Eight of America's 40 Worst Counties to Live In Are in South Dakota More Than Any Other State

"The U.S. socioeconomic situation is unique. Though International Monetary Funds shows India is projected to lead growth among major economies, the U.S. remains one of the strongest and most resilient economies worldwide. However, a more holistic analysis reveals some deeply entrenched weaknesses in the United States. The United Nations Development Programme's Human Development Index is a single measure made up of three components: life expectancy at birth, educational attainment, and financial stability."

"According to the latest HDI report, the United States ranks 17th in the world, trailing Canada, Germany, South Korea, and several other European and Asian countries. When applied to geographies within the U.S., the HDI shows that development potential is especially low in many parts of the country. Using an index inspired by the HDI, 24/7 Wall St. identified the 40 worst U.S. counties to live in."

Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota, has over 55% of residents living in poverty and a life expectancy 15.7 years below the U.S. average. Many communities, particularly in Appalachia, face declining quality of life tied to the collapsing coal industry. More than half of the counties ranked worst are located in the South. The United States ranks 17th on the Human Development Index, which combines life expectancy, educational attainment, and financial stability. An index inspired by the HDI identified the 40 worst U.S. counties using average life expectancy, the share of adults with a bachelor's degree or higher, and the poverty rate, based on 2022 ACS and County Health Rankings data.

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