Just ran the numbers on what you actually take home from a $100K salary in different Midwest states and wow, the difference is wild. If you're in South Dakota, you're looking at keeping almost 78.5K after taxes. Meanwhile, if you're in Illinois or Iowa, you're down to around 73K. That's a $5K+ swing just based on where you live.

Iowa's hitting people pretty hard with a 26.9% effective tax rate - basically tied with California for one of the worst in the country. Minnesota's not much better at 26.8%. But here's the thing: if you're making $100K after tax considerations, North Dakota and South Dakota are way more favorable. ND leaves you with about 77.7K, and SD is even better at 78.5K.

The study looked at federal, state, and FICA taxes together using 2024 brackets for single filers. Indiana's actually one of the better Midwest options - you'd keep around 75.4K. Missouri and Wisconsin are also relatively decent if you're looking to optimize your take-home. Crazy how much state policy affects what you actually pocket from a six-figure salary.