63
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.5Safety 90.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Clark County, South Dakota

High National Standings

Clark County’s composite score of 63.0 places it well into the upper tier of American counties. It easily surpasses the national median of 50.0, signaling a very high quality of life.

Outpacing the South Dakota Average

At 63.0, Clark County is a top performer compared to the state average of 55.9. It offers a more secure and stable environment than many of its South Dakota peers.

Mastering Safety and Resilience

The county dominates in safety with a score of 90.5 and environmental resilience with a risk score of 95.5. Residents also benefit from high-quality water infrastructure, which scores an 86.0.

Education and Income Hurdles

Educational scores are low at 16.4, indicating a need for school system investment. The income score of 47.9 reflects a median household income of $62,885, which is slightly below some regional leaders.

A Rural Fortress of Stability

Clark County is perfect for those seeking a quiet, extremely safe rural lifestyle with minimal natural disaster risk. It is a premier choice for retirees or childless professionals who prioritize security over school rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax39.5Cost73.3Safety90.5Health78.1Schools16.4Income47.9Risk95.5Water86Weather45.9
🏛39.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠73.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼47.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡90.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
78.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓16.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
95.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤45.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨65.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱57.1
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

Clark County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clark County

via TaxByCounty

Clark County offers lowest-tax advantage

Clark County's effective tax rate of 0.981% ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below the national median property tax of $2,690. With a median tax bill of just $1,392, Clark homeowners save roughly 48% compared to typical American households.

Clark ranks lowest among South Dakota

Clark County's 0.981% effective rate is the lowest in South Dakota, running well below the state average of 1.094%. This makes Clark a standout destination for tax-conscious homeowners seeking the state's most affordable property tax environment.

Beats all comparable regional counties

Clark's 0.981% rate significantly undercuts Butte's 1.058%, Charles Mix's 1.077%, Corson's 1.337%, and Campbell's 1.440%. Among the entire region, Clark delivers the lowest effective tax rate and second-lowest median tax bill at $1,392.

Clark homeowners pay just $1,392 yearly

A median home valued at $141,900 with Clark's 0.981% effective rate yields approximately $1,392 in annual property taxes. Even with mortgage-related additions, taxes climb only to $1,754—among the lowest in the entire state.

Double-check your property valuation

Clark County residents should verify their assessments to ensure accuracy, as overvaluation can occur even in low-tax counties and may qualify for appeal refunds. Request a reassessment through the county assessor if comparable properties suggest your valuation is inflated.

Cost of Living in Clark County

via CostByCounty

Clark renters slightly above national norm

Clark County renters allocate 13.5% of household income to rent, slightly above the national standard of 12-14%, while median income of $62,885 trails the national figure of $74,755. The $709 monthly rent represents a manageable but not exceptional affordability position compared to national benchmarks.

Slightly tighter than state average

Clark County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio runs marginally higher than South Dakota's 13.8% average, marking it as nearly typical for the state. Rent at $709 sits $47 below the state median, offering modest savings relative to the broader South Dakota market.

Mid-range costs, accessible pricing

At $709, Clark's rent falls between Campbell County's bargain prices ($635) and the pricier markets of Codington ($901) and Butte ($940). The median home value of $141,900 positions Clark as an affordable entry point for homebuyers without extreme rural isolation.

Stretched but manageable housing burden

Renters pay $709 monthly while homeowners spend $750 on properties valued near $141,900, against a $62,885 median income. Housing costs consume approximately 13-14% of gross monthly earnings, requiring careful budgeting but remaining within reasonable bounds.

Clark County: steady, affordable community

Clark County suits relocators seeking stability below the national income level without sacrificing affordability—rent runs slightly under state average and home values stay modest. Plan for housing to consume roughly 13-14% of income, leaving room for other essentials in a quiet, small-town setting.

Income & Jobs in Clark County

via IncomeByCounty

Clark County income significantly below U.S. median

Clark County's median household income of $62,885 falls $11,870 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, representing a 15.9% income deficit. This makes Clark one of the lower-income counties nationally, reflecting a smaller, more rural economic base with limited high-wage sectors. The per capita income of $34,133 also trails national benchmarks, indicating limited individual earning potential across the workforce.

Clark ranks in lower half of South Dakota

Clark County's median household income of $62,885 falls $4,041 below South Dakota's state average of $66,926, placing it in the lower-income tier statewide. Its per capita income of $34,133 similarly underperforms the state average of $35,667, though only marginally. Clark's position reflects a more economically challenged region within South Dakota, despite the county's agricultural heritage.

Clark shows weakest earnings of the cluster

Clark County's $62,885 median household income ranks lowest among its surveyed neighbors, trailing Butte ($67,692), Campbell ($65,000), and Charles Mix ($64,850). With per capita income of $34,133, Clark also trails most regional peers, suggesting limited high-wage employment anchors or industry diversification. This relative weakness underscores structural economic challenges in northeast South Dakota.

Housing affordable despite lower income

Clark County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.5% sits comfortably below the affordability threshold of 15%, and the median home value of $141,900 remains accessible for median-income households. Despite lower overall income, the county's modest housing costs create relative affordability advantages compared to higher-income regions. Renters face particularly manageable costs, making Clark attractive for budget-conscious families.

Focus on economic stability first

Clark County households should prioritize income stability and skill development before aggressive wealth-building, given the county's lower median earnings and limited job diversity. Building human capital—through education, certifications, or trade skills—often yields higher returns than investments for lower-income households. Once household income stabilizes and grows, redirect increases directly into emergency savings and tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

Safety in Clark County

via CrimeByCounty

Clark County Ranks Among the Safest

Clark County features a stellar 99.7 safety score, indicating it is one of the safest places in the country. The total crime rate of 182.4 per 100,000 is over 13 times lower than the national average.

Outperforming the South Dakota Average

Clark County's total crime rate of 182.4 is significantly lower than the South Dakota average of 788.1. Its safety score of 99.7 also exceeds the state average of 98.8.

Consistent Security for Rural Residents

The county's two reporting agencies show a consistently safe environment compared to surrounding regions. Residents enjoy a much lower risk of both violent and property crime than in more populated South Dakota areas.

Very Low Rates for All Crimes

Violent crime occurs at a rate of only 52.1 per 100,000 residents, while property crime is just 130.3. These numbers represent an exceptionally low incidence of crime across the board.

Maintaining the Safety of Clark County

Even in such a safe area, basic home security helps deter opportunistic theft. Keep your home and vehicles secured to preserve the county's reputation for peace and safety.

Health in Clark County

via HealthByCounty

Clark County is a health outlier

At 81.0 years, Clark County's life expectancy ranks 4.2 years above the U.S. average of 76.8 years, placing it among the nation's healthiest counties. The 14.3% poor or fair health rate aligns with national averages despite the exceptional longevity.

South Dakota's health leader

Clark County significantly exceeds South Dakota's 75.4-year state average, with life expectancy 5.6 years higher. Its 9.4% uninsured rate also beats the state average, providing strong coverage protection for residents.

Top performer in the region

Clark County leads this peer group with the highest life expectancy at 81.0 years and near-lowest uninsured rate at 9.4%. Only Custer County matches it on longevity, while Campbell County ties on insurance coverage—making Clark a health standout.

Strong coverage, limited provider data

Clark County's 9.4% uninsured rate reflects robust health security for most residents. Though specific primary and mental health provider counts are unavailable, the county's exceptional life expectancy suggests adequate access to care.

Maintain excellent health security

Clark County's strong coverage levels keep residents protected from financial health shocks. Review your plan annually to ensure continuous coverage and access to the care that keeps this county healthy.

Schools in Clark County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Schooling in Clark County

Clark County manages 11 public schools that serve a total of 785 students across two primary school districts. The infrastructure is heavily weighted toward early education, featuring seven elementary schools alongside two middle and two high schools.

Educational Challenges and Lean Spending

With a $6,618 per-pupil expenditure, Clark County spends less than both the state and national averages. The 75.0% graduation rate falls below the South Dakota average of 82.4%, while the composite school score is 44.8.

Clark and Willow Lake Districts

Clark School District 12-2 is the county's largest, enrolling 482 students, while Willow Lake School District 12-3 serves 323 students. Public education here remains traditional, with 0% of schools operating as charters.

Rural Roots and Cozy Classrooms

The county's entire school system is rural, providing an average enrollment of just 71 students per school. Clark Elementary is the largest school with 201 students, offering a stark contrast to the county's smaller rural outposts.

Plant Roots in Clark County

Prospective residents are often drawn to the low student-to-teacher ratios found in Clark and Willow Lake. Consider how these personalized learning environments can benefit your family as you browse local homes.

Disaster Risk in Clark County

via RiskByCounty

Clark County ranks among nation's safest

With a composite risk score of 4.55, Clark County sits in the Very Low category and well below the national average. This makes it one of the safest counties for natural disaster exposure across the United States.

Second-safest county in South Dakota

Clark County's 4.55 score is dramatically lower than South Dakota's 26.84 state average, placing it among the state's most protected counties. Only Campbell County (4.39) edges out Clark's exceptionally low risk profile.

Minimal risk contrasts with state peers

Clark County's 4.55 composite score is far below neighboring Codington (61.77) and significantly safer than Charles Mix (48.54) to the southeast. This advantageous geographic position shields the county from the tornado and flood exposure affecting eastern South Dakota.

Wildfire the only moderate concern

Clark County's wildfire risk of 51.30 stands as its sole hazard of measurable concern, while flood (5.41), tornado (22.77), and earthquake (4.07) risks remain minimal. The county's overall safety profile makes it one of South Dakota's most disaster-resilient areas.

Wildfire coverage recommended, standard insurance sufficient

Clark County homeowners should add wildfire coverage to standard policies, though base homeowners insurance provides solid protection for most other hazards. The county's low composite risk means coverage costs should remain reasonable.

Weather & Climate in Clark County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold and Breezy Northern Interior

Clark County is one of the cooler spots in the nation, with an average annual temperature of 43.1°F. Its climate is characterized by mild summers and long, biting winters.

Well Below South Dakota Norms

Clark's 43.1°F average is significantly lower than the state's 45.6°F mark. While it is colder than average, its 23.2 inches of annual precipitation aligns closely with the state's 22.7-inch average.

Chilly Eastern South Dakota Climate

Clark shares a very similar climate with neighboring Codington County, which averages 42.9°F. Both counties see only 9 days of extreme heat per year, far fewer than the state's western counties.

Mild Summers and Deep Freezes

Summer heat is rare here, with July averaging 71.2°F and only 9 days hitting the 90°F mark. Winters are harsh, featuring a January average of just 12.3°F and 22 inches of snow.

Focus on High-Efficiency Heating

Homeowners should prioritize insulation and heating efficiency as winter temperatures average 15.7°F. Heavy summer cooling is rarely needed compared to the rest of the state.

Soil Quality in Clark County

via SoilByCounty

High-performing alkaline soils in Clark

With a soil score of 65.7, Clark County outpaces the state average for overall quality. The 7.14 average pH is slightly alkaline compared to the national 6.5 median but supports vigorous plant growth.

Fine textures for field crops

The soil mix contains 42.4% silt and 33.8% sand, which creates a versatile texture for large-scale farming. A clay content of 23.8% provides the necessary structure to prevent nutrient leaching.

Rich organic matter leads the state

Clark County boasts a high organic matter content of 4.04%, significantly higher than the state average of 3.75%. This richness is paired with a superior available water capacity of 0.193 in/in.

Superior moisture management

Specific drainage classifications are not provided, but the high soil score suggests excellent hydrology for agriculture. The high organic content helps the soil act as a sponge, holding water for dry periods.

Maximum yields in zone 4b

Despite the cold Zone 4b winters, these soils are among the best in the state for productivity. You can grow high-yield vegetable gardens or standard row crops with confidence in this high-OM soil.

Lawn Care in Clark County

via LawnByCounty

Ideal Turf Conditions in Clark County

Clark County is a standout for lawn care with an impressive difficulty score of 57.1, far exceeding the state average of 51.1. The Zone 4b climate here provides a temperate environment that is much friendlier to grass than the national norm.

Cooler Summers and Steady Rainfall

With only 9 extreme heat days per year, Clark County avoids the scorching temperatures that stress most South Dakota lawns. The 23.2 inches of annual precipitation is slightly above the state average, reducing the need for constant supplemental watering.

Consistent Silt and Clay Profiles

The soil pH of 7.14 is common for the region and easily managed with standard fertilization. A composition of 23.8% clay and 33.8% sand helps the ground hold onto moisture without becoming waterlogged, supporting healthy turf density.

High Resistance to Dry Spells

Only 35.3% of the county is currently abnormally dry, a much better status than many southern counties. While 17 weeks were spent in drought last year, the low heat days significantly help the grass survive these periods without heavy damage.

Maximize the Glacial Lakes Season

Hardy cool-season grasses thrive here, with the last spring frost typically landing on May 5. The long fall window, extending until October 5, is the perfect time for aeration and overseeding to maintain that high-performing lawn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clark County's county score?
Clark County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 63 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 Clark County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Clark County ranks #19 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 Clark County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Clark County is $1,392, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Clark County a tax score of 39.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clark County?
The median household income in Clark County, South Dakota is $62,885 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clark County earns an income score of 47.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clark County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Clark County scores 63/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Clark 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 Clark County with other counties side by side.