CountyScore

Clark County

South Dakota · SD

#9 in South Dakota
76.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Clark County, South Dakota

Clark County ranks among America's best

Clark County scores 76.1—a striking 52% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This exceptional performance reflects well-rounded strengths across multiple quality-of-life dimensions.

South Dakota's top-tier livability leader

With a score of 76.1, Clark County exceeds South Dakota's average of 71.3 and ranks among the state's premier communities. It consistently outperforms most peers on composite livability metrics.

Tax efficiency and low environmental risk excel

Clark County boasts the lowest effective tax rate (0.981%) and stellar risk management (95.5), combined with solid health outcomes at 77.4. The cost score of 84.4 ensures median rent of $709/month and homes valued at $141,900—excellent value.

Income growth remains modest

The income score of 24.4 is the lowest among these eight counties, with median household income of $62,885 indicating limited high-wage employment. This suggests the county's strength lies in affordability rather than earning potential.

Perfect for tax-conscious value seekers

Clark County is ideal for retirees, fixed-income households, and those fleeing high-tax states who need maximum tax efficiency and stable living costs. Its combination of razor-thin tax burden and strong community risk management makes it a haven for those prioritizing financial stability over career growth.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.7Cost84.4SafetyComing SoonHealth77.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.4Risk95.5WaterComing Soon
🏛74.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡95.5
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 Clark County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Pope County
Illinois
76.1
Median income: $62,500
Switzerland County
Indiana
76.1
Median income: $65,148
Choctaw County
Mississippi
76.1
Median income: $48,321
Eddy County
North Dakota
76.1
Median income: $55,389
Sherman County
Oregon
76.1
Median income: $59,500

Deep Dives

Clark County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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.

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.