📊 Overall Health Rankings

According to America’s Health Rankings 2024, South Dakota ranks 22nd in overall health among U.S. states, placing it above the national average and demonstrating relatively good health outcomes. South Dakota’s 2025 population stands at approximately 928,767, making it the 46th most populous state.

South Dakota has shown significant strengths in drug overdose prevention, ranking as the 2nd lowest in the nation for drug overdose deaths at 11.3 per 100,000 population. The state’s life expectancy of 76.6 years, while slightly below the national average, reflects manageable health challenges.

🏆 Drug Overdose Prevention – National Leader

South Dakota has achieved exceptional success in preventing drug overdose deaths, with a rate of 11.3 per 100,000 population, making it the 2nd lowest in the nation (behind only Nebraska). This represents a major public health victory and demonstrates effective prevention and treatment strategies.

👶 Improved Infant Health Outcomes

South Dakota’s infant mortality rate has improved significantly, declining to 6.4 per 1,000 live births in 2023, down from 7.8 in 2022. This improvement reflects better prenatal care and maternal health initiatives, though disparities remain among racial groups.

🏥 Strong Healthcare Infrastructure

South Dakota maintains relatively strong healthcare access with only 9.49% of residents uninsured in 2021, and healthcare spending of $14,599 per capita. The state ranks 8th highest in healthcare spending per capita, indicating substantial investment in health services.

⚠️ Mental Health Crisis – Suicide Rates

South Dakota faces significant challenges with suicide, ranking 7th highest in the nation with 198 suicide deaths in 2024 (20.9 per 100,000). Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death overall and the leading cause of death for individuals aged 20-39 years. The state saw a 10% increase in suicide deaths from 2023 to 2024.

🍷 Alcohol-Related Health Issues

South Dakota has the 3rd highest rate of liver disease deaths in the nation (17.1 per 100,000), closely linked to the state’s 4th highest rate of excessive alcohol consumption. This represents a significant public health concern requiring targeted interventions.

🩺 Chronic Disease Burden

South Dakota ranks among the top 10 states for several chronic conditions including stroke (6th highest), diabetes (6th highest), and Alzheimer’s disease (7th highest). These conditions significantly impact quality of life and healthcare costs.

⚠️ Life Insurance Considerations

Due to South Dakota’s excellent drug overdose prevention record and relatively good overall health ranking, most residents can qualify for standard term life insurance with no exam.

However, given the state’s higher rates of certain chronic conditions and mental health challenges, comprehensive life insurance with a top company requiring a medical exam may be beneficial for optimal coverage.

Residents with pre-existing conditions related to liver disease, diabetes, or cardiovascular issues may benefit from final expense insurance as an alternative option.

👥 Population Characteristics

South Dakota has a median age of 37.5 years, making it one of the younger states. The population is 82.17% White, 7.97% American Indian/Alaska Native, with growing diversity. The state has the 11th fastest population growth rate at 1.17% annually.

The fertility rate of 66.5 births per 1,000 women aged 15-44 reflects stable reproductive trends, with a teen birth rate of 17.4 per 1,000 females aged 15-19.

⚡ Workplace and Occupational Safety

South Dakota’s occupational fatality rate of 7.4 deaths per 100,000 workers ranks 7th highest in the U.S. The state’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, construction, and mining, which contribute to elevated workplace safety risks.

Given these occupational hazards, South Dakota residents in high-risk industries should consider purchasing an additional accidental death policy to supplement traditional life insurance coverage.

🦠 COVID-19 Update

South Dakota experienced significant COVID-19 impact during 2020-2021, with the state ranking among the highest for per-capita death rates early in the pandemic. However, by 2025, COVID-19 has largely dropped out of the top 10 causes of death in the state, reflecting successful vaccination efforts and improved treatment protocols.

Health Improvement Initiatives

South Dakota continues to build on its successes in drug overdose prevention while addressing mental health challenges through:

• Expanded mental health services and suicide prevention programs
• Alcohol abuse prevention and treatment initiatives
• Chronic disease management programs
• Rural healthcare access improvements
• Workplace safety enhancement programs
• Maternal and infant health disparities reduction

🎯 Priority Areas for Improvement

Despite many strengths, South Dakota faces ongoing challenges that require continued attention:

• Mental health crisis and suicide prevention
• Alcohol-related health issues and liver disease
• Chronic disease management (diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s)
• Racial health disparities, particularly for American Indian populations
• Occupational safety improvements

With targeted interventions in these areas, South Dakota has the potential to improve its health ranking further while maintaining its strengths in drug overdose prevention and overall healthcare access.

Data Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, 2023-2025

America’s Health Rankings, United Health Foundation, 2024 Annual Report

South Dakota Department of Health, Vital Statistics Reports, 2023-2024

CDC Stats of the States, South Dakota Data, 2023-2025

U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates, 2024-2025

South Dakota Suicide Prevention and Data Reports, 2024-2025

USAFacts Health Statistics, South Dakota, 2023

National Vital Statistics System, Birth and Death Data, 2023

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Safety Data, 2024

World Population Review, State Rankings, 2024-2025