Campbell County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#20 in South Dakota
62.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.6Safety 91.9Cost of Living 83.8

County Report Card

About Campbell County, South Dakota

Outperforming the National Median

Campbell County boasts an impressive composite score of 62.9, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high ranking suggests a quality of life superior to most counties across the United States.

A Leader in South Dakota Livability

With a score of 62.9, Campbell County comfortably beats the South Dakota state average of 55.9. It stands out as one of the most stable and affordable regions in the state.

Exceptional Safety and Environmental Stability

The county excels with a near-perfect risk score of 95.6 and a safety score of 91.9. Extreme affordability further defines the area, with a median home value of just $87,900 and a cost score of 83.8.

Tax Burdens and Water Issues

The local tax burden is heavy, resulting in a low tax score of 15.5 due to a 1.44% effective tax rate. Additionally, water quality remains a concern with a score of only 17.8.

A Secure Haven for Savers

This county is ideal for retirees or remote workers looking for maximum safety and rock-bottom housing costs. Those who can overlook higher property taxes will find unparalleled peace of mind and financial breathing room.

Score breakdown

Tax15.5Cost83.8Safety91.9Health69.2Schools45.9Income54.5Risk95.6Water17.8Weather36.5
🏛15.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠83.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼54.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡91.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
69.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓45.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
95.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧17.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤36.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨60.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱53.1
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

Campbell County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Campbell County

via TaxByCounty

Campbell County taxes well below national

Campbell County's effective tax rate of 1.440% generates only $1,266 in median property taxes—less than half the national median of $2,690. This places Campbell among the nation's most tax-affordable counties, a significant advantage for homeowners seeking low tax burden.

Campbell ranks high for South Dakota taxes

Campbell County's 1.440% effective rate exceeds South Dakota's state average of 1.094%, but its median property tax of $1,266 stays well below the state median of $1,785. This reflects Campbell's lower home values and overall property valuations compared to more urban counties.

Among highest rates in the region

Campbell's 1.440% effective rate is notably higher than Butte County's 1.058% and Corson County's 1.337%, making it the priciest among immediate neighbors. Despite this, Campbell's median home value of $87,900 keeps actual tax bills among the lowest in the state.

Campbell residents pay $1,266 annually

A median home valued at $87,900 with Campbell's 1.440% effective rate translates to roughly $1,266 in annual property taxes. Even with mortgage-related assessments, taxes remain minimal at $1,274—well below what most South Dakota homeowners pay.

Appeal if you suspect overassessment

Campbell County homeowners should verify their property assessments, as overvaluation is common and could trigger refunds through an appeal. Contact the county assessor to request a reassessment if you believe your valuation is out of line with comparable properties.

Cost of Living in Campbell County

via CostByCounty

Campbell offers rare rental affordability

Campbell County renters dedicate just 11.7% of household income to rent—well below the national range of 12-14%—making it one of South Dakota's most affordable markets. With median income at $65,000 and rent at $635 monthly, renters here keep substantially more take-home pay than the national average.

South Dakota's most affordable option

Campbell County's 11.7% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 13.8%, placing it among the state's most renter-friendly counties. Monthly rent of $635 sits $121 below the state median of $756, translating to real savings for budget-conscious households.

Cheapest rents in the region

At $635 monthly, Campbell's rent undercuts all nearby counties—Corson ($473 is lower but much more rural), Codington ($901), and Butte ($940) are all considerably higher. The median home value of just $87,900 makes Campbell attractive for first-time buyers seeking entry-level property.

Lean housing costs, strong margin

Renters pay $635 monthly while homeowners spend $672 on a median-valued home of $87,900, against a $65,000 median income. Housing claims less than 12% of monthly earnings for renters, leaving the most breathing room of any county in this profile.

Campbell County: South Dakota's best deal

If affordability tops your relocation priorities, Campbell County delivers the lowest rents and home values in this region. Your housing dollar stretches furthest here, with renters spending under 12% of income and homebuyers finding median properties under $90,000.

Income & Jobs in Campbell County

via IncomeByCounty

Campbell trails national income benchmark

Campbell County's median household income of $65,000 falls $9,755 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom third nationally. This 13% income gap reflects Campbell's smaller, more rural economic base relative to national averages. However, the county's strong per capita income of $42,435—well above the national norm—suggests concentrated earning power among those employed.

Campbell ranks near South Dakota average

Campbell County's median household income of $65,000 falls slightly below South Dakota's state average of $66,926, placing it in the middle tier statewide. Its per capita income of $42,435 substantially exceeds the state average of $35,667, indicating higher individual earnings despite fewer overall households. This profile suggests Campbell has strong wage earners but smaller population numbers compared to state averages.

Campbell holds ground in regional earnings

Campbell County's $65,000 median household income ranks third among nearby counties, behind Butte ($67,692) and ahead of Charles Mix ($64,850) and Clark ($62,885). The county's per capita income of $42,435 leads most neighbors, reflecting concentrated high-earning employment sectors. Campbell's affordability profile benefits from lower median home values ($87,900) compared to regional peers.

Rent remains very affordable here

Campbell County's exceptional rent-to-income ratio of 11.7% ranks among South Dakota's most affordable housing markets, well below the 15% affordability threshold. With median home values at only $87,900, Campbell offers homeownership accessibility unmatched in the region. Median households enjoy substantial monthly surplus after housing costs, enabling easier savings and quality of life.

Leverage Campbell's housing affordability

With housing consuming just 11.7% of income, Campbell County households enjoy rare financial breathing room to prioritize wealth-building strategies. Direct savings from the low housing-cost advantage into diversified investments, education funds, or emergency reserves to compound growth over time. A financial advisor can help optimize this affordability advantage into a personalized wealth-building roadmap.

Safety in Campbell County

via CrimeByCounty

Remarkable Safety Levels in Campbell County

Campbell County boasts a nearly perfect safety score of 99.8 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 130.4 per 100,000 residents is a small fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Public Safety

Campbell County is significantly safer than the average South Dakota county, which has a mean safety score of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 130.4 is much lower than the state average of 788.1 per 100,000 residents.

Exceptional Security Among Northern Neighbors

With only one agency reporting, these low numbers suggest an exceptionally quiet environment. Campbell stands out even in a safe state like South Dakota as a high-security outlier.

Zero Violent Crimes Reported in 2022

Campbell County reported a violent crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents, meaning all reported incidents were property-related. The total property crime rate of 130.4 reflects an extremely low frequency of theft or burglary.

Maintaining a High Standard of Safety

While crime is rare, basic home security habits help maintain this community's exceptional safety record. Even simple measures like locking doors and knowing your neighbors contribute to Campbell County's peace of mind.

Health in Campbell County

via HealthByCounty

Campbell County's health outlook unclear

Life expectancy data for Campbell County is not currently available, limiting our ability to compare against the national average of 76.8 years. However, the county's 13.5% poor or fair health rate is slightly better than the U.S. average, signaling generally positive health perception among residents.

Low uninsured rate, strong mental health

Campbell County leads South Dakota with just 10.0% uninsured—nearly 1 point below the state average of 11.1%. Mental health providers at 75 per 100K exceed the state average, suggesting good access to behavioral health services.

Coverage champion among peers

Campbell County's 10.0% uninsured rate is the lowest in this comparison group, beating Clark County (9.4%) by a hair and well ahead of Charles Mix County (15.5%). Its mental health capacity at 75 per 100K outpaces nearby Butte County but lags Codington County's exceptional 359 per 100K.

Few uninsured, limited primary care data

Campbell County's strong insurance coverage protects residents from medical debt, though primary care provider data is unavailable. With 75 mental health providers per 100K, the county demonstrates clear commitment to behavioral health access.

Maintain your health insurance

Campbell County's excellent uninsured rate reflects strong local enrollment. Keep your coverage current and review annual options during open enrollment to stay protected.

Schools in Campbell County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Educational Hub in Herreid

Campbell County operates a streamlined educational system consisting of three schools and 151 students. A single school district manages the entire county infrastructure, which includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school.

Investment Levels and Graduation Metrics

The county invests $10,084 per pupil, which exceeds the state average of $7,409 but remains below the national benchmark of $13,000. The graduation rate of 75.0% trails both the South Dakota average of 82.4% and the national mark of 87.0%.

Herreid School District Leads the Way

The Herreid School District 10-1 is the sole provider of public education in the county, serving all 151 enrolled students. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county's boundaries.

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

Every school in the county is classified as rural, offering an average school size of just 50 students. Herreid Elementary is the largest campus with 76 students, while Herreid Middle School is the smallest with 35 students.

Find a Home in Campbell County

Families seeking small, rural classroom settings often look for homes near the Herreid campus. Explore local listings to find a community where every student receives individual attention.

Disaster Risk in Campbell County

via RiskByCounty

Campbell County: South Dakota's safest county

With a composite risk score of just 4.39, Campbell County ranks in the Very Low category and well below the national average. This makes it one of the lowest-risk counties for natural disasters in the entire region.

Lowest risk ranking in South Dakota

Campbell County's 4.39 score is dramatically lower than South Dakota's 26.84 state average, making it the safest county in the state by composite risk. No other county in South Dakota comes close to Campbell's low exposure profile.

Significantly safer than regional peers

Campbell County's 4.39 risk score is far below neighboring Butte (23.25) and Corson (38.10) counties. Its minimal flood (8.65), tornado (14.34), and earthquake (4.23) risks create a notably protective geographic position.

Wildfire only elevated concern in Campbell

Wildfire risk at 77.51 is Campbell County's sole hazard of concern, standing in sharp contrast to the county's minimal flood, tornado, and earthquake threats. Even this wildfire score remains manageable compared to neighboring counties.

Wildfire insurance essential despite low overall risk

Campbell County residents should prioritize wildfire coverage on homeowners policies, as standard policies often exclude this hazard despite the 77.51 risk score. For most other natural disaster risks, basic coverage through standard homeowners policies provides adequate protection.

Weather & Climate in Campbell County

via WeatherByCounty

Chilly North-Central Plains Living

Campbell County's average temperature of 44.3°F reflects a cool continental climate typical of the northern plains. This is significantly cooler than the national median, shaped by long, cold winters.

Cooler Than the State Average

At 44.3°F, Campbell County stays cooler than the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. It is also quite dry, receiving 18.3 inches of precipitation compared to the state average of 22.7 inches.

Typical Temperatures for the Region

Campbell’s climate closely tracks its neighbor Corson County, which averages 44.1°F. However, Campbell sees slightly fewer extreme heat days, with 23 days reaching 90°F or higher.

Sharp Temperature Swings Throughout the Year

Winter is intense here, with January averages plunging to 13.5°F and 34.4 inches of snow falling annually. Summers are warm but brief, peaking in July with an average of 72.6°F.

Winter Preparedness is Priority One

Heating systems must be robust to handle winter averages of 16.8°F from December through February. While summers reach 90°F frequently, the primary focus for residents is managing snow and extreme cold.

Soil Quality in Campbell County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline levels typical of the prairie

Campbell County shares a 7.14 pH average with its neighbors, leaning more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited for this region, the pH suggests a soil chemistry typical of northern plains grasslands.

Silt-dominant profiles for Campbell

With a composition of 42.9% silt and 34.3% sand, this soil offers a fine-grained foundation. The 22.8% clay content is sufficient to help hold nutrients without creating the heavy workability issues of denser clays.

Healthy organic matter near state norms

The soil holds 3.53% organic matter, nearly matching the South Dakota state average of 3.75%. An available water capacity of 0.183 in/in also aligns perfectly with the state benchmark, providing a reliable reservoir for plant growth.

Reliable moisture for northern fields

Specific drainage class data is unavailable for this county. However, the soil score of 60.5 suggests a profile that is generally supportive of agricultural productivity and stable water movement.

Northern gardening in zone 4b

Gardening in Zone 4b requires plants that can handle a short growing season and cold winters. Sunflowers and wheat are regional staples that take well to these silty, fertile soils.

Lawn Care in Campbell County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions on the Northern Border

Campbell County scores a 53.1 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it easier to maintain than both the state average and the national median. This Zone 4b region provides a slightly more forgiving environment for home landscaping despite the cold northern winters.

Cooler Summers Benefit Northern Lawns

The county experiences 23 extreme heat days, which is just below the state average, helping to preserve soil moisture. While the 18.3 inches of annual rainfall is low compared to the national ideal, the 2,581 growing degree days offer a steady pace for turf development.

Slightly Alkaline Soil Foundations

Local soils maintain a pH of 7.14 and a composition of 22.8% clay and 34.3% sand. This balance provides a decent structure for root growth, though homeowners may need to monitor for alkalinity to ensure optimal nutrient uptake.

Stable Moisture Levels in Campbell

The county saw 10 weeks of drought in the past year, but currently, none of the area is classified under drought conditions. This stability provides a great window for restorative maintenance or starting new lawn projects without immediate water restrictions.

Seeding for Success in Zone 4b

Wait for the ground to warm after the May 8 frost date before seeding cool-season favorites like Fine Fescue. With the first fall frost expected around September 30, your grass has a clear window to establish a strong root system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Campbell County's county score?
Campbell County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 62.9 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 Campbell County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Campbell County ranks #20 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 Campbell County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Campbell County is $1,266, with an effective tax rate of 1.44%. This earns Campbell County a tax score of 15.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Campbell County?
The median household income in Campbell County, South Dakota is $65,000 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Campbell County earns an income score of 54.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Campbell County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Campbell County scores 62.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Campbell 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 Campbell County with other counties side by side.