countyscore
61.3
County Score
Safety 86.3Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 80.4

County Report Card

About Aurora County, South Dakota

A Strong National Standing

Aurora County earns a composite score of 61.3, comfortably outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a quality of life that ranks well into the top tier of counties across the United States.

Beating the State Average

With its 61.3 overall score, Aurora County sits significantly higher than the South Dakota state average of 55.9. It serves as a high-performing rural anchor in the southeastern part of the state.

Safety and Financial Stability

The county excels in public safety with a score of 86.3 and maintains high water quality at 86.0. Residents benefit from a robust median household income of $74,130, which drives an impressive income score of 75.7.

Tax and Schooling Pressures

Education is a primary area for growth, as the school score of 38.5 sits below other dimensions. Additionally, the tax score of 32.5 reflects a 1.080% effective tax rate, which is less competitive than national peers.

A Haven for Secure Families

Aurora County is a premier choice for families who prioritize safety and financial security over low property taxes. Its blend of high incomes and low environmental risk (80.4) makes it a reliable home base.

Score breakdown

Tax32.5Cost66.1Safety86.3Health62.9Schools38.5Income75.7Risk80.4Water86Weather37.5
🏛32.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼75.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡86.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨71.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Davison County
South Dakota
43.3
Jerauld County
South Dakota
65.9
Douglas County
South Dakota
61.5
Sanborn County
South Dakota
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Brule County
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Hanson County
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Charles Mix County
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Buffalo County
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65.9

Deep Dives

Aurora County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Aurora County

via TaxByCounty

Aurora's tax rate beats national average

At 1.080%, Aurora County's effective property tax rate is well below the national median of 1.13%, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay just $1,393 annually on the median home value, compared to a national median of $2,690, saving nearly $1,300 per year.

Slightly below South Dakota average

Aurora County ranks near the middle of South Dakota's 66 counties with a 1.080% effective rate, compared to the state average of 1.094%. The median tax bill of $1,393 also runs below South Dakota's median of $1,785, reflecting both lower rates and lower property values in the county.

Most competitive rate in region

Aurora County's 1.080% rate is the lowest among its neighbors, undercutting Beadle County (1.053% but on higher values) and Bon Homme County (1.246%). The county offers tax-conscious homeowners an advantage in rural South Dakota.

Median home: $129,000 = $1,393 tax

With a median home value of $129,000 and a 1.080% effective rate, Aurora County homeowners pay approximately $1,393 in annual property taxes. This translates to about $116 per month—one of the lowest in the state.

Many Aurora homeowners overassessed

Even in low-tax Aurora County, assessment errors happen. If your property is reassessed higher than comparable homes nearby, you have the right to appeal your county assessor's valuation and potentially lower your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Aurora County

via CostByCounty

Aurora rents are remarkably affordable

Aurora County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.0% sits well below the national sweet spot of 30%, meaning renters here spend far less of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans. With a median rent of $739 monthly against a median household income of $74,130, Aurora offers genuine affordability that most U.S. counties can't match.

Best rental affordability in South Dakota

Aurora County ranks among South Dakota's most affordable counties for renters, with a 12.0% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average of 13.8%. This advantage stems from modest rents ($739/month) paired with solid household incomes ($74,130)—a rare balance in rural America.

Aurora undercuts neighboring counties

Aurora's $739 median rent runs $17 below the state average and significantly cheaper than Beadle County ($834) or Brown County ($794). For renters prioritizing affordability, Aurora delivers some of the best value in the region.

Housing costs stay manageable here

Renters spend $739 monthly while homeowners pay $804, both reasonable figures against the $74,130 median household income. Whether renting or buying, Aurora residents keep housing costs below 11% of income—a financially healthy benchmark.

Consider Aurora for sustainable living

If you're relocating to balance affordability with stable income, Aurora County warrants serious consideration. The combination of low housing costs and comparable household earnings makes it one of South Dakota's more livable counties for budget-conscious families.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Aurora County

via IncomeByCounty

Aurora's income nearly matches nation

Aurora County's median household income of $74,130 sits just $625 below the national median of $74,755, placing it right at the heart of American earning power. This alignment suggests Aurora residents earn roughly what their counterparts across the country do, a rare achievement for a rural South Dakota county.

Top earners in South Dakota

Aurora ranks among the highest-earning counties in South Dakota, with a median household income that exceeds the state average of $66,926 by $7,204. This $7,200+ advantage reflects Aurora's stronger-than-typical economic foundation for the state.

Aurora outpaces regional peers

Aurora's $74,130 income beats neighboring Bon Homme County ($61,275) by $12,855 and leads Brule County ($74,043) by $87. The county's per capita income of $43,275 also surpasses the state average of $35,667, signaling more evenly distributed wealth.

Housing costs fit comfortably here

Aurora's rent-to-income ratio of 12.0% indicates housing absorbs just over one-eighth of median income—well below the 30% affordability threshold—while a median home value of $129,000 remains accessible. Residents enjoy genuine housing affordability despite national-level earning power.

Build on Aurora's solid foundation

With income aligned to national standards and housing costs low, Aurora households have real opportunity to invest beyond shelter. Consider automating 10-15% of that $74,130 into retirement or education savings to compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Aurora County

via CrimeByCounty

Aurora County Outpaces National Safety Averages

Aurora County maintains an impressive safety score of 99.5, far exceeding national norms. Its total crime rate of 308.9 per 100K residents is a fraction of the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Public Safety

The county's safety score of 99.5 sits comfortably above the South Dakota state average of 98.8. With a total crime rate of 308.9, Aurora is significantly quieter than the state average of 788.1.

A Quiet Corner Among Neighbors

Aurora’s crime rate of 308.9 is remarkably lower than neighboring Brule County, which reports 2020.2 incidents per 100K. This makes it one of the more peaceful jurisdictions in the region.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Property crime accounts for 231.7 incidents per 100K, while violent crime is very low at 77.2. These figures are based on a single reporting agency, so they provide a focused snapshot of local safety.

Maintaining a Secure Rural Community

Even with high safety scores, residents should remain aware of property security to keep rates low. Simple measures like outdoor lighting and locking sheds help maintain the county's peaceful reputation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Aurora County

via HealthByCounty

Aurora's life expectancy edges above nation

At 75.9 years, Aurora County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years. The county's 13.4% poor/fair health rate sits below the national average of 15%, suggesting generally stable health outcomes for its population.

Slightly above average for South Dakota

Aurora's 75.9-year life expectancy outpaces South Dakota's state average of 75.4 years by half a year. With 13.4% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county ranks in the middle of the state's health outcomes.

Rural county holds its ground regionally

Aurora's 75.9-year life expectancy trails nearby Brookings County (79.9 years) but exceeds Bennett County (67.9 years) by 8 years. The county's mental health provider density of 72 per 100,000 is lower than state leaders like Brown County (456 per 100K), reflecting rural access constraints.

Uninsured rate slightly below state average

Aurora's 11.0% uninsured rate matches the state average of 11.1%, meaning about 1 in 9 residents lack health coverage. Data on primary care providers is limited, but the county's 72 mental health providers per 100,000 residents suggests focused behavioral health infrastructure.

Find affordable health coverage in Aurora

With 11% of Aurora County uninsured, checking your options through the South Dakota health insurance marketplace or Medicaid could protect you from unexpected costs. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your county health office to explore plans that fit your family's budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Aurora County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Aurora County

Aurora County serves 587 students across a network of 11 public schools, including three elementary, four middle, and four high schools. These facilities are managed by just two school districts, reflecting a highly concentrated administrative structure. The county maintains several specialized facilities, including two alternative schools and two special education centers.

Performance and Investment in Local Classrooms

The county invests $8,748 per pupil, which exceeds the South Dakota state average of $7,409 but remains below the national benchmark of $13,000. Aurora's graduation rate currently stands at 71.0%, trailing both the state average of 82.4% and the national average of 87%. The composite school score of 47.3 reflects the unique challenges and opportunities within this rural educational landscape.

Plankinton Leads the Local Districts

The Plankinton School District 01-1 is the county's largest provider, managing seven schools and educating 288 students. White Lake School District 01-3 follows with 129 students across three schools. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county's boundaries.

The Intimacy of Rural Learning

Every school in Aurora County is classified as rural, creating an intimate educational environment with an average school size of only 53 students. Corsica-Stickney Elementary is the largest campus with 170 students, while the Plankinton Junior High serves just 51. This small-town atmosphere ensures that nearly every student receives personalized attention from staff.

Building a Future in Aurora County

Families looking for a close-knit community where everyone knows your name will find Aurora County’s schools deeply integrated into local life. As you research your next home, consider how these small class sizes and rural settings can benefit your children's development. Explore local listings to find a residence near these dedicated community schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Aurora County

via RiskByCounty

Aurora ranks well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 19.59, Aurora County sits in the "Very Low" category and well below the national average. Your county faces significantly lower natural disaster exposure than most American communities, though wildfire risk registers at a moderate 65.39.

Among South Dakota's safest counties

Aurora County ranks near the bottom of South Dakota's disaster risk ladder with a score of 19.59, compared to the state average of 26.84. Only a handful of South Dakota counties present lower overall natural hazard exposure than Aurora.

Safer than surrounding areas

Aurora's composite risk of 19.59 places it well below neighboring Beadle County (47.14) and Brule County (58.72). Your county enjoys one of the lower risk profiles in eastern South Dakota's agricultural region.

Wildfire dominates Aurora's hazard profile

Wildfire risk (65.39) towers over other threats in Aurora County, making it your primary natural disaster concern. Tornado risk (32.35) presents a secondary hazard typical of the Great Plains, while flood and earthquake risks remain minimal.

Prepare for wildfire and severe weather

Although Aurora County's overall risk is very low, wildfire-prone areas should carry adequate homeowners or renters insurance that covers fire damage. Consider a separate umbrella policy to protect against tornado-related losses in this naturally resilient region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Aurora County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Cool Continental Climate

Aurora County averages 46.1°F annually, falling well below the national median of approximately 53°F. This humid continental region experiences sharp seasonal transitions and moderate precipitation of 23.9 inches.

Slightly Warmer Than the South Dakota Average

At 46.1°F, Aurora sits just above the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. It ranks in the warmer half of the state's 66 counties, benefiting from its position in the southeastern quadrant.

Wetter Than Its Western Neighbors

Aurora's 23.9 inches of annual precipitation is significantly higher than neighboring Buffalo County's 20.1 inches. However, its 37.7 inches of annual snowfall is lower than many counties further north.

A Land of Extreme Temperature Swings

Residents endure 26 extreme heat days over 90°F during the 73.9°F July peak. Winters are harsh, with January temperatures averaging 17.7°F and nearly 38 inches of annual snow.

Equipping for Snow and Summer Sun

Heavy-duty snow removal equipment is essential to manage the 37.7 inches of average annual snowfall. High-efficiency cooling is also vital for the nearly four weeks of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Aurora County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils with High Potential

Aurora County features a pH of 6.88, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 but more acidic than the South Dakota average of 7.05. The county boasts an impressive overall soil score of 71.1, significantly outperforming the state average of 61.2. While specific taxonomic data is limited, these indicators suggest a highly productive landscape.

Silty Mix for Reliable Farming

The soil composition consists of 45.8% silt and 23.8% clay, creating a smooth texture that holds onto nutrients effectively. A sand content of 30.4% provides enough aeration to prevent the soil from becoming overly compacted. This balanced mix is generally easy to work and maintains good structure for crop roots.

Excellent Water Storage for Crops

Organic matter sits at 3.35%, which beats the national average of 2.0% but trails the state average of 3.75%. However, the available water capacity of 0.200 in/in exceeds the state benchmark of 0.182, providing a critical buffer against dry spells. This high water retention capacity makes the county particularly resilient during late-summer heat.

Managing Moisture in the Field

While specific drainage classes are not recorded for this area, the high silt and clay content suggests steady moisture retention. Farmers and builders should monitor for slow runoff during heavy South Dakota rains to prevent localized flooding. This soil profile is generally well-suited for traditional prairie agriculture.

Diverse Options in Zone 5a

The USDA Hardiness Zone 5a climate supports a wide range of hardy perennials and vegetables. With a soil score of 71.1, your land is among the best in the state for a productive home garden. Focus on moisture-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers to take advantage of the high water capacity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Aurora County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Lawn Ease in Aurora

Aurora County earns a 52.6 lawn difficulty score, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 51.1. In USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, homeowners manage a environment that is generally hospitable for standard turf varieties.

Managing Moderate Heat and Precipitation

The county receives 23.9 inches of annual rainfall, which falls short of the 30-50 inches ideal for most lawns. With 26 extreme heat days and 2,777 growing degree days, your mowing schedule peaks in mid-summer to keep up with steady growth.

Balanced Soil for Steady Growth

Local soil maintains a near-perfect pH of 6.88, which sits comfortably within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake. The mix of 23.8% clay and 30.4% sand provides a stable foundation that generally avoids the drainage issues found in heavier soils.

Navigating Persistent Dry Spells

Lawns faced 27 weeks in drought over the past year, and the entire county currently reports abnormally dry conditions. Deep, infrequent watering is essential to encourage root depth during these periods when natural precipitation fails.

Seeding for Success in Zone 5a

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue thrive here when seeded after the last frost on May 3rd. Plan your final autumn preparations before the first frost arrives around October 5th to ensure winter survival.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aurora County's county score?
Aurora County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 61.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Aurora County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Aurora County ranks #27 among all counties in South Dakota on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Aurora County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Aurora County is $1,393, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Aurora County a tax score of 32.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Aurora County?
The median household income in Aurora County, South Dakota is $74,130 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Aurora County earns an income score of 75.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Aurora County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Aurora County scores 61.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Aurora County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Aurora County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.