CountyScore

Brown County

South Dakota · SD

#58 in South Dakota
66.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Brown County, South Dakota

Brown County ranks above median

Brown County's composite score of 66.6 places it in the 67th percentile nationally, above the U.S. median of 50.0. It's a solid, if slightly modest, livability performer nationally.

Below South Dakota's average

Brown's score of 66.6 falls noticeably below the state average of 71.3, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of South Dakota's 66 counties. It's a less-favored choice compared to state peers.

Good health outcomes and incomes

Brown's health score of 76.6 is among the state's best, and its income score of 29.2 (median $70,239) is the strongest in this group. These reflect a healthier, more prosperous population than many rural counties.

Economic risk and rising taxes

Brown's risk score of just 26.5 is the lowest among these eight counties, signaling significant economic volatility and uncertainty. Its tax score of 68.5 and effective rate of 1.199% are also among the state's heaviest.

Best for resilient earners

Brown County suits working families with diverse income streams or established careers who can weather economic swings. Its health advantages and higher incomes appeal to those who prioritize wellness and earning potential over stability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax68.5Cost77SafetyComing SoonHealth76.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.2Risk26.5WaterComing Soon
🏛68.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡26.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Brown County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Broomfield County
Colorado
66.6
Median income: $121,025
Pueblo County
Colorado
66.6
Median income: $62,250
Coffee County
Georgia
66.6
Median income: $50,175
Wayne County
Georgia
66.6
Median income: $49,562
Tippecanoe County
Indiana
66.6
Median income: $58,622

Deep Dives

Brown County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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