South Dakota: 2026 Business Market Risk & Industry Survival
Rank #2 of 51 state markets. 10 industries tracked. Population: 886,667.
South Dakota ranks #2 out of 51 state markets by average entry risk (33.5). Administrative and Support Services carries the lowest risk at 21.7 (Low), while Finance and Insurance is the most challenging at 50.1 (Elevated). The 28.4-point spread signals significant variation across sectors. Healthcare and Social Assistance is the largest tracked employer with 70,442 jobs.
South Dakota: 33.5 Average Entry Risk
South Dakota at a Glance
Best Industries for New Entrants in South Dakota
Industries with the lowest entry risk in South Dakota.
Entry Risk by Industry in South Dakota
Compare market entry conditions across industries in South Dakota. Rank indicates position vs. all 50 states.
South Dakota Industry Data: 29,394 Establishments
| Industry | Entry Risk | Rank | Establishments | Employment | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services NAICS 56 | 21.7 | #2/51 | 2,538 | 13,700 | $49,659 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing NAICS 53 | 26.4 | #4/51 | 1,366 | 4,399 | $54,973 |
| Other Services NAICS 81 | 28.9 | #1/51 | 2,547 | 13,220 | $46,437 |
| Healthcare and Social Assistance NAICS 62 | 31.4 | #11/51 | 2,929 | 70,442 | $67,273 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services NAICS 54 | 32.9 | #4/51 | 5,600 | 18,298 | $87,663 |
| Information NAICS 51 | 33.6 | #8/51 | 892 | 5,129 | $69,677 |
| Construction NAICS 23 | 34.7 | #9/51 | 4,405 | 29,227 | $67,917 |
| Accommodation and Food Services NAICS 72 | 36.7 | #23/51 | 2,612 | 42,495 | $23,413 |
| Retail Trade NAICS 44-45 | 38.9 | #7/51 | 3,810 | 54,087 | $37,589 |
| Finance and Insurance NAICS 52 | 50.1 | #24/51 | 2,695 | 22,575 | $90,089 |
Largest Industries in South Dakota by Employment
How South Dakota Compares to Neighboring States
Average entry risk across all tracked industries. Lower scores indicate better conditions for new businesses.