Sioux Falls, SD, known as "The Heart of America," is a vibrant city with a blend of urban sophistication and small-town charm. Located in the southeastern corner of South Dakota, Sioux Falls is approximately 250 miles southwest of Minneapolis, MN, and 180 miles northwest of Omaha, NE. This medium-sized city is known for its scenic beauty, including the iconic Falls Park, and a thriving economy driven by healthcare, finance, and retail sectors.
The climate in Sioux Falls features cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers, providing a variety of seasonal activities. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Great Bear Recreation Park and the expansive Sertoma Park, which offer hiking, skiing, and opportunities for family picnics. Falls Park, with its stunning waterfalls and walking trails, is a central attraction that draws both residents and visitors.
Sioux Falls has a rich cultural scene with attractions like the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science, the Old Courthouse Museum, and the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Sioux Empire Fair, the Hot Harley Nights motorcycle rally, and the Festival of Cultures, celebrating the diversity and vibrancy of the community. The downtown area is bustling with art galleries, boutique shops, and a thriving culinary scene.
Education is a cornerstone of the Sioux Falls community, with institutions like the University of Sioux Falls and Augustana University providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools are highly regarded, making Sioux Falls an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as Sanford Health and Avera Health, not only supports a strong job market but also ensures residents have access to top-notch medical care.
Living in Sioux Falls combines the benefits of urban amenities with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy access to excellent healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices from historic homes to modern apartments. The city's efficient public transportation system and well-maintained infrastructure make commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its scenic landscapes, cultural richness, and welcoming atmosphere, Sioux Falls offers a dynamic and fulfilling living experience.
Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Ratings
Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota is a medium-sized city with a population of 180,927 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Sioux Falls is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Sioux Falls will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 17 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Sioux Falls, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, education and more.
The livability score in Sioux Falls is 84/100 and the city is ranked in the 98th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Sioux Falls could be a great choice! Sioux Falls has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Sioux Falls ranks very well for cost of living (A+), education (B), employment (B-) and housing (A+). Unfortunately for Sioux Falls, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (F).
Sioux Falls has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Sioux Falls has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Sioux Falls: Sertoma Butterfly House, Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History, and SculptureWalk Sioux Falls.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Sioux Falls, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.1% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Sioux Falls apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Sioux Falls is actually affordable. The median home price for Sioux Falls homes is $205,100, which is 39.8% higher than the South Dakota average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Sioux Falls, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 17.9% higher than the South Dakota average.
| Statistic | Sioux Falls | South Dakota | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 17min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.5% | 79.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.1% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.6% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.3% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.7% | 5.5% | 4.6% |
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