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Charles Mix County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#38 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
55.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 80.6Cost of Living 73.3

County Report Card

About Charles Mix County, South Dakota

Above the National Average

Charles Mix County earns a composite score of 55.3, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates a solid standard of living compared to the rest of the country.

In Line with State Norms

The county’s score of 55.3 is nearly identical to the South Dakota state average of 55.9. It represents a typical South Dakotan experience, balancing rural affordability with regional service challenges.

Strong Infrastructure and High Safety

The county shines with a water score of 86.0 and a safety score of 80.6. Housing is also highly accessible, with a cost score of 73.3 and a median gross rent of only $727 per month.

Healthcare Access Lags Behind

Health services are a notable weak point, evidenced by a low score of 29.7. The tax score of 32.7 also suggests that the local tax environment is less favorable than in neighboring counties.

Practical Living with a Safety Net

Charles Mix County is a great fit for people who value safety and reliable water infrastructure at a low price point. It best suits individuals who are healthy and do not require frequent access to specialized medical care.

2040608010032.773.380.629.744.653.851.58639.3Tax32.7Cost73.3Safety80.6Health29.7Schools44.6Income53.8Risk51.5Water86Weather39.355.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Charles Mix County DNA

Foverall

How Charles Mix County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Charles Mix County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Health (29.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
32.7-19.299999999999997
Cost
73.3+25.299999999999997
Safety
80.6+25.599999999999994
Health
29.7-20.3
Schools
44.6-9.399999999999999
Income
53.8
Risk
51.5
Water
86+28
Weather
39.3-16.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$169,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$727/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$169,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,850/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

32.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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Deep Dives

Charles Mix County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Charles Mix County

via TaxByCounty

Charles Mix taxes significantly below US

Charles Mix County's effective tax rate of 1.077% and median property tax of $1,823 run substantially lower than the national median of $2,690. Homeowners here enjoy roughly 32% lower property taxes than typical American households, reflecting the county's rural profile.

Charles Mix slightly above state average

At 1.077% effective rate, Charles Mix edges slightly above South Dakota's state average of 1.094%, though its median tax of $1,823 exceeds the state median of $1,785. The county ranks in the middle tier for South Dakota property taxes, balancing reasonable rates with moderate home values.

Similar to Clark and Butte nearby

Charles Mix's 1.077% rate closely matches Butte County's 1.058%, while both counties run below Campbell's 1.440% and Corson's 1.337%. This positions Charles Mix as a moderate-tax area within its regional cluster of Southeast Dakota counties.

Median Charles Mix bill is $1,823

With a median home value of $169,200 and a 1.077% effective rate, Charles Mix homeowners pay approximately $1,823 in annual property taxes. Costs can rise to $2,415 when including mortgage assessments, or fall to $1,578 for owners without mortgages.

Review your assessment for accuracy

Many Charles Mix County homeowners overpay taxes due to inflated property assessments and can recover money through a formal appeal process. The county assessor's office supports taxpayer requests for reassessment if evidence suggests the valuation exceeds fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Charles Mix County

via CostByCounty

Charles Mix hits state housing sweet spot

Charles Mix County renters spend 13.4% of household income on rent, nearly matching the national benchmark and sitting close to South Dakota's 13.8% state average. With median income at $64,850 and monthly rent at $727, the county offers reasonably balanced housing affordability.

Right at South Dakota's average

Charles Mix's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio sits just slightly below the state average of 13.8%, placing it squarely in the middle of South Dakota's affordability spectrum. The $727 monthly rent falls just $29 below the state median, marking Charles Mix as a representative county.

Moderate costs, stable market

Charles Mix rents of $727 fall between the bargain basement (Campbell at $635) and pricier markets (Codington at $901, Butte at $940). The median home value of $169,200 reflects a modest, stable real estate market without the premium pricing of neighboring Custer County.

Balanced housing budget

Both renters ($727) and homeowners ($723) shoulder similar monthly costs, with a median income of $64,850 annually distributing the burden fairly evenly. Housing consumes roughly 13-14% of gross monthly earnings, putting households near the regional norm.

Charles Mix offers middle-ground stability

If you seek a county close to state averages without premium costs or extreme bargains, Charles Mix delivers steady, predictable housing economics. Renters and buyers alike will find expenses align with the South Dakota standard, making long-term budgeting straightforward.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Charles Mix County

via IncomeByCounty

Charles Mix income lags national average

Charles Mix County's median household income of $64,850 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $10,000, placing it firmly in the lower-income tier nationally. This represents an 13.2% income deficit relative to American households, reflecting Charles Mix's rural agricultural and small-business economy. The county's per capita income of $29,095 is notably low, suggesting significant income concentration or limited high-wage employment opportunities.

Charles Mix below South Dakota average

At $64,850, Charles Mix County falls short of South Dakota's median household income of $66,926 by $2,076, placing it in the lower half of state counties. Its per capita income of $29,095 substantially lags the state average of $35,667, indicating fewer high-earning households or smaller overall workforce. This gap suggests Charles Mix faces structural economic challenges relative to other South Dakota regions.

Charles Mix trails surrounding counties

Charles Mix County's $64,850 median household income ranks fourth among its nearby peers, behind Butte ($67,692), Campbell ($65,000), and narrowly ahead of Clark ($62,885). The county's per capita income of $29,095 is the lowest in this regional cluster, indicating fewer high-wage employment anchors. Geographic isolation and agricultural dependence may explain Charles Mix's lower earnings relative to neighboring economies.

Housing costs require careful budgeting

Charles Mix County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% remains below the affordability threshold, though the median home value of $169,200 represents a significant commitment relative to household income. For median earners, housing is manageable; however, below-median households may face real affordability strain. Renters benefit from generally lower costs, while prospective homebuyers should account for the higher ratio of home values to income.

Start small, build consistent habits

Charles Mix County households at the median income level should prioritize building an emergency fund before pursuing aggressive investments, given the county's lower income profile. Even modest contributions of $50–100 monthly to savings accounts create a financial buffer against unexpected expenses. Once a three-to-six-month emergency reserve is in place, consider employer retirement plans or low-cost index funds for long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Charles Mix County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong National Standing for Charles Mix

Charles Mix County earns an impressive 99.3 safety score, placing it well above national norms. The total crime rate of 462.3 per 100,000 residents is far lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Surpassing South Dakota Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 99.3 beats the South Dakota state average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 462.3 is also notably lower than the state average of 788.1 per 100,000 people.

Reliable Safety Across Three Agencies

With data from three reporting agencies, the county provides a robust picture of local security. It consistently outperforms many regional neighbors in maintaining low crime rates per capita.

Breaking Down Violent and Property Rates

Violent crime in Charles Mix County is relatively low at 96.8 per 100,000 residents, while property crime is slightly higher at 365.5. Both figures remain significantly below national levels of 369.8 for violent crime and 2,015.7 for property crime.

Secure Your Property for Peace of Mind

Most local incidents involve property, making home security cameras and well-lit entryways valuable tools. Staying vigilant about locking up can help keep these low crime numbers steady.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Charles Mix County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Rural Education Infrastructure

Charles Mix County supports 1,734 students across 13 public schools organized into three distinct districts. The landscape includes six elementary, three middle, and three high schools to serve the region's youth.

Strong Graduation Rates and Local Investment

The county achieves an 85.0% graduation rate, outperforming the state average of 82.4% and nearly meeting the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $8,066, which is higher than the South Dakota average but lower than the national average.

Wagner Community Leads District Enrollment

Wagner Community School District 11-4 is the largest in the county, educating 905 students across four schools. Other significant districts include Platte-Geddes and Andes Central, and no charter schools currently operate in the area.

A Completely Rural School Setting

All 13 schools in Charles Mix County are located in rural areas, fostering a tight-knit community feel with an average school size of 133 students. Wagner Elementary is the largest facility with 345 students, while several smaller campuses serve the outlying regions.

Relocate Near Charles Mix Schools

Homebuyers often prioritize the Wagner or Platte-Geddes areas for their robust school infrastructure and community focus. Start your home search today to join a district that consistently beats state graduation averages.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Charles Mix County

via RiskByCounty

Charles Mix faces above-average disaster risk

Charles Mix County scores 48.54 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category but significantly above the national average. This elevated score reflects meaningful exposure across multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes.

Among South Dakota's riskier counties

At 48.54, Charles Mix County nearly doubles South Dakota's state average of 26.84, positioning it in the upper tier of statewide risk. Only a handful of South Dakota counties face comparable or higher composite disaster exposure.

Tornado risk elevated above regional average

Charles Mix County's tornado risk of 55.31 significantly exceeds neighboring Clay (60.18 but lower overall) and Codington (77.00) counties in eastern South Dakota. Its flood risk (40.46) also runs higher than western counties, reflecting Charles Mix's position in South Dakota's flood-prone southeast.

Tornadoes and floods dominate Charles Mix risks

Tornado risk (55.31) and flood risk (40.46) are Charles Mix County's primary hazards, reflecting the county's location in a historically active corridor. Combined, these two hazards account for the majority of the county's elevated composite risk score.

Tornado shelters and flood insurance are critical

Charles Mix County residents should invest in safe rooms or basements for tornado protection and maintain current flood insurance, especially for properties near waterways. Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage; federal NFIP or private flood insurance is essential given the 40.46 flood risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Charles Mix County

via WaterByCounty

Charles Mix Maintains Perfect Compliance

The county earns an 'A' grade for drinking water, reporting zero health violations over the last five years. This performance is superior to the state average violation rate of 47.6. Local utilities successfully meet all federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

Watershed Assessments Not Yet Recorded

Local water bodies have not been assessed under the current federal Clean Water Act Section 303(d) standards. This lack of ATTAINS data means no official impairment causes are currently on file. This gap highlights the need for continued local observation of river and lake health.

Extensive Monitoring Tracks Chemical Inputs

Scientists utilize 15 monitoring sites to collect 5,836 measurements over a five-year period. The data focus primarily on organics and pesticides, providing a deep look at chemical presence in the water. This robust record outpaces many neighboring counties in data density.

Platte Creek Experiences Zero Flow

The USGS gauge near Platte currently records 0 cubic feet per second, far below the long-term mean of 36 cfs. This indicates that the creek is currently dry or stagnant across its 747 square mile drainage area. Such conditions can significantly impact local wildlife and irrigation source water.

Monitor Sources During Dry Periods

While drinking water compliance remains excellent, the dry conditions at Platte Creek signal potential surface water stress. Residents using surface water for irrigation or livestock should prepare for limited availability. Continue to trust the municipal supply while remaining mindful of pesticide monitoring trends.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Charles Mix County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer Conditions in the Great Plains

Charles Mix County is warmer than many of its neighbors, posting an average annual temperature of 48.8°F. This remains below the national average but represents one of the milder pockets in the northern interior.

Above Average State Warmth

The county is significantly warmer and wetter than the state average, which sits at 45.6°F and 22.7 inches of rain. Charles Mix averages 48.8°F and receives a generous 24.9 inches of annual precipitation.

A Warm Spot Near the Border

Charles Mix is warmer than nearby Clay County, which averages 47.6°F. It also faces more extreme heat, recording 33 days above 90°F compared to 23 days in Clay.

Hot Summers and Significant Snowfall

July is hot with an average of 75.6°F and over a month's worth of 90-degree days. Winter remains snowy, dropping 39.5 inches of snow on average between December and March.

Balancing Humidity and High Heat

With 33 days of extreme heat, central air conditioning is a critical home feature for residents. Gardeners can take advantage of the 24.9 inches of rain, which is higher than most South Dakota counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Charles Mix County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH near the Missouri River

Charles Mix County maintains an average soil pH of 7.08, almost identical to the state average of 7.05. This neutral-to-slightly alkaline profile is ideal for making a wide range of nutrients available to crops.

A silty foundation for farming

Silt makes up nearly half of the soil at 49.4%, combined with 25.6% clay and 24.7% sand. This high silt content makes for a smooth soil that retains moisture well and is generally easy to till.

Strong water capacity for crops

At 3.03%, organic matter is slightly lower than the state average but still provides a healthy base for microbial life. The available water capacity of 0.183 in/in meets the state average, helping plants survive dry spells.

Productive soils along the riverbank

While specific hydrologic groups are not listed in this dataset, the county's soil score of 59.5 indicates solid productivity. These silty soils typically offer a moderate drainage rate suitable for diverse agriculture.

Expanding choices in zone 5a

Being in Zone 5a allows for a slightly wider variety of crops than the northern counties. Corn and soybeans thrive in this climate, and home gardeners can enjoy a decent selection of fruit trees.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Charles Mix County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Landscapes in Charles Mix

With a difficulty score of 46.9, Charles Mix County is more challenging for lawn care than the state average of 51.1. Situated in Zone 5a, the county faces higher heat stress and more persistent dry spells than many of its neighbors.

High Heat and Ample Sunshine

The county records 33 extreme heat days annually and a robust 3,137 growing degree days, which is significantly warmer than northern counties. While 24.9 inches of rain falls annually—exceeding the state average—the high heat often leads to rapid evaporation.

Well-Balanced Soil for Local Turf

The soil pH sits at a nearly ideal 7.08, providing a neutral foundation for most common grass species. The mix of 25.6% clay and 24.7% sand offers a balanced texture that generally supports good root penetration and moisture retention.

A Year of Significant Water Stress

Extreme drought persistence is a factor here, with 50 weeks in drought over the last year and 9% of the area currently in severe drought. Lawns in this region require water-wise landscaping and potentially more drought-tolerant species like Tall Fescue.

Timing Your Charles Mix Lawn

The growing season begins after the April 30 frost, offering a slightly longer window than northern South Dakota. You should aim to finalize fall seeding before October 9 to take advantage of the milder Zone 5a autumn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Charles Mix County's county score?
Charles Mix County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Charles Mix County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Charles Mix County ranks #38 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 Charles Mix County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Charles Mix County is $1,823, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Charles Mix County a tax score of 32.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Charles Mix County?
The median household income in Charles Mix County, South Dakota is $64,850 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Charles Mix County earns an income score of 53.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Charles Mix County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Charles Mix County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Charles Mix 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 Charles Mix County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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