Does South Dakota have the lowest child care rates in the nation?

South Dakota has consistently been listed in the top three most affordable states for child care.

In a 2025 study, the University of Kansas said South Dakota is the most affordable for both single parents and married parents. On average, parents spend $7,862 annually on child care in the state.

The Bipartisan Policy Center said South Dakota’s average cost is 40% lower than the national average, which is about $12,900 annually.

These back up Rhoden’s statement that South Dakota has the lowest child care rates in the nation for single parents. However, child care providers are among the lowest wage-earners in the state, according to a 2025 South Dakota Child Care Task Force report.

Data from the U.S. Department of Labor also enforces this statement. Data differs slightly when looking at rates for different ages of child and if care is center-based or home-based.