Dakota Institute
Analysis & Insights that Drive Growth

Supporting the long-term growth and prosperity of South Dakota and the Northern Great Plains through applied economic and business research. We provide communities, businesses, entrepreneurs, and decision makers in all fields with insights based on best-available data and strong analytics to inform their strategic decision making.
The Dakota Institute | Analysis & Insights that Drive Growth | Header Image

Latest
Dakota Outlook

Q2-2026
June 29, 2026

2026 Q2 Dakota Outlook

Welcome to the eighth issue of the Dakota Outlook. This quarter, we are pleased to introduce two new fellows to the Dakota Institute team: Joseph Schartz and Tracy Dice. Joseph Schartz earned his Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University. Tracy Dice joins us from Dakota Wesleyan University where she…

Data Insight & Analysis Our Services

  • Dakota Outlook

    Quarterly outlook offers decision makers in-depth analysis and forecasts for the South Dakota and regional economy from top economists, professors and business leaders across the state.

  • Economic Impact

    Economic impact studies help businesses, nonprofits, policy makers and funders understand how their project or operations impact the goods or services produced, jobs and taxes in their region.

  • Economic Forecasting

    Dakota Institute provides business leaders and decision makers with valuable and credible insights into key industry trends and forecasts that they can use to drive business growth.

  • Housing Studies

    We help civic leaders and developers better understand their community’s unique housing needs and make the right investments that will help foster growth and housing affordability.

  • Data Analytics

    Dakota Institute can help you better understand market conditions and even your own internal data using both time tested and cutting edge techniques, turning complex data into actionable insights.

  • Public Speaking

    Our experts are leaders in their fields and are available to speak at conferences or corporate events to help leaders and decision makers understand current trends and plan for the future.

Dakota Outlook

A quarterly report that provides research and insight to understand the short- and long-term trends that shape the economy of South Dakota and the Northern Great Plains.

Recent
News

News
June 28, 2026

Every Five Dollars Spent in South Dakota, Two Come from Washington

The state’s budget depends on the federal government at a proportion that surprises — and that has remained stable for decades. With the era of post-pandemic emergency budgets coming to…
News
June 28, 2026

The Energy Price of Artificial Intelligence: What South Dakota Stands to Gain and Pay

The massive data centers — the factories that process every email, video, and internet search — are coming to the Midwest. South Dakota may not want any within its borders,…

Latest
Publication