Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota are close neighbors, but this study says they are not equal when it comes to being the best place to live.

I have personally spent a lot of time living, working, and vacationing in Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota.

They are three uniquely different states with lots to offer residents and visitors.

There is however a study by Top Agency on the “Best & Worst States To Live In” that shows that, according to their math, South Dakota is a better place to live than both Minnesota and Iowa.

Top Agency compared all 50 states on 8 key dimensions: Affordability, Crime & Safety, Economy, Education, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Opportunity, and Quality of Life.

Here's how Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota ranked in some of those categories...

Affordability:

• South Dakota - #2
• Iowa - #17
• Minnesota - #42

Crime & Safety:

• Iowa - #12
• South Dakota - #23
• Minnesota - #42

Economy:

• Minnesota - #13
• South Dakota - #17
• Iowa - #23

Education:

• South Dakota - #4
• Iowa - #8
• Minnesota - #12

Healthcare:

• Minnesota - #10
• Iowa - #24
• South Dakota - #27

Quality of Life:

• Minnesota - #16
• Iowa - #29
• South Dakota - #39

Opportunities:

• South Dakota - #2
• Minnesota - #36
• Iowa - #43

Overall Rank:

• South Dakota - #3
• Iowa - #17
• Minnesota #22

You can see the full list of "Best & Worst Places To Live" at topagency.com.