South Dakota ranks high in poll of states' images

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South Dakota has the fourth-best favorability rating among all 50 states, according to a new poll.

Public Policy Polling, a national polling firm based in North Carolina, asked people what their impressions of each state are, both good and bad.

South Dakota had a strong favorable rating and the second-lowest negative rating of all states, just one point behind Montana.

“I doubt if the results of this poll are any surprise to South Dakotans, and it’s one reason why we frequently hear from those who have moved away and want to come back,” said Joe Kafka, press secretary to Gov. Dennis Daugaard.

“This is a wonderful place to live, find a job, raise a family and enjoy a quality of life that’s truly impressive. But I hasten to add that our state’s real gems are the people who live here,” Kafka said. “They are down-to-earth, hard-working, family oriented and incredibly proud to be South Dakotans. Our state is not only a geographic marvel but also home to the finest people you’ll find anywhere.”

In the poll, Hawaii had the highest rating by far while California came in dead last. Hawaii, with a 54 percent positive ranking and a 10 percent negative rating, had a composite score of plus 44.

Colorado (44-9, for a plus 35) was second, Tennessee (48-14, plus 34) third, and South Dakota (42-8) was ranked fourth, although it had the same plus-34 score as Tennessee but scored 6 points lower in the favorable ranking.

The rest of the top 10 were Virginia (45-13, plus 32), Montana (39-7, plus 32), Alaska (46-17, plus 29), Oregon (43-14, plus 29), and North Carolina and Pennsylvania (each 40-11, or plus 29).

California was last with a 27 percent favorable score and 44 percent negative for a net negative 17 score.

Dustin Ingalls, assistant director of PPP, said South Dakota’s high ranking did catch the firm by surprise. But he said the message from the poll was clear.

“No one had a problem with South Dakota,” Ingalls said. “When that happens, you’re going to score high, and you did.”

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