South Dakota Homesteading
Homesteading enjoys a long and storied history in the United States and the state of South Dakota has been no exception. It is fairly accurate to say that the practice of homesteading is what actually built the state of South Dakota. It is a practice that continues to maintain popularity to the current day.
Many individuals and families have taken advantage of the state’s laws that allow for homesteading. These laws include exemptions for some individuals when it comes to the topic of homesteading in South Dakota. The following information is designed to assist those individuals who are interested in finding out more about South Dakota homesteading.
Homesteading in South Dakota
Can you homestead in South Dakota?
The good news for those interested in South Dakota homesteading is the fact that it is legal in the state. There are specific South Dakota laws that are designed to govern the practice of homesteading within the state’s borders.
Homestead Statutes in South Dakota
As previously mentioned, there are specific South Dakota statutes that govern homesteading in the state. A major factor behind the implementation of these laws is to protect South Dakota’s homesteaders when economic difficulties might arrive. Family homes that are governed under the state’s homestead laws can take advantage of an exemption that will protect them from cases of a court-ordered property sale.
In terms of size limitations, homesteaders in South Dakota can own land up to 160 acres in rural areas and up to one acre in urban areas within the state. Homesteading in South Dakota falls under code sections 43-31-1, et seq. It is important to note that mineral lands are subject to different limits in terms of acreage.
South Dakota Homestead Land
The following information is designed to assist those who wish to look further into acquiring homesteading land in the state of South Dakota.
How Much Land for Sale
There are currently thousands of properties for sale across the rural regions of South Dakota. Current statistics indicate that there is more than $1 billion worth of land parcels currently available for purchase in the state. Many of these properties are ideal for setting up a modern homestead as specified by the state’s laws.
Any Free Land?
At the current time, there are no states in the USA that give away free land per se. It is the case that various communities will from time to time give away free land. At the current time, there is no land available in South Dakota that can be claimed free of charge but it is always worth keeping your eyes and ears open for opportunities that might arise.
Where to Look for Homesteading Land for Sale
As previously stated, many thousands of properties are available for purchase across South Dakota. The average cost of farm real estate in the state of South Dakota is north of $2,050 per acre. This amount is around $1 thousand less than the average across the United States.
The fact that land can be purchased for lower amounts than in many other U.S. states helps to make South Dakota an appealing choice for those who want to take advantage of homesteading laws. The following resources will prove to be helpful to those who are looking to purchase land in South Dakota for homesteading use.
South Dakota Homesteading Taxes
Understanding the specifics of homestead taxes in the state of South Dakota is important for those who plan to make use of existing homesteading laws. The following information focuses on some of the specifics related to South Dakota homestead taxes.
South Dakota Homestead Act
The modern homesteading statute in the state of South Carolina is listed under code sections 43-31-1, et seq. These code sections list out the various provisions for South Dakota homesteading.
The South Dakota Homestead Exemption…
Within the state of South Dakota, the exempted property has to include coverages of the homesteader’s home. The size limitations are one acre in urban regions and 160 acres in rural ones. This does not include mineral lands. Mineral lands are limited to one acre in urban areas and 40 acres in rural ones.
How to File for Homestead Credit in South Dakota?
Those individuals who are interested in filing for homestead credit in the state of South Dakota should apply with the South Dakota Department of Revenue’s Homestead Exemption Program.
Qualifications for Homestead Credit
It is important to note that those who enter into the homestead exemption program in the state of South Dakota become ineligible for the property and sales tax refund program. To be eligible, an individual must be 70 or older or the surviving spouse of an eligible individual. It is also required for the applicant to have owned a house for at least three years or to have been a resident in the state of South Dakota for at least five years.
How Do I File for Homestead in South Dakota?
Those who are interested in filing for a homestead in the state of South Dakota should apply through the state’s Department of Revenue.
How Much Is a Homestead Exemption in South Dakota?
The maximum amount of income that you can have as an individual for a homestead exemption in South Dakota is $16 thousand. The limit is $20 thousand for multiple member households. This brochure will give you more details.
South Dakota Homesteading Groups
There are various groups both online and real-world that provide resources to those individuals who engage in homesteading within the state of South Dakota. The following groups are some of the best places for South Dakota homesteaders to connect with one another online and in real-time.
Facebook Groups
The following Facebook groups are relevant to the topic of homesteading in the state of South Dakota.
- SE South Dakota Farmer/Homesteaders Buy/Swap/Sell
- Black Hills Homestead Facebook Page
- Prarie’s Edge Dairy Facebook Page
Forums
The following forums are another valuable resource that can be turned to by those interested in South Dakota homesteading.
I hope this guide on Homesteading in Iowa helped you. If you liked this guide and want resources and information on other states, you can see the guide on Alaska Homesteading and Kansas Homesteading or refer to the United States Homesteading Guide with all 50 states listed.