CountyScore

Butte County

South Dakota · SD

#42 in South Dakota
69.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Butte County, South Dakota

Butte County outpaces national median

With a composite score of 69.9, Butte County scores nearly 40% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This performance reflects strong fundamentals across affordability and tax burden, making it a solid livability choice by national standards.

Slightly below South Dakota average

Butte County ranks just below the state average composite score of 71.3, placing it in the middle tier of South Dakota's county landscape. While competitive, the county trails a few stronger peers in the state on overall livability metrics.

Affordability and resilience stand out

Butte County excels in cost (76.3) and risk (76.8), with a median home value of $207,700 and strong tax efficiency at 1.058%. Health outcomes score a solid 70.4, and the county maintains reasonable housing costs with median rent at $940/month.

Income growth lags behind peers

The county's income score of 27.6 is significantly below peers, with a median household income of $67,692—lower than several surrounding counties. This gap suggests limited high-wage job opportunities or economic dynamism in the local labor market.

Best for cost-conscious families

Butte County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability and stable living costs over rapid income growth. The combination of low taxes, reasonable housing, and decent health care makes it an attractive option for those seeking a moderate quality of life without premium price tags.

Score breakdown

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

Tax72.5Cost76.3SafetyComing SoonHealth70.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.6Risk76.8WaterComing Soon
🏛72.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡76.8
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 Butte County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cullman County
Alabama
69.9
Median income: $60,916
Union County
Arkansas
69.9
Median income: $50,221
Fannin County
Georgia
69.9
Median income: $58,073
Cheyenne County
Kansas
69.9
Median income: $55,765
Jackson County
Kansas
69.9
Median income: $72,703

Deep Dives

Butte County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.