South Dakota , state in the N central United States. It is bordered by North Dakota (N), Minnesota and Iowa (E), Nebraska (S), and Wyoming and Montana (W). Almost one third of the region west of the Missouri River, a semiarid, treeless plain, belongs to Native Americans, most of whom live on reservations such as Cheyenne River, Pine Ridge, Rosebud, and Standing Rock. Much of the remaining area is occupied by large ranches; there cattle and sheep ranching provide the major source of income, with soybean and wheat farming second in the production of revenue. In the more productive region east of the Missouri, livestock and livestock products are the primary sources of income. Corn, soybeans, oats, and wheat are South Dakota's chief cash crops; sunflowers, sorghum, flaxseed, and barley are also grown. Although there is a certain amount of diversified industry, including electronics manufacturing, in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, meatpacking and food processing are by far the major industries of the state. At the time of European exploration, South Dakota was inhabited by Native Americans of the agricultural Arikara and the nomadic Sioux (Dakota). By the 1830s the Sioux had driven the Arikara from the area. Part of the region that is now South Dakota was explored in the mid-18th cent. by sons of the sieur de la Vérendrye. The United States acquired the region as part of the Louisiana Purchase, and it was partially explored by Lewis and Clark in their Missouri River expedition of 1804–6. Later explorers became well acquainted with the warlike Sioux, who continued to dominate the region from the period of the fur trade until to the middle of the 19th cent. Individual traders from the time of Pierre Dorion in the late 18th cent. made the region their home, and the posts founded by Pierre Chouteau and the American Fur Company were the first bases for settlement. (Fort Pierre was established in 1817.)

Discover the breathtaking beauty of South Dakota by renting an apartment or buying a home. Tourism provides a significant source of income for the state. The largest industries are in manufacturing and private services. South Dakota is one of the largest producers of gold in the nation. Agriculture also plays an important factor in the economy. The overall cost of living is very affordable and below the national average with many choices in apartment rentals.

South Dakota is famous for scenic landscape with major lakes formed by glaciers, low rolling hills, buttes, and fertile farms. South Dakota has the third highest population of Native Americans of any state which are largely Sioux. The largest and most complete fossil of Tyrannosaurus rex (T-rex) ever found was uncovered near Faith, South Dakota. The Black Hills has one of the largest cave systems in the world. For a slower pace of life look for apartments to rent in South Dakota.

South Dakota puts a high emphasis on education. The Dakota Corps Scholarship was designed to encourage students to obtain their postsecondary education in South Dakota, remain in the state after graduation, and work in a critical need occupation. Some of the colleges and universities in South Dakota are Black Hills State University, Dakota State University, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, South Dakota State University, University of Sioux Falls, and the University of South Dakota. College students can find affordable apartments to rent in South Dakota.

South Dakota puts a high emphasis on education. The Dakota Corps Scholarship was designed to encourage students to obtain their postsecondary education in South Dakota, remain in the state after graduation, and work in a critical need occupation. Some of the colleges and universities in South Dakota are Black Hills State University, Dakota State University, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, South Dakota State University, University of Sioux Falls, and the University of South Dakota. College students can find affordable apartments to rent in South Dakota.