Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Thornton, CO
A move from Sioux Falls, SD to Thornton, CO covers 618 mi and around 11h 27m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
618 mi Β· 11h 27m by car Β· SD β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | SD β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 76, N-70, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Greeley, Aurora, Centennial, Denver, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Thornton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 90.631 in Sioux Falls to 105.782 in Thornton, a 16.7% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Thornton: 16.7% above Sioux Falls on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Thornton -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 14.5" |
Thornton runs 5.8Β°F warmer on the annual average (46.6Β°F vs 52.4Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 44.8 in of snowfall annually at Thornton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 142,878 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $100,985 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.88 |
Median household income in Thornton is 16.7% above Sioux Falls ($74,714 vs $100,985, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Thornton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Dakota and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Thornton averages 44.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Thornton average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Thornton sees only 14.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Thornton, CO from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 618 mi and the route typically takes 11h 27m via I 76 and N-70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Sioux Falls vs Thornton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,985 in Thornton vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 35.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Thornton more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Thornton is 16.7% higher than Sioux Falls (105.782 vs 90.631, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Thornton compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Thornton MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Thornton compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $502,945 in Thornton vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 52.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Thornton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 618 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Sioux Falls.
City profiles: Sioux Falls, SD Β· Thornton, CO.