CountyScore

Charles Mix County

South Dakota · SD

#53 in South Dakota
67.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Charles Mix County, South Dakota

Charles Mix County exceeds national living standards

Scoring 67.8, Charles Mix County outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 36%, placing it solidly in the top half of U.S. counties. Strong affordability fundamentals drive this above-average national ranking.

Slightly below state average performance

Charles Mix County scores 67.8 versus South Dakota's 71.3 average, placing it in the lower-middle range within the state. While still competitive, it trails several neighboring counties on livability metrics.

Affordability and tax efficiency lead the way

The county excels with a cost score of 84.4 and tax score of 72.0, offering median rent of just $727/month and an effective tax rate of 1.077%. Housing values at $169,200 remain accessible, making it attractive for cost-conscious settlers.

Health and risk factors need improvement

Charles Mix County's health score of 60.9 is the lowest among these eight counties, and the risk score of 51.5 indicates potential environmental or economic vulnerabilities. These gaps suggest residents may face health care access challenges and higher economic uncertainty.

Suited for self-reliant, independent spirits

Charles Mix County appeals to those seeking deep affordability and low taxes who can manage health care needs independently or remotely. It's best for retirees with stable pensions, remote workers with health insurance, or families with strong self-sufficiency.

Score breakdown

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

Tax72Cost84.4SafetyComing SoonHealth60.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.7Risk51.5WaterComing Soon
🏛72
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤60.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡51.5
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 Charles Mix County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

White County
Arkansas
67.8
Median income: $53,435
Jeff Davis County
Georgia
67.8
Median income: $40,879
Kalawao County
Hawaii
67.8
Median income: $86,250
Mercer County
Illinois
67.8
Median income: $71,710
Chautauqua County
Kansas
67.8
Median income: $54,592

Deep Dives

Charles Mix County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Charles Mix County

via HealthByCounty

Charles Mix faces significant health gaps

At 71.4 years, Charles Mix County's life expectancy falls 5.4 years below the national average of 76.8 years—a substantial gap signaling systemic health challenges. The county's 17.5% poor or fair health rate significantly exceeds the U.S. average, indicating widespread health struggles.

Lowest life expectancy in state

Charles Mix County ranks among the state's worst health performers, with life expectancy 4 years below South Dakota's 75.4-year average. Its 15.5% uninsured rate also exceeds the state average by 4.4 percentage points, leaving vulnerable residents without coverage.

Struggling among nearby counties

Charles Mix County's 71.4-year life expectancy lags far behind Clark County (81.0) and Butte County (78.5), representing the lowest in this peer group. With 15.5% uninsured, it faces the highest coverage gap among comparable counties.

Coverage crisis and limited access

Charles Mix County's 15.5% uninsured rate—the highest here—leaves residents vulnerable to medical debt and delayed care. While primary care providers at 33 per 100K and mental health providers at 119 per 100K exist, they may be insufficient for a population facing such significant health barriers.

Get covered today in Charles Mix

With 15.5% of residents uninsured, Charles Mix County faces a coverage crisis. Visit the federal marketplace, explore Medicaid eligibility, or contact local health clinics to find affordable options now.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

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