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South Dakota: The New American Migration Hotspot
22 Feb
Summary
- South Dakota led the nation in net migration gains with 11,000 new residents last year.
- Cost of living and access to outdoor amenities drive urban exodus.
- Flexible work allows professionals to keep salaries in lower-cost rural areas.
South Dakota welcomed a net gain of 11,000 new residents last year, topping migration charts nationwide. This trend highlights a broader US movement away from urban centers towards more sparsely populated rural areas.
The primary catalyst for this exodus is the cost of living, with 88 percent of movers citing financial savings as a key factor. Access to outdoor amenities and a rural lifestyle also influenced 76 percent of relocations, according to Stora data.
Flexible and remote work options have been instrumental, enabling professionals to retain urban salaries while embracing lower living expenses and property prices found in states like South Dakota. Home prices there average between $300,000 and $330,000.
Other states experiencing net migration gains include Vermont, Nebraska, Mississippi, and Alaska. Conversely, North Dakota recorded the largest population loss, with over 13,000 residents departing. Colorado, Massachusetts, and Illinois also saw significant net losses due to higher living costs.
