South Dakota is 15th Best State for Business 2014

Previous State: Wisconsin Next State: Colorado

No. 15 South Dakota

Taxations & Regulations

Workforce Quality

Living Environment

Key Metrics
State GDP 
  • % Growth ’12-’13: 3.1
  • % Growth ’11-’12 v. Nat’l Avg. (2.5%): -2.3

Unemployment

  • Unemployment Rate Dec. 2013 %: 3.6
  • Comparison with Nat’l Rate (6.70%): -3.1

Domestic Migration

  • Domestic Net Migration 2013: 4,762
  • Rank: 15

State Government

  • State Debt per Capita Fiscal Year ’13 ($): 4,551
  • State & Local Gov’t Employees per 10k Residents: 545.7

State-Local Tax Burden

  • Rate (%): 7.6%
  • Compared to Nat’l Avg. (9.9%): -2.28%
Key Companies
  • Blask Hills Corp.
  • NorthWest Corp.
  • LodgeNet Interactive
Development Trend Indicator: Positive
Employment shows vigor as legislature enacts economic-development package.


Based on CEO Survey by ChiefExecutive.net

Sources:
Bureau of Economic Analysis
Bureau of Labor Statistics
NewGeography.com
The Tax Foundation

J.P. Donlon

J.P. Donlon is Editor Emeritus of Chief Executive magazine.

Share
Published by
J.P. Donlon

Recent Posts

Manufacturing Confidence Rebounds In Face Of Global Volatility 

Despite stressors associated with heightened global risk mounting since early 2026, U.S. manufacturers express increased…

1 day ago

The Surprising Reason Successful Founders Feel Overwhelmed

Most entrepreneurs expect uncertainty to fade as their businesses succeed. More revenue, more experience, more…

2 days ago

Your Books Are Lying To You

What CEOs don’t know about their own financials—and what it’s costing them.

4 days ago

Three Lies Leaders Tell Themselves That Never Stay Cheap

How short-term leadership relief turns into high-interest debt.

4 days ago

How To Build A $100 Million Business By Dropping Half Your Customers  

Itai Sadan knew his company was being torn in two. Here's how choosing focus over…

5 days ago

CEO Optimism Cools In March Survey As Economic Concerns Rise 

Survey of 237 U.S. CEOs the first week of March finds optimism moderating (again) as…

6 days ago