South Dakota has some of the best roads in the U.S., according to U.S. News and World Report

U.S. News and World Report ranked all 50 states by the quality of their roads – and South Dakota is near the top.

The quality of each state’s roads were ranked using data from the Federal Highway Administration that shows the percentage of road miles considered to be in poor condition.

There are nearly 82,000 miles of public roads in South Dakota, and 95% are considered to be in at least good or fair condition, according to the federal Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Here’s how the roads that crisscross South Dakota compare to other states.

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How do South Dakota’s roads rank?

South Dakota has the second-best road quality in the country, U.S. News and World Report says. 

Still, the state has some infrastructure-related challenges. For example, driving on roads that need to be repaired costs drivers in South Dakota more than $500 per year, and 16.4% of the state’s 5,887 bridges were structurally deficient in 2024, according to the 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. 

What states ranked highest in road quality?

These states were ranked highest for their road quality, according to U.S. News and World Report.

1. Indiana
2. South Dakota
3. Kansas
4. Wyoming
5. Vermont
6. Nebraska
7. Tennessee
8. Idaho
9. Georgia
10. North Dakota

What states ranked lowest in road quality?

These states were ranked lowest for their road quality, according to U.S. News and World Report.

1. Oklahoma
2. Pennsylvania
3. California
4. Maryland
5. Washington
6. Mississippi
7. Connecticut
8. New Mexico
9. Hawaii
10. Rhode Island