Best South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota Counties to Live In

In real estate, it's all about location, location, location.

And while you probably gave a lot of thought to the neighborhood and city you moved into, how much did you research the county where you live?

They're not all created equally.

Niche has looked at things like public schools, jobs, and living costs to compile a list of the Best Counties To Live In America.

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Best South Dakota Counties to Live In

In South Dakota, Clay County (County Seat: Vermillion) reigns supreme.

With a population of 14,816, Clay County has a median home value of $179,000 and a median household income of $56,077.

It scored highest on Niche's report card in the Commute (A+) category and the lowest in the Diversity (C+) category.

BEST COUNTIES TO LIVE IN SOUTH DAKOTA (County Seat)

1. Clay County (Vermillion)
2. Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls)
3. Brookings County (Brookings)
4. Hughes County (Pierre)
5. Lincoln County (Canton)

Best Iowa Counties to Live In

In Iowa, Dallas County (County Seat: Adel) is tops.

With a population of 96,604, Dallas County has a median home value of $273,800 and a median household income of $93,492.

It is ranked 40th among counties overall in America with high marks in the Jobs (A+)and Good for Families (A+) categories and a low score in the Weather (C+) category.

BEST COUNTIES TO LIVE IN IOWA (County Seat)

1. Dallas County (Adel)
2. Johnson County (Iowa City)
3. Story County (Nevada)
4. Polk County (Des Moines)
5. Sioux County (Orange City)

Best Minnesota Counties to Live In

Minnesota's most populated county is also its' best.

Hennepin County (County Seat: Minneapolis) is number one in the rakings for the North Star State.

With a population of 1,270,283, Hennepin County has a median home value of $309,200 and a median household income of $85,438.

It is ranked 31st among counties overall in America with high marks in the Nightlife (A+), Health & Fitness (A+), and Good for Families (A+) categories with low scores in the Cost of Living (C+) and Weather (C) categories.

BEST COUNTIES TO LIVE IN MINNESOTA (County Seat)

1. Hennepin County (Minneapolis)
2. Olmsted County (Rochester)
3. Dakota County (Hastings)
4. Ramsey County (St. Paul)
5. Carver County (Chaska)