Retirement in Each of the Fifty States, Ranked

31. South Dakota

South Dakota offers stunning natural landscapes and wide-open spaces, making it ideal for retirees who love the outdoors. It’s sparsely populated—just over 900,000 residents, with about 159,000 aged 65 and up. One of its biggest draws is its low tax burden, including a sales tax of just 4.5% and no state income tax.

Despite its financial perks, the state does have harsh winters, which could be a dealbreaker for some. And while large cities are few, towns like Sioux Falls and Rapid City offer a surprising amount of culture and activity for their size.