Employers & Economy.
Avera Sacred Heart, Mount Marty University, and a diversified local economy that supports a city of 15,000.
A Diversified, Resilient Economy
Yankton's economy is diversified across healthcare, education, manufacturing, government, and agriculture. With a city population of about 15,000 and a regional service area that extends across multiple counties in South Dakota and Nebraska, Yankton functions as the economic hub of southeast South Dakota.
When one sector slows, others keep the community stable. That is what makes Yankton's economy resilient, and what keeps the real estate market fundamentally sound.
Major Employers
Avera Sacred Heart Hospital
Regional medical center, largest employer in Yankton
Mount Marty University
4-year university. Faculty, staff, and student workforce
Gurney Seed & Nursery
National seed and garden company headquartered in Yankton
City of Yankton
Municipal government services and public works
Yankton School District
3,000+ students, significant teaching and support staff
Walmart / Retail
Regional retail serving Yankton and surrounding counties
Manufacturing Sector
Multiple light and industrial manufacturers in the area
Agriculture & Agribusiness
Core to the southeast South Dakota regional economy
For Remote Workers
Yankton is increasingly attracting remote workers who want quality of life, lower cost of living, and space, without sacrificing broadband connectivity. With no state income tax and housing costs 45% below the national median, your remote salary goes significantly further here.
2.1%
Unemployment
Dec 2025
$58K
Median Income
2023 ACS
88.1
Cost Index
vs 100 national
0%
State Income Tax
SD advantage
Top Employers by Headcount
Avera Sacred Heart Hospital
Healthcare25+ physician openings. Regional system hub. EM, hospitalist, dermatology.
~1,000
employees
Federal Prison Camp Yankton
GovernmentMinimum-security BOP. Correctional officers, psychologists. 50% recruitment incentive.
300-500
employees
Yankton School District 63-3
Education17 openings Jan 2026. Teachers, paraprofessionals, custodial.
~400
employees
City of Yankton
GovernmentPublic works, police, fire. Steady municipal roles.
~200
employees
Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health
HealthcareCounselors, therapists. Key mental health provider.
~150
employees
Mount Marty University
EducationFaculty, administration. Private college.
~150
employees
Applied Engineering
ManufacturingLocal manufacturing employer.
~100
employees
TruXedo
ManufacturingTruck accessories. Formerly Gurney's Seed & Nursery.
~100
employees
How Yankton Compares
| State | Median Income | Unemployment | Income Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yankton, SD | $58,571 | 2.1% | 0% |
| South Dakota | $69,457 | 2.3% | 0% |
| Nebraska | $71,776 | 2.8% | 2.5-5.8% |
| Iowa | $70,571 | 3.1% | 4.4-6.0% |
| Minnesota | $84,313 | 2.9% | 5.4-9.9% |
Lower income, but cost of living index of 88.1 (national = 100) means your dollar goes further.
Common Questions
How does Yankton unemployment compare?
2.1% as of Dec 2025, below South Dakota (2.3%), Nebraska (2.8%), Iowa (3.1%), and Minnesota (2.9%).
What is the healthcare job outlook?
Avera Sacred Heart posts 25+ roles and is a regional draw for healthcare professionals from Iowa and Minnesota.
Is there education hiring?
Yankton School District had 17 openings as of January 2026. Hiring is steady for certified teachers.