countyscore
49
County Score
Cost of Living 95.1Safety 66.2Disaster Risk 61.9

County Report Card

About Corson County, South Dakota

Near the National Median

Corson County earns a composite score of 49.0, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. It offers a quality of life that is very typical of the American rural experience.

Below South Dakota Averages

While competitive nationally, the score of 49.0 is lower than the South Dakota state average of 55.9. The county provides an affordable alternative to the state's more expensive hubs.

Premier Housing Affordability

Cost is the ultimate strength here, with a score of 95.1 and an incredibly low median home value of $73,800. Safety is also a solid asset, scoring a respectable 66.2.

Economic and Health Hardships

The income score is critically low at 5.8, with a median household income of only $43,750. Health services and water quality also lag behind, scoring 17.4 and 19.3, respectively.

A Budget-Friendly Rural Choice

Corson County is a top pick for those who need to minimize housing costs above all else. It is best suited for residents with external income sources who can navigate limited local healthcare and infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax19.4Cost95.1Safety66.2Health17.4Schools45.3Income5.8Risk61.9Water19.3Weather34.4
🏛19.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠95.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡66.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤17.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧19.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨49.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.7
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

Sioux County
North Dakota
68.4
Campbell County
South Dakota
62.9
Grant County
North Dakota
66.7
Emmons County
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Walworth County
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Dewey County
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Morton County
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Ziebach County
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Deep Dives

Corson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Corson County

via TaxByCounty

Corson County taxes far below nation

Corson County's effective tax rate of 1.337% produces only $987 in median property taxes—a striking 63% lower than the national median of $2,690. This makes Corson among America's most tax-affordable counties for homeowners seeking minimal property tax burden.

Corson above average for South Dakota

Corson's 1.337% effective rate exceeds South Dakota's state average of 1.094%, yet its median property tax of $987 remains far below the state median of $1,785. This paradox reflects Corson's very low property valuations and rural character, keeping actual bills minimal despite higher rates.

Higher rate, lower bills than peers

Corson's 1.337% effective rate ranks second-highest among neighbors, but its $987 median tax bill is the lowest in the region due to low home values. While rate-wise Corson rivals Campbell's 1.440%, actual homeowner bills tell a different story of affordability.

Corson residents pay just $987 yearly

A median home valued at $73,800 with Corson's 1.337% effective rate yields approximately $987 in annual property taxes—the lowest among comparable counties. Even with mortgage assessments, bills reach only $1,136, offering exceptional affordability.

Verify your assessment accuracy

Corson County homeowners should still review their property assessments to ensure fairness, as overvaluation can occur regardless of low home prices and may qualify for appeal refunds. The county assessor supports reassessment requests backed by evidence of inflated valuations.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Corson County

via CostByCounty

Corson offers unbeatable rental bargains

Corson County renters spend just 13% of household income on rent—within the healthy national range of 12-14%—while median income of $43,750 ranks lowest in this profile. The remarkably affordable $473 monthly rent cushions the impact of the county's relatively low wages, making basic rental housing accessible even for modest earners.

South Dakota's cheapest rentals

Corson County's 13% rent-to-income ratio sits below the state average of 13.8%, and its $473 monthly rent represents the state's cheapest housing option by far. This combination makes Corson uniquely affordable for renters despite its limited economic opportunity base.

Lowest rent, lowest income, best ratio

Corson's $473 rent drastically undercuts all neighbors—Campbell at $635 is nearly 35% higher, while Codington ($901) and Butte ($940) are roughly double. The median home value of $73,800 is the region's lowest, making both rental and homeownership pathways remarkably accessible.

Bargain basement housing economics

Renters pay just $473 monthly while homeowners spend $548 on properties averaging $73,800, supported by a $43,750 median income. Housing claims roughly 13% of gross income, offering the strongest affordability position in this entire profile despite the lowest earning base.

Corson County: affordability champion

Corson County delivers South Dakota's most affordable housing costs—$473 rent and $73,800 home values—making it ideal for buyers on tight budgets. Trade-off: the county's rural isolation and limited job market mean housing affordability works best if your income or remote work doesn't depend on local opportunities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Corson County

via IncomeByCounty

Corson County faces severe income gap

Corson County's median household income of $43,750 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by a stark $31,005, a devastating 41.5% income deficit that marks Corson among America's lowest-income counties. Per capita income of $20,743 is critically low, indicating systemic workforce challenges, limited employment diversity, or significant underemployment. These figures reflect deep structural economic challenges that require targeted intervention and opportunity development.

Corson represents South Dakota's poorest county

At $43,750, Corson County's median household income falls a stunning $23,176 below South Dakota's state average of $66,926, making it the lowest-income county in the dataset. Its per capita income of $20,743 represents just 58% of the state average of $35,667, indicating profound wage stagnation or employment barriers. Corson's position reflects economic isolation, limited industry, and persistent rural poverty challenges.

Corson lags all comparison counties significantly

Corson County's $43,750 median household income trails all neighboring counties by massive margins, sitting $19,142 below the next-lowest county (Clay at $58,794). With per capita income of $20,743, Corson underperforms all regional peers by 20–50%, indicating acute employment crisis or wage collapse. Geographic isolation and limited industry diversification likely compound Corson's economic disadvantages relative to regional neighbors.

Housing remains only affordable segment

Corson County's exceptional rent-to-income ratio of 13.0% offers the primary affordability advantage in an otherwise economically stressed county, though the benefit is limited by overall income scarcity. Median home values of just $73,800 keep homeownership theoretically accessible, yet household incomes may lack stability for mortgages despite low prices. Many residents likely depend on rental housing or inherited property, as traditional homeownership pathways remain difficult.

Prioritize stable employment and education

Corson County households face urgent need to build income stability and marketable skills before considering traditional wealth-building strategies, given severe median income constraints. Focus on accessing workforce development programs, trade certifications, or education pathways that lead to higher-wage employment within or beyond the county. Once household income reaches regional norms ($60,000+), redirect gains into emergency savings and retirement accounts as financial foundation strengthens.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Corson County

via CrimeByCounty

National Safety Ranking for Corson County

Corson County holds a 98.7 safety score, aligning closely with the South Dakota state average. Its total crime rate of 793.6 per 100,000 residents is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Meeting the South Dakota Safety Standard

The county's total crime rate of 793.6 is very close to the state average of 788.1. Its safety score of 98.7 is nearly identical to the state average of 98.8.

Limited Reporting Affects Data Interpretation

Because only one agency reports data for Corson County, these figures should be interpreted with some caution. The reported data suggests a safety profile that is very typical for rural South Dakota.

Elevated Violent Crime Rates in Corson

The violent crime rate is 307.2 per 100,000, which is over twice the state average of 131.6. Property crime is lower than the state average at 486.4, making violent crime a more prominent local concern.

Community Awareness and Home Protection

While property crime is lower than average, maintaining home security and staying aware of surroundings is always wise. Supporting local community safety initiatives can help address the higher-than-average violent crime rate.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Corson County

via HealthByCounty

Corson County faces crisis-level health

At 58.7 years, Corson County's life expectancy is 18.1 years below the U.S. average of 76.8 years—among the lowest in the nation. The county's 26.6% poor or fair health rate is catastrophically high, reflecting severe, widespread health challenges.

Stark disparity within the state

Corson County's 58.7-year life expectancy falls 16.7 years below South Dakota's 75.4-year average, representing the state's most severe health crisis. While its 10.3% uninsured rate aligns with the state average, this masks deeper healthcare access and quality problems.

Health emergency among peers

Corson County's 58.7-year life expectancy is a tragic 22.3 years below Clark County's 81.0 years. Its 26.6% poor or fair health rate more than doubles Charles Mix County's 17.5%, signaling an acute public health crisis unique among this comparison group.

Systemic healthcare access crisis

While Corson County's 10.3% uninsured rate appears reasonable, the county's catastrophic life expectancy and health perception suggest deeper issues: possibly limited primary care data reflects actual provider shortages, and 106 mental health providers per 100K may be insufficient for a population facing such acute distress. Behavioral health and social determinants likely drive the crisis.

Healthcare is critical now

Corson County faces unprecedented health challenges requiring immediate intervention. Ensure you have insurance coverage as a foundation, but also connect with community health resources, behavioral health services, and social support programs that address the county's systemic challenges.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Corson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Infrastructure in Corson County

Corson County hosts nine public schools serving a total enrollment of 765 students. These schools are distributed across three districts, with three elementary, three middle, and three high schools providing coverage for the area.

High Investment Despite Graduation Gaps

Corson County spends a significant $10,486 per pupil, well above the state average of $7,409. However, the graduation rate currently stands at 67.6%, which is below both state and national benchmarks.

Focus on the McLaughlin School District

McLaughlin School District 15-2 is the largest in the county, educating 442 students across three schools. The county maintains a traditional educational structure with zero charter schools in operation.

Small Schools in a Vast Rural Setting

All schools in Corson County are classified as rural, featuring an intimate average school size of 85 students. McLaughlin Elementary is the largest school with 203 students, while many other facilities are much smaller.

Invest in a Home in Corson County

Families looking for rural living and high per-pupil investment may find Corson County an intriguing option. Explore local properties to find a home within the McLaughlin or Smee school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Corson County

via RiskByCounty

Corson County's wildfire risk stands out

Corson County scores 38.10 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Very Low category but above the national average. Wildfire dominates the county's risk profile at 77.26, far outweighing other hazards.

Mid-range South Dakota risk profile

Corson County's 38.10 composite score exceeds South Dakota's 26.84 state average, placing it in the middle tier of statewide disaster exposure. The county's risk profile is driven almost entirely by wildfire concerns.

Wildfire risk comparable to northern counties

Corson County's wildfire risk of 77.26 matches neighboring Campbell (77.51) and Butte (86.90) counties in the northwestern region. However, Corson's overall composite risk sits lower due to minimal flood, tornado, and earthquake exposure.

Wildfire risk overwhelmingly dominant threat

Wildfire risk at 77.26 accounts for nearly all of Corson County's disaster exposure, while flood (16.09), tornado (23.60), and earthquake (7.41) risks remain minimal. The county faces a single-hazard risk landscape typical of rural northern South Dakota.

Wildfire coverage is Corson's insurance priority

Corson County homeowners should prioritize wildfire insurance riders or separate wildfire policies, as standard homeowners coverage typically excludes this hazard despite the 77.26 risk score. Defensible space maintenance around structures provides cost-effective additional protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Corson County

via WeatherByCounty

Dry and Chilly Northern Plains

Corson County averages 44.1°F annually, reflecting the cold, dry environment of the northern Great Plains. This temperature is significantly lower than the national median of approximately 53°F.

Cooler and Drier Than the State

Corson falls below the South Dakota average in both temperature and moisture. It averages 44.1°F and 18.8 inches of precipitation, while the state averages 45.6°F and 22.7 inches.

Consistent with Regional Averages

Corson’s 44.1°F average temperature is nearly identical to neighboring Campbell County’s 44.3°F. It experiences slightly more extreme heat days than Campbell, averaging 25 days above 90°F.

Harsh Winters and Hot Peaks

The county sees a dramatic seasonal range, from a 15.2°F average in January to 72.0°F in July. Winter brings 39.6 inches of snow, making for a long and difficult cold season.

Prioritize Winter Safety and Insulation

Residents must prepare for 39.6 inches of snow and cold winter averages of 17.9°F. Emergency kits for vehicles are essential during the long, snowy winters in this rural area.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Corson County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral prairie soils of Corson

Corson County features an average soil pH of 7.08, sitting right at the state average. This neutral profile provides an excellent foundation for the varied chemistry required by native prairie grasses.

A sandier mix for the West

The soil contains 38.3% sand and 34.6% silt, making it sandier than many eastern South Dakota counties. This higher sand content allows for faster drainage and easier root penetration for native plants.

Lower organic matter in the plains

Organic matter is 2.42%, which falls below the state average of 3.75%. The available water capacity is also lower at 0.162 in/in, meaning the soil holds less moisture for crops during heatwaves.

Moderate quality for rangelands

With a soil score of 49.8, these lands are often best suited for grazing and native hay. The sandier composition suggests that water moves quickly through the topsoil, which can be a challenge during dry years.

Hardy choices for zone 4b

Zone 4b gardeners in Corson should focus on drought-tolerant species. Native shrubs and cold-hardy grains are the most reliable choices for this specific soil and climate combination.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Corson County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth on the Missouri River

Corson County scores a 52.7 on the lawn difficulty scale, slightly easier than the South Dakota average of 51.1. This Zone 4b county offers a balanced environment for homeowners who are prepared for the northern plains' seasonal swings.

Managing Moderate Heat and Low Rainfall

The county sees 25 extreme heat days per year and receives 18.8 inches of annual precipitation. Because this rainfall is below the state average, successful lawn care requires focused irrigation during the 2,464 growing degree days.

Sandier Soil Profiles in Corson

With a sand content of 38.3%, these soils are relatively light and provide good drainage compared to the state's heavier clay regions. The 7.08 pH is nearly perfect for turfgrass, allowing for excellent nutrient absorption with minimal amendment.

Favorable Moisture Trends Currently

Corson County is currently free of any drought classification, a major advantage for local lawns. While it weathered 12 weeks of drought in the past year, the current lack of dry conditions makes it an ideal time for lawn renovation.

Sowing for the Northern Plains

Wait until May 12 to ensure the last frost has passed before beginning your spring planting. You'll want to have your grass established by September 30, as the cold northern winter arrives quickly in this part of the state.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Corson County's county score?
Corson County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 49 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 Corson County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Corson County ranks #50 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 Corson County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Corson County is $987, with an effective tax rate of 1.34%. This earns Corson County a tax score of 19.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Corson County?
The median household income in Corson County, South Dakota is $43,750 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Corson County earns an income score of 5.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Corson County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Corson County scores 49/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Corson 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 Corson 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.