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Project Overview:
 While more populous states typically attract larger numerical influxes from other states and abroad, South Dakota has nevertheless experienced growth in immigrants, both from other states and internationally. In 2024, South Dakota State University Extension launched a state-wide Newcomer Survey to gain a better understanding of the newcomer population. Following prior work in Minnesota and Montana, the South Dakota Newcomers Survey was developed to collect data about the motivations that drive people to move to South Dakota, what they enjoy once moved, what they want more or less of, and ultimately what makes them want to, or not want to stay. By understanding the reasons people chose to move to South Dakota and their experiences in their new community, we can better inform communities of their current strengths, what improvements will be the most impactful, what can be done to help retain people in their communities, and how to create communities people want to live in. The survey was distributed virtually to identified individuals who moved to rural communities in South Dakota in recent years. Data was collected between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. Data analysis was completed in July-September 2025. This report summarizes the Newcomer Survey data analysis and findings. Starting with describing the sample characteristics and geographic distribution (Part 3.1), the report focuses on the findings in four domains related to newcomers’ motivation to move and resettlement experiences: factors influencing the choice of residence, involvement with the new community, community satisfaction, and specifically the intent to remain in the community after five years of residence.

Part 3.2 examines primary reasons for moving and other factors influencing their choice of residence such as job opportunities, economic considerations, access to amenities, social and cultural factors such as preferred proximity to family and friends, and individual preferences related to lifestyle and personal needs. Factors are ranked by respondent’s perceived importance. Different patterns among age groups and movers to rural/urban communities are discussed.

The integration of newcomers within a community, encompassing both social and built environment, is the focus of Part 3.3. We explore two key aspects of newcomer integration through analyzing the extent newcomers engage in activities that foster social cohesion and community development, their use of natural features like rivers and lakes, as well as built infrastructure including parks and community centers. We also examine possible variations among newcomers based on age group and geographic location of communities.

Part 3.4 investigates newcomer satisfaction across several key dimensions of their new community, including trust, safety, social integration, economic well-being, school systems, housing, family support, and the physical and built environment.

Part 3.5, the concluding element of this analysis, examines how newcomers’ intention to stay varies by selected characteristics, the level of their social interactions and use of community amenities, and what aspects of the community with the highest level of reported dissatisfaction among residents had the strongest negative impact on their intention to stay.

Publication Date

12-2025

Publisher

South Dakota State University Extension

Disciplines

Demography, Population, and Ecology | Regional Sociology | Rural Sociology | Sociology

Comments

© 2025, South Dakota Board of Regents

South Dakota Newcomers Survey Report

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