7 Safest Towns In South Dakota For Senior Living
South Dakota has many advantages for seniors. It sometimes gets overlooked because of its remote location and relatively small population. However, if seniors look carefully at the area, they will find many unexpected advantages. Many towns there have a small population, which contributes to a more relaxed atmosphere. There are other benefits to these areas, which will be explored below.
Canton, South Dakota
Canton, South Dakota, is known for being one of the more easy to navigate and friendlier towns in the state, making it popular among retirees. The average home price in the area is $329,000, which is less than the national median price of $356,585 in 2025. The city has few violent crimes per year, making it a very safe area to live in. Sanford Canton-Inwood Medical Center is the town’s leading hospital. Activities in the area include going to Newton Hills State Park, Noids Gaming Parlor, the Canton Depot Museum, and Town & Country Lanes Bowling Alley.
Hot Springs, South Dakota
Hot Springs, South Dakota, is a popular choice among retirees. It has a combination of beautiful terrain, historical exhibits, and affordable housing. The average home price in the area is $418,700, which is only slightly above the national median price in 2025. Fall River Health Services helps to ensure that seniors in the area get access to premier health care. Visits to the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, the Pioneer Museum, and the Angostura Recreation Area provide locals with hours of fun and relaxation.
Huron, South Dakota
Huron, South Dakota, is a town that combines a small-town ambiance with some interesting novelty attractions and affordable housing. The average home price in the area is $174,893, making it one of the more cost-effective areas within the state. The town has less than 25 violent crimes per year. Huron Regional Medical Center is the town’s leading medical services center. In terms of activities, it is the home of both the World’s Largest Pheasant and the South Dakota State Fair, as well as the Dakota State Fairground Speedway and the Pyle House Museum.
Madison, South Dakota
In many ways, Madison, South Dakota, typifies the experience of living in the state. One of the primary things that makes the area so attractive is its affordable housing. Homes in the area cost around $315,000, which is under the national average in 2025. The area has less than five violent crimes per year, making it a safe and quiet enclave. Madison Regional Health System is the area’s primary hospital center. Those looking for activities can consider visits to Lake Herman State Park, Historic Prairie Village, and the John Green Art Gallery.
Milbank, South Dakota
Milbank, South Dakota, is a prime example of what makes living in South Dakota so ideal for many seniors. The median home price in the area is $193,546, which is well below the national average for 2025 of $356,585. It also averages less than 8 violent crimes per year, making it a very safe area. Milbank Area Health Care Campus is the area’s primary medical facility. Popular attractions in the town include visiting the Millbank Grist Mill and Mill Park and the Grant County, SD Historical Society. Whetstone Creek Golf Course is also an area where many people enjoy spending leisure time.
Mobridge, South Dakota
Mobridge, South Dakota, is a quiet, small town that is something of a hidden gem within the state. As such, retirees have been steadily moving there over the last several years. It is an amiable area that is affordable and quaint, often evoking the nostalgia of a bygone era. The average house price in the area is $124,959, making it one of the most affordable areas to live in on this list. The town has less than five violent crimes per year that take place within its general area. Mobridge Regional Hospital and Clinics help to keep people in the area healthy and safe. The Sitting Bull Memorial and the Klein Museum are well-known attractions in this small town.
Spearfish, South Dakota
Spearfish, South Dakota, offers residents an exciting combination of natural beauty and exciting activities to take part in. It is a more affluent area, with the median house costing around $650,000. The area has a low crime rate, with an average of only ten serious crimes per year taking place. Monument Health Spearfish Hospital provides high-end medical care to the town and its surrounding enclaves. For those who love being outside, this is an ideal area to consider relocating to. The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway and the High Plains Western Heritage Center Museum are local favorites in the area.
South Dakota offers many advantages for seniors to consider, especially for those on a fixed budget. Much of its housing is very affordable, and the small-town feeling many of these places have means that it is easier to get to know one’s neighbors and form friendships with them. Additionally, each of these areas has a hospital that is close by, so medical care is often not far away at all. With its natural beauty and calming atmosphere, South Dakota offers many options for seniors looking to relocate.
