countyscore

Codington County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#62 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
40.4
County Score
Health 70.5Soil Quality 66.7Water Quality 64.1

County Report Card

About Codington County, South Dakota

Trailing the National Median

Codington County’s composite score of 40.4 falls short of the national median of 50.0. While it offers some regional benefits, it ranks in the lower half of counties nationally.

Losing Ground in South Dakota

The county underperforms the South Dakota state average of 55.9 by more than 15 points. It faces steeper challenges in safety and education than many of its state neighbors.

Health and Water Quality Lead

Health outcomes are a bright spot with a score of 70.5, alongside a reliable water score of 64.1. The median household income of $65,080 supports a decent standard of living for those employed locally.

Schools and Safety Under Pressure

The county struggles with a low school score of 20.4 and a safety score of 33.5. Additionally, it faces higher environmental risks than its peers, earning a risk score of only 38.2.

Best for Health-Conscious Singles

Codington County is a reasonable choice for healthy adults who value water quality and mid-range incomes. However, the combination of low school scores and higher crime metrics makes it less attractive for young families.

Score breakdown

Tax33.8Cost37Safety33.5Health70.5Schools20.4Income55Risk38.2Water64.1Weather45.1
🏛33.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠37
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼55
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡33.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓20.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡38.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧64.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.8
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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Nearby counties

Grant County
South Dakota
68.9
Hamlin County
South Dakota
57.1
Day County
South Dakota
60.5
Clark County
South Dakota
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Deuel County
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Roberts County
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Deep Dives

Codington County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Codington County

via TaxByCounty

Codington County slightly below national

Codington County's effective tax rate of 1.060% and median property tax of $2,310 run modestly below the national median of $2,690. Homeowners here pay roughly 14% less than the typical American household, reflecting reasonable tax burden for a mid-sized regional economy.

Codington slightly below state average

Codington's 1.060% effective rate sits just below South Dakota's state average of 1.094%, placing it in the more affordable half of the state. The median property tax of $2,310 exceeds the state median of $1,785 due to Codington's higher home values and stronger property market.

Comparable to Butte, lower than Clay

Codington's 1.060% rate nearly matches Butte's 1.058%, both running well below Clay's 1.298% and Campbell's 1.440%. In regional comparison, Codington represents a balanced, moderate-tax environment typical of growing South Dakota communities.

Median Codington tax is $2,310

With a median home value of $218,000 and a 1.060% effective rate, Codington homeowners pay approximately $2,310 in annual property taxes. Taxes may reach $2,372 when mortgage assessments apply, or dip to $2,231 for homeowners without mortgages.

Review your assessment for overvaluation

Many Codington County homeowners discover overassessments on their properties and can appeal for refunds through the county's formal reassessment process. Contact the assessor's office if you believe your valuation exceeds fair market value based on recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Codington County

via CostByCounty

Codington rents above national comfort zone

Codington County renters allocate 16.6% of household income to rent, exceeding the healthy national range of 12-14%, while median income of $65,080 trails the national median by nearly $10,000. The $901 monthly rent makes Codington one of the state's pricier rental markets despite modest local wages.

Second-priciest county in state

Codington's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among South Dakota's worst affordability metrics, beaten only by Clay County's 15% and Butte's 16.7%. Monthly rent of $901 significantly exceeds the state median of $756, placing renters here under substantial financial strain.

Premium pricing, limited bargains

Codington's $901 rent runs $266 above Campbell County's bargain basement and $174 above Charles Mix, making it the region's rental pricier. Homebuyers face a median value of $218,000, nearly matching Butte and Clay County's expensive markets.

High rents on moderate incomes

Renters pay $901 monthly while homeowners spend $985 on $218,000 median-valued homes, supported by $65,080 median income. Housing costs approach one-sixth of gross income for renters and nearly one-fifth for owners, straining household budgets considerably.

Codington: premium costs require premium income

Codington County's above-average rents and home values demand strong earning power—expect to dedicate over 16% of income to housing as a renter. Consider this a higher-cost county despite modest local wages; ensure your relocation income exceeds the $65,000 median substantially.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Codington County

via IncomeByCounty

Codington trails national income benchmark

Codington County's median household income of $65,080 falls $9,675 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, representing a 12.9% income gap. While below the national average, Codington's per capita income of $37,308 exceeds national norms, suggesting concentrated earning power among employed residents. This profile reflects a smaller, tighter labor market with skilled workers but fewer overall households.

Codington slightly below South Dakota average

Codington County's median household income of $65,080 marginally underperforms South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by $1,846, placing it in the middle tier statewide. Its per capita income of $37,308 solidly exceeds the state average of $35,667, indicating stronger individual earning capacity. Codington's position reflects a stable regional economy with quality employment opportunities and skilled workers.

Codington ranks mid-tier regionally

Codington County's $65,080 median household income places it third regionally, behind Butte ($67,692) and Campbell ($65,000), and ahead of Charles Mix ($64,850) and Clark ($62,885). The county's per capita income of $37,308 ranks second only to Campbell ($42,435) among regional peers, reflecting quality employment sectors. Codington's balanced economic profile mirrors larger regional hubs with manufacturing and service industries.

Housing costs near affordability edge

Codington County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% edges slightly above the 15% affordability threshold, indicating housing consumes notable household resources for median earners. With median home values of $218,000, homeownership requires substantial commitment; however, the strong per capita income suggests dual-earner households manage affordability effectively. Renters face tighter budgets than in neighboring counties with lower housing values.

Maximize income potential through savings

Codington County households earning $65,080 can target 10–15% of gross income toward retirement and investment accounts, leveraging the county's solid per capita income. Dual-earner households particularly benefit from maxing out both employer 401(k) matches and spousal IRA contributions annually. Consider consulting a fee-only financial planner to optimize tax-advantaged strategies and diversified investment allocations suited to your timeline and risk tolerance.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Codington County

via CrimeByCounty

Codington Stays Safer Than National Average

Codington County maintains a safety score of 97.6 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,549.1 per 100,000 residents is considerably lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Higher Crime Than the State Average

The county's total crime rate of 1,549.1 is nearly double the South Dakota state average of 788.1. Its safety score of 97.6 is also slightly below the statewide average of 98.8.

Regional Comparisons for Codington Residents

With two reporting agencies, Codington shows a higher volume of crime than its more rural neighboring counties. This reflects the increased activity typical of a regional commerce and population hub.

Analyzing Violent vs. Property Incidents

Property crime sits at 1,355.5 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 193.6. Both figures are higher than the South Dakota averages but remain lower than the national benchmarks.

Enhancing Your Home's Defensive Measures

High property crime rates make it important to use alarm systems and exterior lighting to deter theft. Simple habits like locking doors and garages are essential in Codington County's busier environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Codington County

via HealthByCounty

Codington County leads on longevity

At 78.8 years, Codington County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.8 years by 2 years. The county's 14.9% poor or fair health rate closely mirrors the national average, reflecting solid population health perception.

State's best provider access

Codington County significantly outperforms South Dakota's 75.4-year state average with 78.8 years of life expectancy. More notably, the county boasts the region's highest provider capacity: 95 primary care providers and 359 mental health providers per 100K—far exceeding state norms.

Provider hub of South Dakota

Codington County's 95 primary care providers per 100K dwarfs all peers in this group—Custer County's 47 per 100K is half as many. Its 359 mental health providers per 100K is more than triple any neighbor, making Codington the regional healthcare access leader.

Healthcare access is abundant here

Codington County residents enjoy exceptional healthcare access with providers available at densities rarely seen statewide. At 10.4% uninsured, the county maintains solid coverage while its provider abundance ensures those insured can actually access care.

Take advantage of abundant care

With more healthcare providers than almost anywhere in the state, Codington County residents should ensure they have insurance to use this advantage. Check your coverage status and enroll if needed to access the robust care available here.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Codington County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Diverse School Network

Codington County features 18 public schools serving 4,565 students, making it a major educational hub in the region. The infrastructure is robust, consisting of eight elementary, five middle, and four high schools across four districts.

Meeting National Graduation Standards

The county boasts an 87.0% graduation rate, which matches the national average and significantly exceeds the state average of 82.4%. This performance is achieved despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,657, which is among the lowest in the state.

Watertown District Leads Growth

Watertown School District 14-4 is the largest by far, managing 10 schools and 3,803 students. The county relies entirely on traditional public schools, with no charter options currently available to residents.

A Mix of Town and Country

The school locale is split between eight town schools and 10 rural schools, offering families diverse choices in environment. Watertown High School is the county's largest campus, enrolling 1,220 students.

Join the Watertown Community

With high graduation rates and diverse school sizes, Codington County is a top choice for families moving to South Dakota. Browse homes near Watertown to take advantage of these established educational resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Codington County

via RiskByCounty

Codington County faces elevated disaster risk

Codington County scores 61.77 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category but significantly above the national average. This elevated score reflects substantial exposure to multiple hazards, particularly tornadoes and floods.

South Dakota's riskiest county for natural hazards

At 61.77, Codington County's composite risk score is more than double South Dakota's 26.84 state average, making it the state's highest-risk county overall. Residents face the most extensive disaster exposure in South Dakota.

Clear leader in regional disaster exposure

Codington County's 61.77 score far exceeds neighboring Clark (4.55) and Charles Mix (48.54) counties, establishing it as the region's disaster hotspot. Its combination of high tornado (77.00), flood (65.20), and wildfire (71.02) risks creates a uniquely challenging exposure profile.

Tornado, flood, and wildfire all elevated

Codington County confronts three major hazards: tornado risk (77.00), flood risk (65.20), and wildfire risk (71.02), creating the state's most complex disaster profile. These three hazards combine to drive the county's significantly elevated composite risk score.

Comprehensive coverage essential for Codington

Codington County residents must maintain tornado safety infrastructure (safe rooms, basement reinforcement) and carry both flood and comprehensive homeowners insurance to protect against the county's multiple hazards. Properties in flood-prone areas should consider elevated construction or floodproofing given the 65.20 flood risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Codington County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cold Northern Climate Profile

Codington County is one of the coldest counties in the region, averaging just 42.9°F annually. This reflects a harsh continental climate with significant seasonal temperature variations.

Coldest Tier of South Dakota

The county's average temperature of 42.9°F is well below the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. It is slightly wetter than the state average, receiving 23.7 inches of precipitation annually.

Cooler Than Most Neighbors

Codington is colder than Clark County, though they share the same low number of extreme heat days at just 9 per year. Its 36.5 inches of snowfall is also higher than its neighbor Clark.

Cold Winters and Brief Summers

January is particularly brutal with an average temperature of 11.8°F and heavy snowfall. Summers are comfortable and rarely hot, with July temperatures averaging 70.9°F.

Prepare for a Long Snow Season

With 36.5 inches of snow and very few hot days, residents should focus on winter home sealing and snow removal gear. High-end cooling is less critical given the rare 90-degree peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Codington County

via SoilByCounty

Codington's top-tier soil profile

Codington County earns an impressive soil score of 66.7, the highest in this group. Its average pH of 7.07 is almost perfectly aligned with the South Dakota state average of 7.05.

Silty loam for easy workability

The composition is 47.4% silt and 28.8% sand, providing a smooth texture that is easy to manage. The 23.8% clay provides enough weight to hold water without becoming overly compact or sticky.

Exceptional water retention and organic life

Available water capacity is a robust 0.195 in/in, which is significantly higher than the state average of 0.182. With organic matter at 3.67%, these soils are biologically active and drought-resilient.

Productive hydrology for the Glacial Lakes

While taxonomic data is missing, the county's high soil score reflects a very healthy hydrologic balance. The high water capacity ensures that crops have access to moisture even during the drier weeks of summer.

Prime gardening in zone 4b

The combination of high water capacity and great soil score makes this a gardener’s dream in Zone 4b. Everything from root vegetables to corn will thrive in this nutrient-rich, silty environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Codington County

via LawnByCounty

Codington County: A Lawn Care Leader

With a score of 57.8, Codington County is one of the easiest places in South Dakota to keep a lawn looking green. Its Zone 4b classification and temperate summer climate create a highly favorable environment for traditional turfgrasses.

Mild Summers and Adequate Moisture

The county enjoys a low count of just 9 extreme heat days annually, which prevents the grass from going into mid-summer dormancy. Coupled with 23.7 inches of annual precipitation, the climate does much of the heavy lifting for the local gardener.

Nearly Ideal Soil pH Levels

Codington features a soil pH of 7.07, which is very close to the ideal neutral range for nutrient availability. The soil structure consists of 23.8% clay and 28.8% sand, striking a good balance for both drainage and moisture retention.

Resilient Landscapes in Watertown

Although the county saw 16 weeks of drought last year, currently only 46.4% of the land is considered abnormally dry. This relative moisture stability helps local lawns bounce back quickly from short periods of limited rainfall.

The Early May Growing Kickoff

Plan your lawn work for the window between the May 7 spring frost and the September 30 fall frost. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass are the standard here and will thrive under the county's mild summer conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Codington County's county score?
Codington County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 40.4 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 Codington County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Codington County ranks #62 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 Codington County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Codington County is $2,310, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns Codington County a tax score of 33.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Codington County?
The median household income in Codington County, South Dakota is $65,080 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Codington County earns an income score of 55/100 on CountyScore.
Is Codington County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Codington County scores 40.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Codington 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 Codington County with other counties side by side.

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