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Bennett County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#58 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
43
County Score
Disaster Risk 94.1Cost of Living 87.6Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Bennett County, South Dakota

Below National Averages

Bennett County scores 43.0 on the composite index, which is seven points lower than the national median of 50.0. This indicates that while affordable, the county faces structural challenges compared to the national baseline.

Navigating State Challenges

At 43.0, the county sits well below the South Dakota state average of 55.9. It ranks among the more economically stressed counties in the state despite its favorable housing costs.

Resilience and Affordability

The county's greatest asset is its environmental resilience, evidenced by a high risk score of 94.1. Housing is also exceptionally accessible, with a cost score of 87.6 and a median rent of just $616.

Income and Health Disparities

Economic opportunity is limited, with an income score of 6.8 and a median household income of $44,569. Health outcomes also lag significantly with a score of 13.8, suggesting a need for better healthcare access.

An Affordable Rural Frontier

Bennett County suits those looking for extreme housing affordability and high natural safety from disasters. It is ideal for residents who are self-employed or retired and less dependent on local job markets or healthcare facilities.

Score breakdown

Tax36.1Cost87.6Safety29.5Health13.8Schools28.6Income6.8Risk94.1Water86Weather38.5
🏛36.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼6.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡29.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤13.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓28.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡94.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨58.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.6
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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Deep Dives

Bennett County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bennett County

via TaxByCounty

Bennett ranks among nation's lowest-tax counties

Bennett County's 1.027% effective tax rate places it in the lowest 10% nationally, well below the 1.13% national median. The median tax bill of $1,424 is less than half the national median of $2,690, saving homeowners over $1,200 annually.

South Dakota's second-most-affordable county

Bennett County ranks third-lowest among South Dakota's 66 counties, with an effective rate of 1.027% compared to the state average of 1.094%. The median tax of $1,424 is the lowest in the state, reflecting both low rates and lower property values in this rural county.

Unbeatable tax rate in region

Bennett County's 1.027% rate is the lowest among its regional peers, beating Aurora (1.080%), Beadle (1.053%), and Bon Homme (1.246%). No nearby county offers a more favorable tax climate.

Median home: $138,600 = $1,424 tax

Bennett County homeowners pay just $1,424 annually on the median property value of $138,600 at a 1.027% effective rate. This works out to roughly $119 per month—among the lowest in the nation.

Bennett homeowners should verify assessments

Even though Bennett County has competitive rates, individual properties can still be overassessed. If you believe your home's assessed value is inflated, request a reassessment or file an appeal with the county—it could lower your already low tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bennett County

via CostByCounty

Bennett faces severe affordability stress

Bennett County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio masks a deeper crisis: the median household income of just $44,569 trails the national average by $30,186. Renters paying $616 monthly—while seemingly low—consume a devastating share of earnings, reflecting structural economic challenges.

Bennett is South Dakota's affordability outlier

Bennett County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio and $44,569 median income represent the most stressed household finances among South Dakota's counties examined here. The combination signals persistent economic headwinds despite modest rents.

Bennett rents are lowest, incomes lower still

While Bennett's $616 median rent ranks lowest across these eight counties, the median household income of $44,569 is devastatingly low—nearly $30,000 below Aurora or Brookings. This income disadvantage, not low rents, drives Bennett's affordability crisis.

Income shortfall, not rent, is the problem

Bennett renters pay $616 monthly (16.6% of income) and homeowners $628, seemingly affordable numbers until set against the $44,569 median household income. The real issue is insufficient earnings relative to basic living costs and regional standards.

Bennett requires strong income planning

Consider relocating to Bennett only if you bring above-median earning potential or have stable remote income, as local wages lag significantly. The county's low housing costs offer little relief if your household income matches the regional median.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bennett County

via IncomeByCounty

Bennett faces significant income gap

Bennett County's median household income of $44,569 falls $30,186 short of the national median of $74,755—a 40% deficit. This substantial gap highlights the economic challenges rural reservation communities across America face relative to national averages.

Lowest earnings in South Dakota

Bennett ranks among the lowest-earning counties in South Dakota, with a median household income that lags the state average of $66,926 by $22,357. Per capita income of $21,005 trails the state's $35,667 by $14,662, indicating income concentration in fewer households.

Bennett struggles compared to peers

Bennett's $44,569 median ranks well below Buffalo County ($47,000) and far below Aurora ($74,130), Brule ($74,043), and Brown ($70,239). The county faces acute economic headwinds relative to its surrounding communities across South Dakota.

Housing costs strain tight budgets

Bennett's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% means housing claims nearly one-sixth of median income, among the highest rates in this group. A median home value of $138,600 represents over 3 years of gross household income—an exceptional burden for Bennett families.

Strength through community and planning

Bennett households should focus first on income stabilization and employer benefits rather than aggressive investing. Consider partnering with community development organizations and tribal resources that may offer matched savings programs or financial counseling tailored to local conditions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bennett County

via CrimeByCounty

Bennett County Safety and National Trends

Bennett County’s total crime rate of 1680.9 per 100K is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 97.3, reflecting a relatively secure environment.

Safety Rating Below State Average

With a safety score of 97.3, Bennett County ranks below the South Dakota average of 98.8. Its crime rate of 1680.9 is also higher than the state’s typical 788.1 incidents per 100K.

Bennett Versus Neighboring Counties

Bennett County faces a higher crime rate than Bon Homme County, which reports a very low 42.7. Local officials monitor these trends across two reporting agencies to ensure public safety.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

The county reports 324.4 violent crimes and 1356.5 property crimes per 100K residents. While property crime is the larger share, both rates are below the national averages.

Protecting Your Bennett County Home

Given that property crime is the most frequent incident type, home security systems are a wise investment. Staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity helps keep the community safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bennett County

via HealthByCounty

Bennett faces severe health challenges

Bennett County's 67.9-year life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 74.5 years by 6.6 years—among the lowest in the nation. Nearly a quarter (23.4%) of residents report poor or fair health, well above the 15% national average, signaling a county in health crisis.

South Dakota's most challenged county

Bennett's 67.9-year life expectancy ranks as South Dakota's lowest, falling 7.5 years below the state average of 75.4 years. With 23.4% of residents in poor or fair health—the highest in the state—Bennett faces urgent disparities that demand targeted intervention.

Severe gap compared to surrounding counties

Bennett's 67.9-year life expectancy lags Beadle County (78.4 years) by 10 years and Bon Homme (76.6 years) by 8.6 years. Limited data on primary care and mental health providers further isolates Bennett from regional health infrastructure, compounding its health disadvantage.

Highest uninsured rate statewide

Bennett County's 14.2% uninsured rate is the highest in South Dakota, 3.1 percentage points above the state average. Provider data is sparse, making healthcare access even more difficult for the county's vulnerable population without health coverage.

Bennett needs urgent insurance enrollment

With 14.2% of residents uninsured—the state's highest rate—Bennett County families face severe financial risk from medical emergencies. Call 211 or visit healthcare.gov today to enroll in Medicaid or a marketplace plan that could literally save lives in your community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bennett County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Simplified School System in Martin

Bennett County operates a streamlined educational system consisting of just three schools: one elementary, one middle, and one high school. All 490 students in the county are served by a single unified school district. This centralized structure ensures a consistent educational path for students from kindergarten through graduation.

Investment and Graduation Outcomes

Per-pupil spending in Bennett County is $7,706, which is slightly higher than the South Dakota state average of $7,409. Despite this investment, the graduation rate of 64.0% remains significantly lower than the national average of 87%. The county’s composite school score of 41.4 highlights a need for continued focus on academic growth and student retention.

The Bennett County Unified District

Bennett County School District 03-1 manages the entire public education portfolio for the county, serving all 490 local students. There are no charter schools or alternative facilities, concentrating all resources into the three main traditional schools. This single-district model simplifies administration and community involvement.

The Essential Rural School Experience

All schools in the county are categorized as rural, with Martin Elementary serving as the largest hub with 253 students. The average school size is 163 students, which allows for a close-knit environment where students and teachers remain together for years. Bennett County High School, with 126 students, offers a small-campus feel for its secondary learners.

Join the Bennett County Community

For families who value a small, unified school system, Bennett County offers a unique and straightforward educational journey. Moving here means becoming a part of a single-district community where every school is a local landmark. Look for homes in the Martin area to be at the heart of the county’s educational life.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bennett County

via RiskByCounty

Bennett enjoys exceptional disaster safety

Bennett County's composite risk score of 5.92 ranks in the "Very Low" category and represents one of the nation's safest regions for natural disasters. Your county's risk profile is just 20% of the national average, making it exceptionally insulated from most hazards.

South Dakota's lowest-risk county

Bennett County boasts South Dakota's lowest composite risk score at 5.92, dramatically undershooting the state average of 26.84. No other South Dakota county comes close to Bennett's exceptional natural disaster safety.

Vastly safer than surrounding counties

Bennett's score of 5.92 stands far below neighboring Aurora County (19.59) and Buffalo County (13.74), establishing it as a uniquely low-risk pocket in western South Dakota. This exceptional safety extends across all hazard categories except wildfire.

Wildfire is Bennett's sole concern

Wildfire risk (87.12) stands remarkably high in Bennett County despite the county's overall very low composite score. All other hazards—flood (4.29), tornado (18.51), and earthquake (17.62)—remain minimal, making wildfire Bennett's primary natural disaster threat.

Focus wildfire protection efforts

Bennett County residents should prioritize wildfire insurance coverage and maintain defensible space around homes with vegetation management. Standard homeowners insurance with fire protection provides adequate coverage for the county's exceptionally low tornado, flood, and earthquake exposures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bennett County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warmer Pocket in the Great Plains

Bennett County's 47.0°F annual average remains cooler than the national median of 53°F but represents a milder zone for the region. It experiences a semi-arid influence with 21.6 inches of annual precipitation.

One of the State's Warmer Counties

The county sits 1.4 degrees above the state average of 45.6°F, making it one of the warmer spots in South Dakota. This warmth is particularly evident in its milder winter averages compared to northern counties.

Heavy Snow Despite Warmer Air

Bennett receives a substantial 47.8 inches of snow, far surpassing nearby Buffalo County's 18.9 inches. While it is drier than the state average for total rain, it leads the region in winter accumulation.

Intense Heat and Moderate Winters

The county faces 28 days of extreme heat above 90°F, even though July averages a manageable 72.6°F. Winters are relatively mild for South Dakota, with January temperatures staying up at 23.4°F.

Winter Gear and Water Conservation

With nearly 48 inches of annual snow, residents need robust winter gear and reliable four-wheel drive. During the 28 days of extreme heat, efficient irrigation and cooling systems are critical.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bennett County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Organic Matter in Sandy Soils

Bennett County features a pH of 6.87, staying close to the 6.5 national median and slightly below the 7.05 state average. While the soil score of 58.9 is slightly below the state average, the county possesses unique chemical characteristics. This neutral profile is highly conducive to a wide variety of native and cultivated plants.

Fast-Draining Sandy Ground

A high sand content of 58.3% dominates the soil, with only 10.1% clay and 21.5% silt. This creates a very light, gritty texture that allows water to pass through rapidly. While this prevents puddling, it can make it difficult for the soil to hold onto mobile nutrients like nitrogen.

High Carbon, Low Water Storage

The soil boasts a massive 7.81% organic matter, which is more than double the South Dakota state average of 3.75%. Despite this fertility, the available water capacity is low at 0.138 in/in, compared to the state average of 0.182. Gardeners will need to mulch heavily to keep this rich but thirsty soil hydrated.

Superior Drainage for Drylands

The 58.3% sand content points toward very rapid drainage, which is ideal for avoiding root rot in wet years. This makes Bennett County soil excellent for construction and roadbeds, as it resists the expansion and contraction common in clay. However, irrigation management is critical for consistent agricultural yields.

Thriving in Zone 5a

Zone 5a allows for a diverse garden, from sweet corn to hardy berries. Utilize the incredible 7.81% organic matter by planting high-demand crops, but ensure you have a steady watering plan. This soil is perfect for native prairie grasses and drought-resistant perennials.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bennett County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Difficulty in High Plains

Bennett County's 50.6 lawn score is nearly identical to the national average of 50.0. Located in Zone 5a, this area offers a balanced set of conditions that require typical maintenance effort for the region.

Hotter Days and Lower Rainfall

Lawns here face 28 extreme heat days, which is higher than the state average of 24. With only 21.6 inches of annual precipitation, consistent irrigation is necessary to maintain green turf throughout the 2,602 growing degree days.

High Sand Content Dominates Soil

The soil is notably sandy at 58.3%, leading to very fast drainage and low water retention. While the pH of 6.87 is excellent for growth, you may need to add organic matter to help the 10.1% clay soil hold onto moisture.

Adapting to Abnormally Dry Conditions

The entire county is currently experiencing abnormally dry conditions after 25 weeks of drought over the past year. Conservation-minded gardeners should prioritize evening watering to minimize evaporation during the peak heat of the day.

Mid-May Start for Zone 5a Turf

Buffalo grass is a drought-tolerant alternative that suits this sandy, dry climate perfectly. With the last frost typically hitting May 13th, late spring is the ideal window to establish new growth before the October 1st frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bennett County's county score?
Bennett County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 43 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 Bennett County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Bennett County ranks #58 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 Bennett County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Bennett County is $1,424, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Bennett County a tax score of 36.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bennett County?
The median household income in Bennett County, South Dakota is $44,569 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bennett County earns an income score of 6.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bennett County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Bennett County scores 43/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Bennett 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 Bennett County with other counties side by side.

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