Sioux Falls, SDBest Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024

Sioux Falls has four seasons: long summer days, cold winters with snow in the forecast, a color-changing canvas in fall and pleasant springs. Expect winds year round. The average highs and lows are 83°F and 60°F (summer) and 29°F and 9°F (winter).

The average annual snowfall in Sioux Falls has remained consistent and averages out to be around 43 inches yearly.

The average annual rainfall in Sioux Falls is around 26 inches.

Sioux Falls averages 206 sunny days a year.

Visit Falls Park, a 128-acre oasis with tumbling falls. The park is just outside downtown and perched on the Big Sioux River. Grab a sandwich from Falls Overlook Cafe and have an excellent afternoon.

Thanks to a collection of several dozen impressive sculptures, Sioux Falls feels like an outdoor museum. The Arc of Dreams is a must-see: The colossal stainless steel sculpture stretches across the Big Sioux River downtown and is nearly the length of a football field. 

Wild Water West doesn’t just have slides and a wave pool; there’s also an adjacent campsite, mini golf and full-throttle Go Karts.

Sioux Falls is home to a rare, full-sized reproduction of Michelangelo’s famous “David” statue. David stands tall in Fawick Park in downtown Sioux Falls. The park is named for Thomas Fawick, a Sioux Falls native who invented the Fawick Flyer four-door automobile.

Pick up fresh-baked loaves of artisan bread from Breadsmith, which has staples in addition to a rotating selection that includes flavors like raisin cinnamon walnut and jalapeño cheddar.

Phillips Avenue Diner in downtown Sioux Falls is a classic diner with a fun and retro atmosphere. Locals often praise its wide range of comfort food, including burgers, shakes and hearty breakfast dishes, which make it a fun and easy-to-please place for dinner with family or friends.

Washington Pavilion on Main Street is a historic venue that combines everything from art galleries and science exhibits to theatrical performances. Their diverse calendar features symphony orchestra performances, dance competitions, festivals and more.

Nestled in the historic section of downtown Sioux Falls, Josiah’s Coffeehouse is a chipper little coffee shop that boasts outdoor seating, excellent coffee, tasty pastries and a fireplace for cozy winter afternoons with a steaming drink.

Sioux Falls’ major industries are manufacturing, trade and transportation, and educational and health services. Several major companies also call Sioux Falls home, including Sanford Health Meta Financial Group and Raven Industries.

In 2024, the sales tax rate in Sioux Falls is 6.2%.

No, South Dakota does not have a state income tax.

Because Sanford Health is headquartered in Sioux Falls, it should be no surprise that the health care options here are top-notch. For example, Sanford USD Medical Center is nationally ranked in one adult specialty and rated high-performing in two additional specialties. Other options include Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, a Level II trauma center, and Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, specializing in pediatric care.

There are several colleges and universities in Sioux Falls, including Augustana University, the University of Sioux Falls and Southeast Technical College.