countyscore
48
County Score
Cost of Living 94.5Safety 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.

2040608010013.294.566.217.445.37.261.919.334.4Tax13.2Cost94.5Safety66.2Health17.4Schools45.3Income7.2Risk61.9Water19.3Weather34.448/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Corson County DNA

Foverall

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

Corson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (94.5/100) but notably weak in Income (7.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
13.2-38.8
Cost
94.5+46.5
Safety
66.2+11.200000000000003
Health
17.4-32.6
Schools
45.3-8.700000000000003
Income
7.2-43.8
Risk
61.9+14.899999999999999
Water
19.3-38.7
Weather
34.4-21.6
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Many homeowners in Corson County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$69,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$496/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$69,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$19,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $46,406/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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Nearby counties

Sioux County
North Dakota
67.7
Campbell County
South Dakota
62.5
Grant County
North Dakota
67.1
Emmons County
North Dakota
59.3
Walworth County
South Dakota
52.5
Dewey County
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52.5
Morton County
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38.2
Ziebach County
South Dakota
63.7

Deep Dives

Corson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 48 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 #51 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 $1,009, with an effective tax rate of 1.45%. This earns Corson County a tax score of 13.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Corson County?
The median household income in Corson County, South Dakota is $46,406 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Corson County earns an income score of 7.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Corson County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Corson County scores 48/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 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.
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.