countyscore
63.1
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.

2040608010044.86690.578.116.463.695.58645.9Tax44.8Cost66Safety90.5Health78.1Schools16.4Income63.6Risk95.5Water86Weather45.963.1/100
This county
National avg
6 above average2 below average

Clark County DNA

D+overall

How Clark County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Clark County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (95.5/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
44.8
Cost
66+18
Safety
90.5+35.5
Health
78.1+28.099999999999994
Schools
16.4-37.6
Income
63.6+12.600000000000001
Risk
95.5+48.5
Water
86+28
Weather
45.9-10.100000000000001
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Clark County?

Many homeowners in Clark County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$158,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$782/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$158,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,726/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Louisa County
Iowa
Median income: $77,354
63.1
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Median income: $46,292
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Cottonwood County
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Median income: $72,941
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Choctaw County
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Dixon County
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Edmunds County
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Median income: $81,630
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Lafayette County
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Fountain County
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63

Nearby counties

Hamlin County
South Dakota
56.1
Codington County
South Dakota
42
Kingsbury County
South Dakota
67.2
Spink County
South Dakota
57.6
Beadle County
South Dakota
42.6
Day County
South Dakota
59.9
Grant County
South Dakota
67.5
Deuel County
South Dakota
67.1

Deep Dives

Clark County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clark County's county score?
Clark County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 63.1 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 #21 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 $1,389, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Clark County a tax score of 44.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clark County?
The median household income in Clark County, South Dakota is $70,726 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clark County earns an income score of 63.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clark County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Clark County scores 63.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.