Compare states / Illinois / to South Dakota
IL → SD
Moving from Illinois to South Dakota
Taxes, housing, and other important data at a glance
Illinois vs South Dakota using the same fields as the all-states table. Green and red mark the destination figure when it differs.
| Illinois | South Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Top state income-tax rate | 4.95% | 0.0% |
| Average sales tax (state + local) | 8.96% | 6.11% |
| Average property tax (real estate) | 2.23% | 1.16% |
| Personal property tax (vehicles) | No | No |
| Median home value | $292,979 | $322,999 |
| Tax when you title a car | 6.25% | 4.20% |
| State parks | 63 | 13 |
| National parks | 0 | 2 |
| Population density | 229.0/sq mi | 12.0/sq mi |
| Violent crime per 100,000 | 289.2 | 362.3 |
| Demographics | 58.8% White (non-Hispanic) 18.2% Hispanic 15.3% Black 6.0% Asian | 80.5% White (non-Hispanic) 4.7% Hispanic 2.2% Black 1.5% Asian |
| Days to get a license | 90 | 90 |
| Days to title a car | 30 | 90 |
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from Illinois to South Dakota?
Illinois: Flat 4.95%. South Dakota: No personal income tax. At $120,000 yearly income and 0 dependents, the bracket sketch is $5,940 in Illinois vs $0 in South Dakota. If you earned in both states this year, see IL tax agency and SD tax agency.
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from Illinois to South Dakota?
This uses 2026 single-filer brackets (top listed 4.95% vs 0.0%), minus a $4,300 exemption per dependent. It is not your actual tax bill.
Vehicle title, registration, and tax in South Dakota
New South Dakota residents typically have 90 days to title and register. Inspection: Varies by county — confirm locally. The title-tax rate used here is 4.20%. On a $28,000 vehicle, state charges in the sketch are $1,232.00 (tax $1,176.00 + title $10.00 + registration $36.00 + plate $10.00). County and weight fees are omitted on purpose.
Estimate what you’ll pay to title the car in South Dakota
Title fee + plate + base registration + 4.20% tax. County extras are not included.
Driver’s license in South Dakota
After you become a South Dakota resident, you typically have 90 days to get a South Dakota driver license. Bring your Illinois license, Social Security number, and proof you live in South Dakota. Agencies often ask for two proofs; the exact list is on the official South Dakota DMV. Illinois plates are not a substitute for South Dakota registration once the title clock runs out.
Checklist for new South Dakota residents from Illinois
- Get a SD driver license within 90 days. Bring your IL license, Social Security number, and proof you live in South Dakota (agencies often ask for two proofs; use the official South Dakota DMV list).
- Title and register the car within 90 days. Inspection: Varies by county — confirm locally.
- Make sure car insurance meets 25/50/25.
- Register to vote. Typical close: 15 days before an election. South Dakota elections site.
- If you earned money in both states this year, you may need to file in both. IL tax agency · SD tax agency.
- South Dakota is in the nurse compact; Illinois is not. You may still need a SD license if you change primary residence.
Biggest differences in moving from Illinois to South Dakota
- South Dakota does not tax wages. Illinois’s top listed rate is 4.95% (Flat 4.95%).
- Title the car in South Dakota within 90 days. Illinois plates are not a substitute once that clock runs.
- Effective real-estate property tax: 2.23% in Illinois vs 1.16% in South Dakota.
- South Dakota is in the nurse compact; Illinois is not. You may still need a SD license if you change primary residence.
- New South Dakota residents typically have 90 days to get a driver license (90 days is the Illinois window in this file).
Common questions
How does sales tax in South Dakota compare to Illinois?
Average combined sales tax (state + local) is 8.96% in Illinois vs 6.11% in South Dakota. City and county add-ons vary; this is a statewide average.
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from Illinois to South Dakota?
South Dakota does not tax wages; Illinois’s top listed rate is 4.95%. At $120,000 yearly income and 0 dependents, the bracket sketch is $5,940 in Illinois vs $0 in South Dakota. Actual bills depend on income, filing status, local tax, credits, and residency timing. This uses 2026 single-filer brackets after a $4,300 exemption per dependent.
How many state and national parks are in Illinois vs South Dakota?
Illinois has 63 state parks and 0 national parks in this file. South Dakota has 13 state parks and 2 national parks. State-park counts follow each agency’s own list; national parks are NPS units titled National Park.
How does population density in South Dakota compare to Illinois?
Population density is 229.0 people per square mile in Illinois vs 12.0 in South Dakota.
How do Illinois and South Dakota compare on demographics?
Illinois: 58.8% White (non-Hispanic), 18.2% Hispanic, 15.3% Black, 6.0% Asian. South Dakota: 80.5% White (non-Hispanic), 4.7% Hispanic, 2.2% Black, 1.5% Asian. These are statewide estimates; cities and counties differ.
Related moves
Also see moving to South Dakota and the reverse route, South Dakota → Illinois.
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