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Senior Care Costs in South Dakota (2026)

Complete guide to nursing home, assisted living, and home care costs in South Dakota. Costs are 12.7% below the national average.

Nursing Home (Private)

$8,304/mo

National avg: $9,514

Nursing Home (Semi-Private)

$7,452/mo

National avg: $8,582

Assisted Living

$4,000/mo

National avg: $4,612

Home Health Aide

$26.00/hr

$4,576/mo (8hr/day)

Adult Day Care

$1,517/mo

National avg: $1,692

Homemaker Services

$24.00/hr

$4,224/mo (8hr/day)

Senior Care Costs by City in South Dakota

CityNursing HomeAssisted LivingHome Health AideAdult Day Care
Aberdeen$8,297/mo$3,997/mo$25.98/hr$1,516/mo
Brookings$7,985/mo$3,846/mo$25.00/hr$1,459/mo
Rapid City$7,321/mo$3,526/mo$22.92/hr$1,337/mo
Sioux Falls$6,759/mo$3,256/mo$21.16/hr$1,235/mo
Watertown$9,021/mo$4,346/mo$28.25/hr$1,648/mo

Medicaid & Medicare Coverage in South Dakota

South Dakota Medicaid covers nursing facilities. HOPE waiver for community-based alternatives.

Medicare Coverage (Federal)

  • Up to 100 days skilled nursing after hospital stay
  • Home health services if homebound
  • Does NOT cover custodial/long-term care

How to Pay for Care in South Dakota

  • Long-term care insurance
  • Medicaid (income/asset eligible)
  • VA benefits for veterans
  • Personal savings and investments
  • Reverse mortgage proceeds

South Dakota Senior Demographics

17.2%

Population 65+

$63,920

Median Household Income

$99,648

Annual Nursing Home Cost

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Nursing Home (Private Room) in South Dakota

Monthly Cost

$8,304

Annual Cost

$99,648

5-Year Projection

$498,240

Total (12mo)

$99,648

vs. National Average

South Dakota$8,304/mo
National Avg$9,541/mo

$1,237/mo lower than national average (-13.0%)

Medicare & Medicaid Coverage

  • Medicare: Covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay (first 20 days fully covered, days 21-100 with copay).
  • Medicaid: May cover nursing home and some home care costs for eligible individuals. Income and asset limits apply and vary by state.
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: Can cover costs not paid by Medicare or Medicaid. Premiums depend on age and coverage level.
  • VA Benefits: Veterans may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits to help cover care costs.
Long-term care insurance quotes
Medicare supplement plans
Elder law attorneys near me
Senior living communities
Home health care agencies
Medicaid planning services

* Estimates based on Genworth Cost of Care Survey data. Actual costs may vary by facility, location, and level of care needed. Consult a certified elder care advisor or financial planner specializing in senior care for personalized guidance.

More About South Dakota

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a nursing home cost in South Dakota?
A private room in a nursing home in South Dakota costs approximately $8,304/month ($99,648/year). A semi-private room averages $7,452/month. This is $1,210 below the national average.
What is the cost of assisted living in South Dakota?
Assisted living in South Dakota costs approximately $4,000/month ($48,000/year). Costs vary by city and facility amenities.
Does South Dakota Medicaid cover nursing home care?
South Dakota Medicaid covers nursing facilities. HOPE waiver for community-based alternatives.
How much does a home health aide cost in South Dakota?
Home health aides in South Dakota charge approximately $26.00/hour. For full-time care (8 hours/day, 22 days/month), that totals about $4,576/month.
What percentage of South Dakota's population is 65 or older?
Approximately 17.2% of South Dakota's population is 65 years or older. The state's median household income is $63,920.

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Data verified March 2026 · Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey