countyscore
43.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 76.8Health 62.3Income & Jobs 60.9

County Report Card

About Butte County, South Dakota

Falling Behind the National Median

Butte County earns a composite score of 43.5, placing it below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a community facing more livability hurdles than the average American county.

Trailing South Dakota’s Quality Standards

The county lags significantly behind the South Dakota state average composite score of 55.9. It struggles to match the performance of many of its neighbors in providing a balanced livability profile.

Resilience in Risk and Health

Natural disaster resilience is a major asset here, evidenced by a high risk score of 76.8. The county also maintains solid marks in health at 62.3 and household income at 60.9, with a median income of $67,692.

Struggling Schools and Water Quality

The school system faces significant challenges with a score of only 14.6, well below state norms. Residents also deal with poor water quality metrics at 33.2 and limited housing affordability scores.

A Fit for Low-Risk Seekers

Butte County suits independent households who prioritize environmental stability and decent middle-class incomes. However, families with school-aged children may find the local education system and infrastructure lacking.

Score breakdown

Tax33.9Cost33.8Safety60.2Health62.3Schools14.6Income60.9Risk76.8Water33.2Weather32.1
🏛33.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠33.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼60.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡60.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓14.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡76.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧33.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤32.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨46.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.2
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Butte County

Whether buying or refinancing in Butte County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Butte County with Early County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Early County
Georgia
Median income: $53,750
43.5
Terrebonne Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $64,819
43.5
Greene County
North Carolina
Median income: $50,904
43.5
Johnston County
North Carolina
Median income: $79,838
43.5
Okmulgee County
Oklahoma
Median income: $53,123
43.5
Pawnee County
Oklahoma
Median income: $57,551
43.5
Tillamook County
Oregon
Median income: $66,551
43.5
Bradley County
Tennessee
Median income: $63,789
43.5

Nearby counties

Lawrence County
South Dakota
43.9
Crook County
Wyoming
64.6
Harding County
South Dakota
74.8
Meade County
South Dakota
34.5
Carter County
Montana
72.6
Perkins County
South Dakota
66.3
Pennington County
South Dakota
27.8
Bowman County
North Dakota
64.9

Deep Dives

Butte County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Butte County

via TaxByCounty

Butte County taxes below national median

Butte County's effective tax rate of 1.058% sits comfortably below the national median property tax of $2,690. At the national percentile, Butte homeowners pay roughly 19% less in property taxes than the typical American household, placing the county in the lower-tax regions nationwide.

Butte ranks near middle for South Dakota

Among South Dakota's 66 counties, Butte's 1.058% effective rate runs slightly below the state average of 1.094%, putting it in the more affordable tier. The median property tax here is $2,197, compared to the state average of $1,785, reflecting Butte's higher median home values rather than tax burden.

Competitive with nearby Western counties

Butte County's 1.058% rate edges out Custer County's 0.779% but trails Campbell County's 1.440% effective rate. Among regional peers, Butte offers a moderate tax burden that appeals to homeowners seeking reasonable property taxes in the Black Hills area.

Median Butte home costs $2,197 yearly

With a median home value of $207,700 and a 1.058% effective rate, Butte homeowners pay approximately $2,197 in annual property taxes. This figure can reach $2,636 when including school and mortgage-related assessments, or drop to $1,658 for homeowners without mortgages.

Check if your assessment is fair

Many Butte County homeowners discover they are overassessed on their property tax bills and could recover thousands through a formal appeal. The county assessor's office provides guidance on filing a challenge if you believe your home's valuation exceeds its true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Butte County

via CostByCounty

Butte renters stretch harder than nation

Butte County renters spend 16.7% of their household income on rent, outpacing the national norm where housing typically claims 12-14% of earnings. With a median income of $67,692, the county sits below the national median of $74,755, making housing costs feel heavier on local wallets.

Above average rents for South Dakota

Butte's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks well above South Dakota's state average of 13.8%, signaling that renters here face tighter affordability than most of the state. The median rent of $940 exceeds the state average of $756 by nearly $185 per month.

Pricier than eastern South Dakota peers

Butte County's $940 monthly rent is significantly higher than neighboring Codington County ($901) and well above counties like Campbell ($635) and Corson ($473). The median home value of $207,700 also outpaces much of rural South Dakota, reflecting Butte's position as a more developed regional hub.

Where Butte's income goes

Renters dedicate $940 monthly while homeowners spend $990, with median income of $67,692 annually. Housing costs consume roughly one-fifth of gross monthly income for renters, leaving less for other necessities compared to the national standard.

Considering Butte? Factor in housing costs

If relocating to Butte County, budget for above-state-average rents and expect homeownership with a median value near $208,000. Compare these costs carefully against your income—renters here should plan for housing to eat up about 17% of earnings rather than the state average of 14%.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Butte County

via IncomeByCounty

Butte County earns below the nation

Butte County's median household income of $67,692 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about $7,000, placing it in the lower-middle range nationally. This $7,063 gap means Butte households earn roughly 91 cents for every dollar the average American household brings in. Despite this gap, the county's per capita income of $36,097 reflects solid earning potential relative to its population size.

Butte ranks slightly above South Dakota

At $67,692, Butte County's median household income exceeds South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by $766, placing it in the upper half of the state's counties. The county's per capita income of $36,097 also surpasses the state average of $35,667, signaling stronger individual earning power. This positioning reflects Butte's relative economic strength within South Dakota.

Butte outearns most neighboring counties

Butte County's $67,692 median household income leads Campbell County ($65,000) and Charles Mix County ($64,850), though Custer County to the south significantly exceeds it at $81,958. Compared to its immediate regional peers, Butte occupies a solid middle-to-upper position. The variation across these neighboring counties reflects differing economic bases and industry mixes across the Black Hills region.

Housing costs stay manageable here

Butte County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% sits slightly above the widely-accepted affordability threshold of 15%, suggesting housing consumes a meaningful portion of household budgets. With a median home value of $207,700, homeownership remains accessible for median-income families, though rental competition may edge toward affordability strain. Overall, income adequately supports both renters and homeowners, though some households at lower income levels may face tighter budgets.

Build your financial foundation now

Butte County households earning $67,692 have meaningful capacity to direct 10–15% of income toward savings, retirement, and investment accounts—the cornerstone of long-term wealth. Starting or increasing contributions to employer 401(k) plans, IRAs, or taxable investment accounts now accelerates compound growth over decades. Consider meeting with a local financial advisor to develop a plan tailored to Butte's cost of living and family goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Butte County

via CrimeByCounty

Butte County Ranks High for National Safety

Butte County earns a high safety score of 98.6 out of 100, far exceeding national trends. Its total crime rate of 916.2 per 100,000 residents is roughly 60% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Tracking Close to the South Dakota Average

The county's safety score sits just below the South Dakota state average of 98.8. With a total crime rate of 916.2, Butte County is slightly more active than the state average of 788.1 per 100,000 people.

A Secure Choice Among Regional Peers

Butte County remains a safe regional hub compared to many national counterparts. While its crime rate is higher than some neighboring rural counties, it maintains a strong safety profile across its two reporting agencies.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for 781.2 incidents per 100,000 residents, while the violent crime rate is 135.0. This means the vast majority of law enforcement activity involves non-violent theft or vandalism rather than person-to-person crime.

Simple Steps to Deter Local Property Crime

With property crime as the primary local concern, visible security measures like motion-sensor lights can make a big difference. Keeping vehicles and outbuildings locked remains the most effective way to protect your property in Butte County.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Butte County

via HealthByCounty

Butte County outlives the nation

At 78.5 years, Butte County residents live nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.8 years. The county's 14.7% poor or fair health rate tracks close to the national average, suggesting a population that generally rates their health positively despite chronic conditions.

Above average within South Dakota

Butte County's 78.5-year life expectancy ranks well above South Dakota's 75.4-year state average. The county also outperforms the state's 11.1% uninsured rate, with only 14.3% of residents uninsured—though that's still above-state average.

Stronger than some, weaker than others

Butte County's life expectancy and uninsured rate fall between nearby counties: it beats Charles Mix County (71.4 years) but trails Clark County's exceptional 81.0 years. Butte has moderate primary care availability at 29 per 100K, compared to Codington County's robust 95 per 100K.

Uninsured rate above state average

With 14.3% of residents uninsured, Butte County faces a gap in coverage that exceeds the state average by 3.2 percentage points. Mental health providers are reasonably available at 55 per 100K, though primary care capacity at 29 per 100K suggests some access constraints.

Check your health insurance options

Butte County's above-average uninsured rate means many residents lack the coverage they need. Explore federal marketplace plans, Medicaid eligibility, or employer options to ensure you're protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Butte County

via SchoolsByCounty

The School Network of Butte County

Butte County supports 1,618 students across eight public schools, including three elementary, two middle, and three high schools. These facilities are managed by two districts and include one alternative school for non-traditional learners. This layout provides a balanced educational infrastructure for the county's growing population.

Graduation Success and Lean Spending

Butte County achieves a graduation rate of 83.4%, which slightly exceeds the state average of 82.4%. This performance is notable as the county spends only $5,831 per pupil, one of the lower expenditure rates in the region. The composite school score of 47.5 reflects a system that is holding its own against state medians.

Belle Fourche Leads the Local Schools

The Belle Fourche School District 09-1 is the county's largest, serving 1,329 students across five schools. The Newell School District 09-2 serves an additional 289 students. Like many other South Dakota counties, Butte has no charter schools, focusing all resources on its two traditional public districts.

A Blend of Town Hubs and Rural Schools

Five of the county's schools are located in town settings like Belle Fourche, while three remain rural. Belle Fourche Middle School is the largest campus with 401 students, and the countywide average school size is 202. This mix provides students with a variety of campus sizes as they progress from early elementary through high school.

Finding Your Place in Butte County

Families looking for a community with solid graduation rates and efficient school management will find Butte County appealing. The schools in Belle Fourche and Newell are central to the region's identity and future growth. Consider browsing homes in the Belle Fourche area to take advantage of the county's largest educational hub.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Butte County

via RiskByCounty

Butte County's disaster risk: well below average

Butte County scores 23.25 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Very Low category and below the national average. This score reflects relatively modest exposure to most natural hazards, though wildfire risk deserves attention in this region.

Safer than most South Dakota counties

At 23.25, Butte County's risk score sits comfortably below South Dakota's state average of 26.84, ranking it among the state's safer counties. This positions Butte well compared to peers facing tornado or flood-prone conditions elsewhere in the state.

Wildfire risk sets Butte apart regionally

Butte County's wildfire risk of 86.90 is notably higher than neighboring Campbell (77.51) and Corson (77.26) counties, making it the area's wildfire hotspot. However, its flood and tornado risks remain low relative to eastern South Dakota counties like Codington and Charles Mix.

Wildfire and earthquake: Butte's main concerns

Wildfire risk dominates Butte County at 86.90, significantly elevated compared to the county's overall composite score. Earthquake risk (28.28) and flood risk (33.43) are secondary but manageable concerns for residents and property owners.

Prioritize wildfire coverage for Butte homes

Standard homeowners policies often exclude wildfire damage; Butte County residents should verify coverage or add a separate wildfire rider given the 86.90 risk score. Consider defensible space maintenance around structures and review flood insurance options, especially near water bodies.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Butte County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool Continental Climate in Butte County

Butte County maintains an average annual temperature of 45.4°F, falling well below the national median. This semi-arid region experiences dry conditions with only 17.6 inches of annual precipitation.

A Standard Profile for South Dakota

The county's 45.4°F average temperature almost perfectly mirrors the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. While its temperature is typical, the county is notably drier than the state average of 22.7 inches of precipitation.

Drier and Warmer Than Northern Neighbors

Butte averages 45.4°F, which is slightly warmer than neighboring Corson County's 44.1°F. It remains significantly drier than eastern South Dakota counties, receiving about 5 inches less rain than the state norm.

Steamy Summers and Snowy Winters

Residents face 33 days of extreme heat above 90°F each year, concentrated in July when averages hit 72.5°F. Winter brings a different challenge with 41.7 inches of annual snowfall and January lows averaging 20.4°F.

Preparing for Arid Extremes

Homeowners should invest in high-efficiency cooling for the frequent 90-degree summer days. Reliable snow removal equipment is also essential to manage the 41.7 inches of snow that covers the landscape each year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Butte County

via SoilByCounty

Young alkaline soils of Butte County

Butte County features Entisols, a young soil order often found on shifting landscapes. Its 7.14 average pH is more alkaline than the national 6.5 median and slightly exceeds the state average of 7.05.

A gravelly loam with balanced texture

The soil contains 37.3% silt, 32.0% sand, and 28.5% clay. This gravelly loam texture provides a mix of particle sizes that supports structural stability while remaining workable for local agricultural uses.

Lower water capacity than state averages

Organic matter sits at 2.23%, which is well below the South Dakota average of 3.75%. This lower organic content, paired with an available water capacity of 0.159 in/in, makes consistent moisture management critical for local crops.

Excessive drainage in hydrologic group A

The soil is classified as excessively drained and belongs to hydrologic group A. This means water moves through the profile very rapidly, reducing runoff but requiring more frequent watering for shallow-rooted plants.

Tough plants for zone 4b

This county falls into USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. While the soil score of 46.6 is lower than the state average, hardy grains and drought-tolerant perennials can flourish here with proper care.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Butte County

via LawnByCounty

Managing High Plains Lawns in Butte County

Butte County earns a 50.2 lawn difficulty score, placing it nearly even with the national median of 50.0. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, growers must choose hardy turf varieties that can withstand the region's cold winters and variable humidity.

Dry Air and Frequent Summer Heat

With only 17.6 inches of annual precipitation, local lawns receive significantly less water than the state average of 22.8 inches. Residents manage 33 extreme heat days each year, making supplemental irrigation essential to support the 2,449 growing degree days.

Fast-Draining Gravelly Loam Soils

The soil features a pH of 7.14, which is slightly more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrasses. Because the ground is classified as excessively drained, nutrients and water can leach away quickly, requiring careful monitoring of soil health.

Adapting to Arid Growing Cycles

Butte County experienced 8 weeks of drought over the last year, and 70.4% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. Deep-root watering strategies are vital here to build resilience against the semi-arid climate of the western plains.

Planning for the Butte Growing Season

Kentucky Bluegrass and Buffalograss are excellent choices for this 4b zone, especially with the last frost typically occurring around May 11. Aim to have your lawn established before the first fall frost arrives near September 28 to ensure winter survival.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butte County's county score?
Butte County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 43.5 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 Butte County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Butte County ranks #55 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 Butte County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Butte County is $2,197, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns Butte County a tax score of 33.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Butte County?
The median household income in Butte County, South Dakota is $67,692 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Butte County earns an income score of 60.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Butte County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Butte County scores 43.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Butte 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 Butte County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.