countyscore
46.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 75.6Cost of Living 74.9Health 59

County Report Card

About Brule County, South Dakota

Closing the National Gap

Brule County scores 46.4 on the composite index, sitting just four points shy of the national median. It offers a profile that is increasingly competitive with larger counties nationwide.

Below the State Baseline

The county's overall score of 46.4 is nearly ten points lower than the South Dakota average of 55.9. Significant gaps in safety and infrastructure prevent it from ranking higher in the state.

Affordability and High Income

Income is a major strength with a score of 75.6 and a median household income of $74,043. Combined with a housing cost score of 74.9, the county provides excellent value for earners.

Safety and Water Infrastructure

Public safety is a major concern with a low score of 21.6, and water quality follows at 21.0. The school score of 24.8 also indicates significant room for improvement in local education.

A High-Value Economic Choice

Brule County is a strong fit for individuals focused on maximizing their take-home pay and minimizing housing costs. It is ideal for those who can navigate local safety and infrastructure challenges in exchange for high disposable income.

Score breakdown

Tax49Cost74.9Safety21.6Health59Schools24.8Income75.6Risk41.3Water21Weather36.1
🏛49
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼75.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡21.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤59
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓24.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡41.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧21
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.8
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

Buffalo County
South Dakota
65.9
Lyman County
South Dakota
59.4
Aurora County
South Dakota
61.3
Jerauld County
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Gregory County
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Tripp County
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Douglas County
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Charles Mix County
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Deep Dives

Brule County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Brule County

via TaxByCounty

Brule offers exceptionally low property taxes

At 0.849%, Brule County's effective tax rate is among the lowest in the nation, well below the 1.13% national median. The median tax bill of $1,744 is roughly 35% less than the national median of $2,690, delivering substantial savings even on higher home values.

South Dakota's most tax-friendly county

Brule County ranks as the lowest-tax county in South Dakota with a 0.849% effective rate, significantly below the state average of 1.094%. The median tax of $1,744, while above some rural counties, reflects the county's relatively higher median home value of $205,500 combined with the lowest rate in the state.

Region's most favorable tax environment

Brule County's 0.849% rate is dramatically lower than Aurora (1.080%), Beadle (1.053%), Bennett (1.027%), and all regional neighbors. Despite higher property values than many surrounding counties, Brule homeowners pay the least in taxes.

Median home: $205,500 = $1,744 tax

Brule County homeowners pay approximately $1,744 annually on the median home value of $205,500 at a 0.849% effective rate. This works out to roughly $145 per month—the lowest per-dollar burden in South Dakota despite the county's above-average home values.

Verify Brule assessments for maximum savings

Even in South Dakota's most tax-friendly county, assessment errors can happen. If your Brule County property's assessed value seems high compared to comparable homes, requesting a reassessment review could provide additional savings on an already favorable tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Brule County

via CostByCounty

Brule delivers South Dakota's best rental deal

Brule County's 11.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among America's most affordable, with $700 monthly rents against a $74,043 median household income that nearly matches national averages. This rare combination—low rents plus competitive incomes—puts Brule in elite affordability company.

Brule leads South Dakota on affordability

At 11.3% rent-to-income, Brule County ranks below the state average of 13.8%, making it one of South Dakota's most renter-friendly counties overall. The solid median household income ($74,043) strengthens its competitive position.

Brule combines low rents with strong income

Brule's $700 median rent undercuts most regional peers, while the $74,043 median household income exceeds Aurora ($74,130 is virtually identical) and clearly outpaces lower-income counties. This combination makes Brule genuinely exceptional.

Housing costs enable financial flexibility

Renters spend $700 monthly (11.3% of income) and homeowners $739 (12.0% of income), both well-managed figures against the $74,043 median household income. These rates leave substantial room for savings and other expenses.

Brule offers rare affordability-income balance

If you're seeking genuine financial breathing room without sacrificing income, Brule County merits serious consideration—few South Dakota counties match this combination. Strong incomes plus low housing costs create a sustainable foundation for relocation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Brule County

via IncomeByCounty

Brule matches national income closely

Brule County's median household income of $74,043 sits just $712 below the national median of $74,755—essentially at parity. This near-perfect alignment positions Brule residents among the truly comparable earners to average American households.

Top earner in South Dakota

Brule's $74,043 ranks as the second-highest median household income in this eight-county survey, exceeding South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by $7,117. Per capita income of $36,063 also surpasses the state's $35,667, slightly outpacing the typical South Dakotan.

Peer to Aurora, outpaces others

Brule's $74,043 nearly matches Aurora's $74,130 and trails only regional peers Brown ($70,239) by comparison. This puts Brule among the county's economic leaders, earning substantially more than Brookings, Bon Homme, Beadle, Bennett, and Buffalo counties.

Excellent housing affordability

Brule's rent-to-income ratio of 11.3% ranks among the lowest in the survey—housing claims just above one-ninth of median income. The median home value of $205,500 represents 2.8 years of household income, offering solid purchasing power for interested homebuyers.

Maximize savings in peak earning years

With $74,043 in median income and just 11.3% spent on housing, Brule households should aggressively fund retirement accounts and education savings. Consider maxing out 401(k) contributions and exploring additional investment vehicles to capitalize on strong earning years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Brule County

via CrimeByCounty

Brule County Nears National Averages

Brule County’s total crime rate of 2020.2 per 100K is closer to the national average of 2,385.5 than many of its neighbors. This gives the county a safety score of 96.8.

One of the Lower State Rankings

The county's safety score of 96.8 is among the lowest in South Dakota, where the average is 98.8. Its crime rate of 2020.2 is significantly higher than the state average of 788.1.

Higher Rates Than Nearby Aurora

Brule County sees much more crime per capita than neighboring Aurora County, which reports only 308.9. This disparity highlights Brule as a more active area for law enforcement.

Focusing on Property Crime Concerns

Property crime is the dominant issue in Brule at 1753.4 per 100K, while violent crime is 266.8. The property crime rate is nearing the national average of 2,015.7.

Strengthening Your Home Defense

High property crime rates suggest residents should be diligent about locking vehicles and securing homes. Installing well-lit entryways can help deter potential theft in the community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Brule County

via HealthByCounty

Brule County exceeds national longevity

Brule County's 79.1-year life expectancy tops the U.S. average of 74.5 years by 4.6 years, placing it among America's longer-lived counties. However, 17.0% of residents report poor or fair health, above the national average of 15%, suggesting health disparities within the county.

South Dakota's third-healthiest county

Brule's 79.1-year life expectancy ranks third in South Dakota, 3.7 years above the state average of 75.4 years. The county's 17.0% poor/fair health rate places it in the middle of state outcomes, balancing strong longevity with pockets of health challenges.

Strong longevity with robust provider access

Brule's 79.1-year life expectancy compares favorably to Brookings (79.9) and Beadle (78.4), and far exceeds Bennett (67.9). The county's 115 primary care providers per 100K is the highest in this group, supporting extensive preventive care access despite a 17% poor/fair health rate.

Higher uninsured rate despite strong providers

Brule's 13.4% uninsured rate exceeds the state average by 2.3 percentage points, the second-highest in this group. The county compensates with the strongest primary care density (115 per 100K) and 151 mental health providers per 100K, creating robust infrastructure even as coverage gaps persist.

Close Brule's coverage gap

Despite strong healthcare infrastructure, 13.4% of Brule County residents—1 in 7—lack health insurance, one of the state's highest rates. Visit healthcare.gov or call 211 to find affordable coverage options and protect yourself from medical debt.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Brule County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Educational Framework of Brule County

Brule County operates nine public schools, consisting of four elementary, two middle, and three high schools. These schools serve a total of 1,250 students across two main school districts. This structure provides a traditional K-12 path within a strictly rural setting.

Analyzing Performance and Classroom Funding

The county spends $7,391 per pupil, aligning almost exactly with the South Dakota state average. However, the graduation rate of 61.0% and the school score of 39.1 both fall below state and national benchmarks. These metrics suggest that the county is working through unique challenges to improve student outcomes and retention.

Chamberlain and Kimball School Districts

Chamberlain School District 07-1 is the primary educator, serving 851 students across three schools. The Kimball School District 07-2 manages five schools for its 357 students. There are no charter schools in the county, leaving all 1,250 students within the traditional public school system.

A Fully Rural Learning Environment

All nine schools in Brule County are classified as rural, creating a consistent environment for all students. Chamberlain Elementary is the largest school with 397 students, while the average school size across the county is 139. This scale allows for a familiar atmosphere where students typically move through the grades with the same cohort.

Settling Down in Brule County

Brule County offers a classic rural South Dakota lifestyle with schools that serve as the heart of the community. For those looking to move to the area, the Chamberlain and Kimball districts offer stability and small-town values. Explore local real estate to find a home that keeps you connected to these local school hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Brule County

via RiskByCounty

Brule's risk substantially exceeds national

Brule County's composite risk score of 58.72 lands in the "Relatively Low" category but exceeds the national average by 119%. Your county experiences significantly elevated natural disaster exposure driven by wildfire, flood, and moderate tornado threats.

Well above-average risk in South Dakota

Brule County ranks in South Dakota's higher-risk tier with a composite score of 58.72, more than double the state average of 26.84. The county faces substantially greater hazard exposure than most other South Dakota communities.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Brule's composite score of 58.72 exceeds neighboring Buffalo County (13.74) and Aurora County (19.59) but remains below Brown County (73.54). Brule ranks among the upper tier of South Dakota's most hazard-prone areas.

Wildfire leads Brule's hazard list

Wildfire risk (73.63) represents Brule County's dominant natural disaster threat, followed by flood risk (28.56) that reflects the county's position along major waterways. Tornado exposure (35.05) remains moderate but notable.

Emphasize wildfire and flood coverage

Brule County residents should ensure homeowners insurance includes comprehensive wildfire and fire damage coverage plus a separate flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program. Property owners near waterways should prioritize flood insurance given the moderate flood risk profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Brule County

via WeatherByCounty

A Hotter Pocket of the Prairie

Brule County averages 47.5°F annually, which is cooler than the 53°F national median but very warm for South Dakota. It receives 22.2 inches of precipitation, aligning closely with the state average.

One of the State's Warmer Zones

Brule sits 1.9 degrees above the South Dakota average of 45.6°F, marking it as one of the warmest counties in the state. This warmth is driven largely by intense summer temperature peaks.

Higher Heat and Heavier Snow

The county experiences 34 extreme heat days, significantly more than the 22 days seen in neighboring Beadle County. Despite the heat, it still receives a heavy 43.3 inches of snow annually.

Sizzling Summers and Snowy Winters

July is hot, averaging 74.8°F with over a month's worth of days above 90°F. January averages 19.9°F, and the county manages a substantial 43.3 inches of snow each winter.

Dual-Season Preparation is Required

High-capacity air conditioning is a must for the 34 days of extreme heat. Residents also need heavy-duty winter gear to handle the surprising 43 inches of snow that fall despite the warmth.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Brule County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Plains Soil Profile

While specific pH and taxonomic data are limited for Brule County, the region generally follows the alkaline trends of the South Dakota plains. The state average pH is 7.05, which supports a wide range of native grasses and grains. Local testing is recommended to determine the exact acidity of your specific plot.

Understanding Local Soil Texture

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently available for this county. However, neighboring areas often feature silty textures that are common across central South Dakota. You can perform a simple 'jar test' at home to see how your soil separates into different layers.

Building Fertile Ground

Brule County lacks specific available water capacity data, but the state average of 0.182 in/in serves as a good benchmark. To ensure your garden thrives, aim to match or beat the state organic matter average of 3.75% by adding compost. Healthy organic levels are the key to drought resilience in this region.

Observing Your Land's Drainage

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not recorded in this dataset. It is important to observe how water moves across your property after a heavy rain to identify potential drainage issues. Well-managed soil in this area typically supports both sturdy foundations and productive fields.

Sun-Loving Crops in Zone 5a

Brule County’s Zone 5a climate is excellent for growing heat-loving crops like melons, pumpkins, and sunflowers. Even with limited data, the region's agricultural history proves that this soil can be highly productive with proper care. Start a garden today and discover the unique potential of your local earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Brule County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty for Brule Lawns

Brule County presents a challenge with a low 40.8 lawn score, well below the state average of 51.1. Homeowners in this Zone 5a area must navigate significant environmental stressors to keep their grass alive.

Scorching Summers Test Turf

Lawns endure 34 extreme heat days per year, which is 10 days more than the state average. This high heat, combined with 2,940 growing degree days, puts immense pressure on moisture levels and grass health.

Limited Local Soil Data

Comprehensive soil data for pH and texture is currently unavailable for this county. Local growers should conduct individual soil tests to determine if they need to amend for the high heat and 22.2 inches of annual rain.

Extended Drought Hits Hard

Brule County suffered through 37 weeks of drought over the past year, and the entire area is currently abnormally dry. To conserve water, consider taller mowing heights to shade the soil and reduce surface evaporation.

Heat-Resistant Varieties Required

Tall Fescue is a strong candidate here due to its deep root system and heat tolerance. Plant after the May 3rd frost to give your lawn a head start before the intense summer heat arrives in July.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brule County's county score?
Brule County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 46.4 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 Brule County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Brule County ranks #53 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 Brule County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Brule County is $1,744, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Brule County a tax score of 49/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Brule County?
The median household income in Brule County, South Dakota is $74,043 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Brule County earns an income score of 75.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Brule County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Brule County scores 46.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Brule 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 Brule County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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