South Dakota
About 2,000 Californians moved to South Dakota in 2024, the number 40 destination out of California. South Dakota has no personal income tax.
Get your real number or see what your LA home could fund
Taxes
South Dakota has no personal income tax. Property taxes are the main local revenue source. The Department of Revenue lists relief programs including a reduced owner-occupied classification for primary residences, an assessment freeze for eligible elderly and disabled homeowners, and a property tax refund program. See the South Dakota revenue department for current rules.
California's top marginal rate is 13.3% (tax year 2026). For someone who becomes a full-year South Dakota resident, state income tax on wages generally drops out of the picture, though property, sales and other taxes still apply, and income tied to California can still be taxed by California.
Moving out of California generally doesn't take the sale of a California home out of California's tax reach. Our guide to selling your LA home and moving out of state covers withholding at closing, the capital gains exclusion and the questions to bring to a CPA.
What to check before you go
- Property tax. Rates and assessments are set locally in South Dakota, and many places offer an exemption or credit on a primary residence. Look up the specific address with the county or local assessor before you budget.
- Homeowners insurance. Premiums depend on the address, the home and the coverage. Get quotes on a specific property early, before you commit to a purchase.
- Vehicle registration and license. New residents generally have a limited window to register a car and get a driver's license in South Dakota. Check the deadline with the state motor vehicle agency.
- Your last California tax year. The year you move usually means a part-year California return, and the sale of a California home can still be taxed by California. Bring the dates to a CPA.
The full list, in the order people usually tackle it, is in our moving out of California checklist.
The nearest markets we track
We don't have South Dakota price data yet. This is the closest city we do cover, measured against a typical LA County zip code.
| City | Median sale price | $/sq ft | Median days on market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical LA County zip | $904K | $588 | 44 |
| Denver, CO | $650K | $367 | 21 |
Redfin Data Center. Cities: May 2026, all residential. LA: median of LA County zip-code medians, Mar 2026 to May 2026.
Common questions
How many people move from California to South Dakota?
About 1,983 people (plus or minus 862) moved from California to South Dakota in 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, the number 40 destination for people leaving California. The margin of error is wide for a flow this size, so treat it as a rough estimate.
Does South Dakota have a state income tax?
No. South Dakota has no personal income tax. California's top marginal rate is 13.3% (tax year 2026). Confirm current rates with the South Dakota revenue department and a CPA.
What should I check before moving from California to South Dakota?
Start with property tax on the specific address, homeowners insurance quotes, the deadline to register a car and get a driver's license in South Dakota, and how your last California tax year and the sale of your LA home will be handled. Our moving out of California checklist covers the rest.
Mover counts: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 state-to-state migration flows (people who lived in California one year earlier). Estimates have margins of error. Market figures: Redfin Data Center.
