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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 70 nursing homes in SD using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in SD
Avg Overall CMS Rating:2.7/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in South Dakota. Ratings combine health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.2/ 5
Avg Staffing Rating:3.3/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in South Dakota. Reflects nursing staff hours per resident per day (including RNs), adjusted for residents' care needs. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.4/ 5
Avg Health Insp. Rating:2.7/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in South Dakota. Based on each facility's recent inspections and complaint investigations, weighing the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the SD Dept. of Health (DOH), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.
Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.
The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
Care Types in This TableAL (Assisted Living):
Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing.
NH (Nursing Home):
24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs.
SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility):
Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness.
MC (Memory Care):
Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia.
RC (Respite Care):
Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break.
IL (Independent Living):
Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
HOS (Hospice Care):
Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
PC (Palliative Care):
Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The South Dakota average is: 58.6% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
$5.0M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$1.9M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
36.8%*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
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Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every SD community we track that reports that metric, not just the 70 on this page.
Avantara Groton takes pride in being a community that is a serene and nurturing environment that is ideal for comfort and security for a distinct living focused on relaxation and recovery. As one of the city’s most trusted nursing homes, there is a merit of an incomparable level of care that provokes quality service delivered by only the best team of professionals who offer tailored personal care plans for each unique individual. Avantara Groton has the privilege of maximizing advanced medical services that lead to an enhanced caliber of life. The areas of excellence are found in the range of an array of specialized services such as community spaces, Wi-Fi all throughout, and an on-site full service salon; rehabilitation services include cardiac care, bariatric care, G-tube, IV therapy, orthopedic care, oncology care, stroke recovery, wound care, and memory care.
Owned and operated by Caring Professionals Inc. , Centerville Care and Rehab Center is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation community in Centerville, South Dakota. The center is located on 500 Vermillion St. It provides a mix of short-term rehabilitative care and longer-term nursing services. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, which opens multiple coverage pathways for families navigating payment options.
The 42-bed center currently serves 18 residents, reflecting a moderate occupancy level. Residents stay an average of 229 days. The population is a mix of post-acute rehabilitation residents and those in longer-term care. With a Walk Score of 43, the location is somewhat walkable. Visiting family members and residents will need to drive for most errands and activities.
Staffing support is part of the daily routine. Nurse staffing averages 3 hours and 53 minutes per resident each day. Residents are supported by registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical/vocational nurses working across the center. The level of hands-on nursing attention reflects the community’s focus on skilled care and rehabilitation services. Rehabilitation is a big component of the center’s offerings because it mainly serves residents recovering from surgery, illness, or injury.
Families considering Centerville Care and Rehab Center should reach out to discuss specific programs, amenities, and services to understand the full range of care available.
Avantara Watertown is a nursing home in Watertown, South Dakota, that offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Administered by Lynna Speier, it is one of the newer communities in the area, with only one year of operating history. This 51-bed community maintains a consistent 90% occupancy rate, which reflects strong local demand and deep trust among area families, but limited availability.
With an intimate, small-scale capacity, the community offers meals, routine laundry, linen care, housekeeping, and property maintenance. A calendar of social activities, recreational events, and therapeutic exercises is also provided. Short-term post-hospitalization rehabilitation, comprehensive programs for stroke and neurological recovery, customized cardiac care, wound management, and tailored oncology recovery care are among the services provided.
Operating under federal CMS certification, the community utilizes an interdisciplinary care model to manage complex health transitions. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are also accepted. Structurally, the community demonstrates particular strength in direct care oversight, maintaining a Registered Nurse (RN) staffing ratio that tracks 45% above the South Dakota state average, providing significant clinical reassurance for residents with complex medical needs.
Regulatory monitoring is conducted via unannounced on-site health and safety evaluations by the South Dakota Department of Health and federal inspectors. In recent evaluation cycles, the property achieved an “Above Average” health inspection star rating, recording only three health citations during its most recent comprehensive survey, which is well below both the national average of 9.4 and the South Dakota state baseline of 6.9. While historical record scorecards show a low baseline count for severe citations, the community ranks favorably across statewide compliance indexes, reflecting a proactive administrative team and a consistent operational record.
For families in the Watertown area seeking a seasoned, regulation-compliant environment with an intimate community feel, Avantara Watertown offers a stable and credentialed choice. Ranked 14th among the longest-operating senior care properties in South Dakota, its multi-decade presence ensures a deeply rooted, relationship-centered approach to care.
Aberdeen Health and Rehab has proven an efficient rehabilitative approach to skilled nursing and rehab in order to enhance their quality of life. They have a team of well-trained care staff who deliver a multidisciplinary approach to nursing when providing tailored care– ensuring service with compassion, kindness, and professionalism.
Aberdeen specializes in long-term care, outpatient rehabilitation, and transitional/post-acute care; along with services such as transportation, housekeeping, and laundry– to name a few of the features that residents from both living options get unlimited access to.
Overview of Good Samaritan Society Sioux Falls Village
Good Samaritan Society Sioux Falls Village is a nonprofit nursing home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, offering assisted living, independent living, memory care, rehabilitation therapy, and long-term nursing support. With 177 licensed beds, this church-operated community is one of the largest senior care campuses in South Dakota and operates under the Good Samaritan Society’s faith-based nonprofit mission. Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay are also accepted.
The community currently holds a 1-star overall CMS rating, with health inspection and quality measure scores falling below South Dakota averages. On the other hand, staffing levels compare more favorably and are among the community’s stronger operational areas. Nursing care per day is recorded at over four hours on average, placing the community above statewide benchmarks. Licensed practical nurse coverage and weekend nursing hours also exceed state averages, while registered nurse and nurse aide staffing remain modestly below benchmark levels.
Occupancy remains high at nearly 90%, reflecting stable demand and an established reputation within the region. Additionally, the resident population includes a mix of short-term rehabilitation patients, private-pay residents, and Medicaid-supported long-term care residents. Medicare residents typically stay for shorter rehabilitation-focused periods, while private-pay and Medicaid residents often remain for several months. The broad continuum of care available, ranging from independent living to memory care, allows residents to transition between care levels as needs evolve.
Good Samaritan Society Sioux Falls Village is ideal for older adults and families seeking a large nonprofit community with multiple living and care options, strong overall staffing investment, and the ability to support both short-term rehabilitation and long-term residential care under one roof.
Operated under owner Laura Henney, Avantara Saint Cloud is a nursing home in Rapid City, South Dakota. The facility is located at 302 St Cloud Street. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several ways to cover care costs. The 78-bed home has a current occupancy rate of 96%. Residents stay an average of 333 days, including people receiving short-term rehabilitation and those needing longer-term care.
The community provides 24-hour staffing. Nurse staffing averages 2 hours and 57 minutes of nursing care each day. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides are part of the care team. Rehabilitation services are available, and the home also offers respite care for families needing temporary placement for a loved one.
State inspections have reviewed areas such as staffing records, infection control, and care practices. These are important parts of daily operations in a nursing home. Families considering the facility should ask how regulatory engagement is overseen and how these areas are managed daily.
Meals are prepared with fresh ingredients to meet residents’ nutritional needs. Amenities on-site include salon services, high-speed Wi-Fi, and community spaces where residents and families can spend time together. The surrounding area has a Walk Score of 0, so it’s car-dependent. Most visits and errands require transportation.
Situated in the gorgeous town of Belle Fourche, South Dakota, Rolling Hills Healthcare offers a wide range of care options for seniors, including long term & short term care and rehab therapies. Whether you need physical, occupational, or speech therapy, their dedicated team is there to help. Seniors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and friendly atmosphere of the community, making it a great place to relax and focus on wellness.
Rolling Hills Healthcare goes above and beyond in providing high-quality care with a personal touch. They aim to make every resident feel respected and well-cared-for by offering tailored care plans. The community features a variety of programs and amenities, including advanced therapies, pain management, dental care, dialysis, hospice services, and more. With a focus on individual wellness and rehabilitation, Rolling Hills Healthcare ensures that each resident receives the best possible care in a supportive and compassionate environment.
Seventy-five percent occupancy, or 51 of 68 beds, at a nursing home positioned in Rapid City’s Broadmoor Subdivision, about 2.3 miles from the city center and less than a mile from the nearest hospital. The address is 2500 Arrowhead Dr, and the surrounding area is car-dependent (Walk Score 12). Sharon Martin administers the facility, which operates within the Avantara network.
The average length of stay is 174 days. That number places Avantara Arrowhead in a middle zone: not a pure short-stay rehab operation, but not configured primarily around indefinite long-term residence either. Rehabilitation services and short-term rehab are the confirmed service lines, with orthopedic care listed as a clinical program.
Staffing reported to CMS totals 2 hours and 48 minutes of nursing care per resident per day. Registered nurses account for 47 minutes; nurse aides account for 2 hours and 2 minutes. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are all accepted.
Avantara Arrowhead is a mid-sized nursing home serving residents in post-acute and transitional care, with orthopedic rehabilitation among its confirmed clinical offerings and full coverage across Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.
Located in Lemmon, South Dakota, Five Counties Nursing Home is a skilled nursing facility serving residents in Perkins County. Besides, it offers skilled nursing, short-term and long-term care, rehabilitation services, memory care, assisted living, and independent living. Residents can receive care here as their needs change. Jordan Fish serves as administrator.
The 37-bed community has an occupancy rate of about 80%. Residents stay an average of about 459 days, which points to more long-term nursing care than short rehabilitation stays.
Total nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 9 minutes per resident daily. Registered nurses provide roughly 51 minutes of that daily total. Residents receive hands-on aide support and clinical oversight throughout the day.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several ways to cover short-term rehabilitation or ongoing nursing care. Lemmon is a small rural community, and Five Counties has a Walk Score of 42. A few nearby services are within walking distance, but most errands require driving. Families planning to stay longer-term should ask how staff support residents throughout extended care.
Located on 4th Street in Garretson, South Dakota, Palisade Healthcare Center is a skilled nursing facility with 55 beds. Most daily errands within this small community require transportation beyond walking distance. The center has an occupancy rate of 84%, and residents stay an average of 96 days. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, providing access routes for rehabilitation stays and longer-term care.
The community’s clinical focus is reflected in its staffing model. Nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 2 minutes per resident each day. Residents are supported by registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses. This hands-on support makes it an ideal setting for patients recovering from an illness or injury, or for those needing ongoing skilled nursing care.
Clinically, Palisade offers rehabilitation services and respite care options, so families can choose if they need short-term support for a recovering relative. There’s 24-hour staffing and memory support services to ensure the safety and specialized care for residents with cognitive needs. Residents’ meals are prepared on-site with attention to nutrition.
The straightforward, no-frills facility is best-suited for families focused on skilled care and clinical support rather than extensive amenities or activities programming.
Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.
How we're paid:If we help you find a home and you move in, that home may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in South Dakota
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in South Dakota?
Assisted living in South Dakota is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.
Does South Dakota Medicaid cover nursing home care?
Yes — South Dakota Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.
What is nursing home care?
Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.
How many nursing homes are listed on this page?
This page features 70 nursing homes in South Dakota. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in South Dakota?
Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in South Dakota, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.
What should I look for when visiting nursing homes in South Dakota?
Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.
If you move into a community through us, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never changes your cost or which options we recommend. Learn more
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