar below.
4000 South Westport Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, 57106
The rooms at The Inn on Westport were clean and nice sized. The facility itself was bright and airy, and the residents were pleasant. Their menu looked good, and the dining area looked spacious and in
… (read more)
The rooms at The Inn on Westport were clean and nice sized. The facility itself was bright and airy, and the residents were pleasant. Their menu looked good, and the dining area looked spacious and inviting. The lady who gave the tour was incredibly pleasant, answered all of our questions, and gave us materials. She followed up with a ‘thank you’ card. She’s very professional and very nice.
The apartment looked like it had everything that somebody would need. There was plenty of room. You’ve got choices, whether you want an outside view or a view of this really wonderful atrium. They all looked good. They’re renovating now, so they’re in the process of updating them. Everything looked clean and things were in place. So, it was a good tour experience.
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The rooms at The Inn on Westport were clean and nice sized. The facility itself was bright and airy, and the residents were pleasant. Their menu looked good, and the dining area looked spacious and in
… (read more)
The rooms at The Inn on Westport were clean and nice sized. The facility itself was bright and airy, and the residents were pleasant. Their menu looked good, and the dining area looked spacious and inviting. The lady who gave the tour was incredibly pleasant, answered all of our questions, and gave us materials. She followed up with a ‘thank you’ card. She’s very professional and very nice.
The apartment looked like it had everything that somebody would need. There was plenty of room. You’ve got choices, whether you want an outside view or a view of this really wonderful atrium. They all looked good. They’re renovating now, so they’re in the process of updating them. Everything looked clean and things were in place. So, it was a good tour experience.
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7400 S Louise Ave, Sioux Falls, SD, 57108
We went to Ponderosa Lodge Senior Living. It was all fine, but it was just for older people than we are. The person who took us around was very professional. The apartments were fine. It’s just a bunc
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We went to Ponderosa Lodge Senior Living. It was all fine, but it was just for older people than we are. The person who took us around was very professional. The apartments were fine. It’s just a bunch of tables and puzzles and places to play cards and games. It’s just not for people who want to be active, it’s more for sedentary, older people. We were just looking for an apartment-type place, or a condo where you can live, and if you ever had to graduate up to more care then you would have it available in that area. But we’re nowhere near that. There’s an outdoor area, there’s a screened pagoda that you can lounge in, so you’re not getting eaten up by the bugs. There’s a walking area, and that’s all fine. They’re doing what they can with what they have. It’d be great for older people, who still want to go do their own shopping and stuff, it’s fine. I don’t have a clue how the prices run on these things, but I just thought it was overpriced for what was offered. The dining area was your basic cafeteria, tables, chairs, and they had ice cream onsite. Nothing to knock my socks off. It’s an older place, but it was in decent shape.
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We went to Ponderosa Lodge Senior Living. It was all fine, but it was just for older people than we are. The person who took us around was very professional. The apartments were fine. It’s just a bunc
… (read more)
We went to Ponderosa Lodge Senior Living. It was all fine, but it was just for older people than we are. The person who took us around was very professional. The apartments were fine. It’s just a bunch of tables and puzzles and places to play cards and games. It’s just not for people who want to be active, it’s more for sedentary, older people. We were just looking for an apartment-type place, or a condo where you can live, and if you ever had to graduate up to more care then you would have it available in that area. But we’re nowhere near that. There’s an outdoor area, there’s a screened pagoda that you can lounge in, so you’re not getting eaten up by the bugs. There’s a walking area, and that’s all fine. They’re doing what they can with what they have. It’d be great for older people, who still want to go do their own shopping and stuff, it’s fine. I don’t have a clue how the prices run on these things, but I just thought it was overpriced for what was offered. The dining area was your basic cafeteria, tables, chairs, and they had ice cream onsite. Nothing to knock my socks off. It’s an older place, but it was in decent shape.
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3408 W. Ralph Rogers Rd., Ste 100, Sioux Falls, SD, 57108
Trail Ridge Senior Living Community of Sioux Falls, South Dakota is located near I-229 with close access to churches and local zoo and The Empire Mall. Residents and guests appreciate the facility’s w
… (read more)
Trail Ridge Senior Living Community of Sioux Falls, South Dakota is located near I-229 with close access to churches and local zoo and The Empire Mall. Residents and guests appreciate the facility’s well-maintained apartments, caring staff and full calendar of activities including painting, gardening and day trips. The community is also applauded for its delicious meals and charming solarium room that provides a bright and sunny indoor atmosphere. Residents can sit back and relax at one of the two on-site swimming pools or the spa or enjoy the courtesy transportation to run off-site errands.
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Trail Ridge Senior Living Community of Sioux Falls, South Dakota is located near I-229 with close access to churches and local zoo and The Empire Mall. Residents and guests appreciate the facility’s w
… (read more)
Trail Ridge Senior Living Community of Sioux Falls, South Dakota is located near I-229 with close access to churches and local zoo and The Empire Mall. Residents and guests appreciate the facility’s well-maintained apartments, caring staff and full calendar of activities including painting, gardening and day trips. The community is also applauded for its delicious meals and charming solarium room that provides a bright and sunny indoor atmosphere. Residents can sit back and relax at one of the two on-site swimming pools or the spa or enjoy the courtesy transportation to run off-site errands.
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1321 W Dow Rummel Street, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104
With its own mall, deli and two swimming pools, Dow Rummel Village is a unique assisted living experience. Located in the western half of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this gorgeous facility is among the
… (read more)
With its own mall, deli and two swimming pools, Dow Rummel Village is a unique assisted living experience. Located in the western half of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this gorgeous facility is among the best in the city, maintaining an extensive waiting list. Visitors rave about the well-designed interior and good lighting throughout the buildings. The staff is noted as being particularly friendly and happy to be at work. Residents and their families love how willing Dow Rummel Village is to accommodate individualize desires, noting that when one tenant wanted her apartment painted yellow, the staff cheerfully complied.
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With its own mall, deli and two swimming pools, Dow Rummel Village is a unique assisted living experience. Located in the western half of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this gorgeous facility is among the
… (read more)
With its own mall, deli and two swimming pools, Dow Rummel Village is a unique assisted living experience. Located in the western half of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this gorgeous facility is among the best in the city, maintaining an extensive waiting list. Visitors rave about the well-designed interior and good lighting throughout the buildings. The staff is noted as being particularly friendly and happy to be at work. Residents and their families love how willing Dow Rummel Village is to accommodate individualize desires, noting that when one tenant wanted her apartment painted yellow, the staff cheerfully complied.
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3900 S Terry Ave, Sioux Falls, SD, 57106
Sunnycrest Retirement Village was a nice facility. The rooms were adequate in size and they had a lot of areas where people could congregate and visit separate from their rooms. They have a nice dinin
… (read more)
Sunnycrest Retirement Village was a nice facility. The rooms were adequate in size and they had a lot of areas where people could congregate and visit separate from their rooms. They have a nice dining area, and the grounds outside were very nice. They had seating areas outside and also had a garden that people could work in. It was very nice.
Every other Tuesday, they take people to the grocery store. Every other Wednesday, they take them out to other areas in Sioux Falls for shopping and stuff like that. They also do birthday parties. They have a chapel and they do that every Wednesday morning. They have different denominations come and have services there. They have an activity room where they do physical activities for people to get exercise and stuff like that. They also had a really large screen TV where they showed movies.
I know they had the Meals on Wheels Monday through Friday for the residents there. Other than that, I think it was basically just on their own as far as other meals. I only got to meet the one gal that gave me the tour, and a couple of other people, but it was basically just an introduction type thing.
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Sunnycrest Retirement Village was a nice facility. The rooms were adequate in size and they had a lot of areas where people could congregate and visit separate from their rooms. They have a nice dinin
… (read more)
Sunnycrest Retirement Village was a nice facility. The rooms were adequate in size and they had a lot of areas where people could congregate and visit separate from their rooms. They have a nice dining area, and the grounds outside were very nice. They had seating areas outside and also had a garden that people could work in. It was very nice.
Every other Tuesday, they take people to the grocery store. Every other Wednesday, they take them out to other areas in Sioux Falls for shopping and stuff like that. They also do birthday parties. They have a chapel and they do that every Wednesday morning. They have different denominations come and have services there. They have an activity room where they do physical activities for people to get exercise and stuff like that. They also had a really large screen TV where they showed movies.
I know they had the Meals on Wheels Monday through Friday for the residents there. Other than that, I think it was basically just on their own as far as other meals. I only got to meet the one gal that gave me the tour, and a couple of other people, but it was basically just an introduction type thing.
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111 West 17th, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104
Touchmark at All Saints sits on a lovely five-acre campus in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Its park-like appearance bestows a natural beauty to the facility. Residents can enjoy the gorgeous surroundings
… (read more)
Touchmark at All Saints sits on a lovely five-acre campus in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Its park-like appearance bestows a natural beauty to the facility. Residents can enjoy the gorgeous surroundings there or walk to the downtown area. Visitors and relatives remark on the beautiful, elegant surroundings of the facility, also referring to the variety of activities and social opportunities the residents enjoy. Touchmark at All Saints also offers its residents the choice of worshiping at the community’s chapel or attending the services they prefer elsewhere.
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Touchmark at All Saints sits on a lovely five-acre campus in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Its park-like appearance bestows a natural beauty to the facility. Residents can enjoy the gorgeous surroundings
… (read more)
Touchmark at All Saints sits on a lovely five-acre campus in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Its park-like appearance bestows a natural beauty to the facility. Residents can enjoy the gorgeous surroundings there or walk to the downtown area. Visitors and relatives remark on the beautiful, elegant surroundings of the facility, also referring to the variety of activities and social opportunities the residents enjoy. Touchmark at All Saints also offers its residents the choice of worshiping at the community’s chapel or attending the services they prefer elsewhere.
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4504 Prince of Peace Place, Sioux Falls, SD, 57103
4400 Creekside Drive, Sioux Falls, SD, 57106
Independent Living Facilities in South Dakota (3)
