countyscore
42.5
County Score
Health 75.6Income & Jobs 67.2Soil Quality 64.4

County Report Card

About Brown County, South Dakota

Below the National Median

Brown County has a composite score of 42.5, which is lower than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a mix of strong individual dimensions tempered by environmental and tax challenges.

Behind State Performance Levels

The county's score of 42.5 is significantly lower than the South Dakota average of 55.9. It faces stiffer competition within the state due to its specific risk and tax profiles.

Health and Higher Incomes

Residents enjoy a high health score of 75.6 and a robust income score of 67.2. With a median household income of $70,239, the county offers strong earning potential for the region.

Environmental and Tax Risks

The risk score of 26.5 indicates a high vulnerability to environmental hazards, while the tax score of 25.7 reflects a high effective tax rate of 1.199%. Water quality also lags with a score of 32.5.

A Hub for Healthy Earners

Brown County is best for well-compensated professionals who prioritize access to healthcare and higher wages. Prospective residents should be mindful of the environmental risks and the higher-than-average tax burden.

Score breakdown

Tax25.7Cost43.3Safety32.9Health75.6Schools36Income67.2Risk26.5Water32.5Weather43.1
🏛25.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼67.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡32.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧32.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤43.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.3
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

Brown County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Brown County

via TaxByCounty

Brown County taxes above U.S. median

Brown County's 1.199% effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.13%, placing it in the upper third nationally. The median tax bill of $2,553 also tops the national median of $2,690—though just slightly—driven by a median home value of $212,900.

South Dakota's second-highest-tax county

Brown County ranks second among South Dakota's 66 counties with a 1.199% effective rate, exceeded only by Bon Homme (1.246%). The median tax of $2,553 is second-highest in the state, reflecting both elevated rates and substantial home values.

High tax burden for region

Brown County's 1.199% rate is notably higher than Aurora (1.080%), Beadle (1.053%), Bennett (1.027%), and Brookings (1.135%). Combined with higher property values, Brown homeowners face the region's second-steepest tax burden.

Median home: $212,900 = $2,553 tax

On a median home value of $212,900, Brown County's 1.199% rate yields an annual property tax of approximately $2,553. Homeowners with mortgages may see slightly higher bills at $2,663, while outright owners typically pay around $2,365.

Brown homeowners should challenge overassessments

As one of South Dakota's highest-tax counties, Brown homeowners should be especially proactive about assessment accuracy. If your property seems overvalued compared to recent comparable sales, filing an appeal could reduce your substantial tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Brown County

via CostByCounty

Brown County balances value and amenities

Brown County's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national comfort threshold and nearly matches South Dakota's average, driven by reasonable rents ($794) against a solid median household income of $70,239. The county offers affordable urban living compared to most U.S. peers.

Brown ranks near middle for affordability

At 13.6% rent-to-income, Brown County sits just below the state average of 13.8%, making it competitive with South Dakota's most livable counties. The balance of $794 rents and $70,239 incomes reflects a mature, stable housing market.

Brown offers middle-ground housing costs

Brown County's $794 median rent sits between regional extremes—higher than rural counties like Aurora ($739) and Bon Homme ($620), but lower than growth-pressured Brookings ($874). It positions Brown as a reasonable urban option without Brookings-level price premiums.

Homeownership requires larger commitment

Renters pay $794 monthly (13.6% of income), while homeowners face $1,126 monthly costs (19.3% of the $70,239 median income) for homes valued near $213,000. Renting offers noticeably better affordability than purchasing in Brown County.

Brown suits practical relocators

Brown County works well if you want regional services and a stable job market without Brookings' premium pricing or rural counties' income limitations. The balanced rent-to-income ratio and diverse employment base make it a solid relocation choice.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Brown County

via IncomeByCounty

Brown earns 6% below US average

Brown County's median household income of $70,239 trails the national median of $74,755 by $4,516—only a 6% gap. This relatively close alignment reflects Brown's status as home to Aberdeen, a regional service and manufacturing center.

Strong performer in South Dakota

Brown's $70,239 exceeds South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by $3,313, ranking it among the state's stronger-earning counties. Per capita income of $39,599 also significantly outpaces the state average of $35,667, indicating substantial household wealth concentration.

Regional leader behind Aurora

Brown's $70,239 trails only Aurora ($74,130) and Brule ($74,043) among peer counties, comfortably exceeding Brookings ($67,341), Beadle ($63,082), and Bon Homme ($61,275). Brown's diversified economy and regional hub status support solid earning power.

Balanced housing and income

Brown's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% indicates housing takes roughly one-seventh of median income—comfortable but moderate. The median home value of $212,900 represents 3 years of gross income, requiring substantial down payments but remaining achievable for dual-income households.

Time to accelerate wealth building

Brown County households earning $70,239 have real capacity to invest aggressively in retirement and college savings. Automating 15-20% of gross income into 401(k)s and 529 education plans can position families for long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Brown County

via CrimeByCounty

Brown County's National Safety Standing

Brown County reports a total crime rate of 1572.7 per 100K, which is safer than the U.S. average of 2,385.5. This results in a respectable safety score of 97.5.

Ranking Below the State Average

The county's safety score of 97.5 is lower than the South Dakota average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 1572.7 is roughly double the state average of 788.1.

Safety Relative to Brookings County

Brown County's crime rate of 1572.7 is higher than Brookings County's 1158.0. As a regional center, Brown County experiences more frequent law enforcement activity than its smaller neighbors.

Property vs Violent Crime Rates

Property crime occurs at a rate of 1256.6 per 100K, while violent crime is reported at 316.1. Both figures stay below the national averages, though they are high for South Dakota.

Deterring Property Crime at Home

With property crime as the primary local concern, visible security measures like cameras can be very effective. Community vigilance is key to bringing these rates closer to the state average.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Brown County

via HealthByCounty

Brown County outperforms U.S. averages

Brown County's 78.5-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 74.5 years by 4 years, putting it among America's healthier regions. With 12.3% of residents reporting poor or fair health—just below the national 15% average—the county shows strong overall wellness.

Top-tier South Dakota health performer

Brown County's 78.5-year life expectancy ranks second among South Dakota counties, 3.1 years above the state average of 75.4 years. The county's 12.3% poor/fair health rate is among the state's lowest, reflecting strong community health management.

Regional leader in mental health access

Brown County's 78.5-year life expectancy matches Beadle County (78.4 years) and exceeds most rural peers. With 456 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest density in this group—Brown County's regional hub status (Aberdeen is the county seat) creates exceptional behavioral health infrastructure.

Strong coverage with solid provider access

Brown County's 9.9% uninsured rate sits just below the state average of 11.1%, meaning most residents have health coverage. The county offers 63 primary care providers and 456 mental health providers per 100K—making it a regional healthcare center with comprehensive services.

Sustain Brown County's health advantage

Brown County's strong health outcomes depend on widespread coverage—currently 9.9% of residents lack insurance. Ensure your family is among the insured majority by visiting healthcare.gov or contacting your county health office about Medicaid and marketplace options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Brown County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Education in Northern South Dakota

Brown County hosts 22 public schools, including 11 elementary, five middle, and six high schools, serving 5,445 students. This extensive system is managed by five different school districts, ensuring broad coverage across the county's large geographic area. The county also includes one alternative school and two specialized special education facilities.

Academic Excellence and Spending Efficiency

Brown County reports a strong 90.9% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 82.4%. It reaches this milestone while spending only $6,045 per pupil, which is significantly lower than both the state and national averages. The school score of 51.9 indicates a solid academic environment that outperforms many neighboring counties.

Aberdeen School District Leads the Region

The Aberdeen School District 06-1 is the largest in the county, serving 4,326 students across 10 schools. Groton Area and Frederick Area districts also contribute to the local landscape, serving 597 and 171 students respectively. No charter schools operate in Brown County, with all 22 schools functioning as traditional public entities.

A Dynamic Mix of Town and Country

Brown County offers a diverse geographic mix with 12 town schools and 10 rural schools. Central High School in Aberdeen is the largest with 1,388 students, providing a large-school experience with diverse extracurriculars. In contrast, the average school size countywide is 248, blending urban-style amenities with rural community values.

Find Your Home in a High-Achieving County

Families moving to Brown County can benefit from some of the best graduation rates in the state within the Aberdeen area. Whether you prefer a modern town home near Central High or a quiet rural property, the educational options here are top-tier. Start your search for a home that places your children in these successful school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Brown County

via RiskByCounty

Brown faces well-above-average risk

Brown County's composite risk score of 73.54 represents the highest among the eight profiled counties and exceeds the national average by 173%. Your county confronts multiple severe natural disasters that demand serious preparedness and insurance protection.

South Dakota's highest-risk county

Brown County ranks as the most hazard-exposed county in South Dakota with a composite score of 73.54, nearly tripling the state average of 26.84. No other South Dakota county faces comparable overall natural disaster risk.

Far riskier than surrounding counties

Brown's composite score of 73.54 dramatically exceeds nearby Brule County (58.72) and Buffalo County (13.74). Brown County stands alone in northeastern South Dakota as an exceptionally high-risk natural disaster zone.

Tornadoes, floods, and wildfires converge

Tornado risk (70.13), flood risk (63.07), and wildfire risk (77.07) all exceed 60 in Brown County, creating a perfect storm of natural disaster threats. This convergence of three major hazards makes Brown County one of America's most disaster-vulnerable regions.

Comprehensive multi-hazard insurance critical

Brown County residents must prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance with tornado, windstorm, and wildfire coverage, plus mandatory flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program. Professional installation of a safe room or residential storm shelter is highly recommended given the severe convergence of multiple hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Brown County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold Northern Reach of the Plains

Brown County averages 43.5°F annually, placing it nearly 10 degrees below the national median of 53°F. It is a classic northern plains environment with 22.4 inches of annual precipitation.

Below the South Dakota Norm

The county stays 2.1 degrees cooler than the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. It is consistently among the coldest counties in the state, especially when Arctic air masses descend from the north.

Cold Air and Average Snowfall

Brown's 39.7 inches of annual snow is higher than Brookings County's 35.8 inches. Total precipitation is 22.4 inches, which is almost identical to the South Dakota state average.

Brutal Januarys and Mild Julys

Winter is the dominant season, with January temperatures averaging a frigid 11.9°F. Summer brings relief with a July average of 71.9°F and only 12 days exceeding 90°F.

A Focus on Winter Survival

Homeowners need top-tier insulation and reliable heating to survive the 11.9°F January average. Snow removal is a major part of life, as the county receives nearly 40 inches of snowfall annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Brown County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Entisol Loam Lands

Brown County features loamy soils belonging to the Entisols order with a pH of 7.12. This is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 7.05 and the national 6.5 median. With a soil score of 64.4, the county offers higher productivity than the typical South Dakota landscape.

The Ideal Loam Balance

The soil is a classic loam composed of 40.3% silt, 38.0% sand, and 21.7% clay. This mix is often called the 'gold standard' because it balances drainage, aeration, and nutrient retention perfectly. It is highly versatile for everything from row crops to delicate garden vegetables.

Superior Organic and Water Levels

The soil contains 4.06% organic matter, which exceeds the state average of 3.75%. The available water capacity is also high at 0.189 in/in, beating the state benchmark of 0.182. This combination ensures that your plants have constant access to both nutrients and moisture.

Well-Drained for Farm and Home

These soils are classified as well-drained and fall into hydrologic group C. This means they manage water effectively during normal rainfall but may have slower infiltration during extreme storms. This classification is generally favorable for home construction and septic systems.

Hardy Harvests in Zone 4a

Zone 4a has a shorter growing season, so choose fast-maturing varieties of corn and squash. The excellent loamy soil and 4.06% organic matter make it easy to grow prize-winning root vegetables like beets and carrots. Your soil is among the most workable and fertile in the northern plains.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Brown County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Lawn Success in Brown

Brown County boasts a 58.3 lawn score, significantly outperforming the state average of 51.1. In Zone 4a, residents enjoy some of the most favorable conditions for low-maintenance turf in the entire region.

Low Heat and Steady Growth

With only 12 extreme heat days—half the state average—turf remains vibrant longer into the summer. The 22.4 inches of precipitation, combined with 2,502 growing degree days, creates a predictable and steady mowing rhythm.

Excellent Loamy Soil Foundation

Lawns here benefit from well-drained loam soil, which is often considered the gold standard for gardening. While the 7.12 pH is slightly alkaline, the 38.0% sand content ensures great aeration for root development.

Leading the State in Resilience

Brown County is currently free of any drought designations, having only faced 12 weeks of drought in the past year. This makes it an outlier in the state, allowing for lush growth without constant irrigation intervention.

Maximizing a Shorter Season

Because the first frost arrives early on September 29th, timing is critical for fall fertilization. Plant hardy, cold-tolerant grass species after the May 9th frost to ensure they establish during the peak growing months.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brown County's county score?
Brown County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 42.5 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 Brown County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Brown County ranks #60 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 Brown County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Brown County is $2,553, with an effective tax rate of 1.20%. This earns Brown County a tax score of 25.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Brown County?
The median household income in Brown County, South Dakota is $70,239 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Brown County earns an income score of 67.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Brown County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Brown County scores 42.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Brown 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 Brown 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.