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Davison County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#56 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
43.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 65.8Soil Quality 64.8

County Report Card

About Davison County, South Dakota

Davison County Trails the National Median

With a composite score of 43.3, Davison County sits below the national median score of 50.0. This ranking places it in the lower half of counties nationwide for overall livability metrics.

Performing Below the South Dakota Average

Davison County struggles to keep pace with its neighbors, scoring well below the South Dakota state average of 55.9. It ranks among the lower-scoring counties in the state despite having localized economic assets.

Reliable Water Systems and Moderate Housing Costs

The county excels in water quality and infrastructure with a score of 86.0. Housing remains accessible with a cost score of 58.7, supported by a median gross rent of only $750 per month.

Safety Concerns and High Tax Burdens

Safety is a significant challenge here, with a dimension score of 14.6. Additionally, the effective tax rate of 1.243% results in a low tax score of 23.8, placing more pressure on household budgets.

A Fit for Renters Prioritizing Utilities

This county suits residents who value excellent water infrastructure and affordable rent over community safety metrics. It is best for those who work in higher-paying sectors to offset the relatively high local tax burden.

Score breakdown

Tax23.8Cost58.7Safety14.6Health65.8Schools45.4Income43.5Risk60.8Water86Weather39.3
🏛23.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠58.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡14.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡60.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.1
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

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Douglas County
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Sanborn County
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Deep Dives

Davison County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Davison County

via TaxByCounty

Davison's taxes run higher than most Americans

At 1.243%, Davison County's effective property tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties. The median homeowner here pays $2,361 annually—well below the national median of $2,690—because South Dakota home values are substantially lower than the country's $281,900 median.

Above average for South Dakota

Davison County ranks among the higher-taxed counties in South Dakota, with an effective rate of 1.243% compared to the state average of 1.094%. Homeowners pay $2,361 in median property tax versus $1,785 statewide, reflecting stronger local tax bases.

Higher than surrounding rural counties

Davison's 1.243% rate significantly exceeds nearby Day County (1.030%) and Deuel County (0.820%), though it's slightly lower than neighboring Dewey County (1.338%). The $2,361 median tax bill is the highest among these peer counties, driven by higher median home values of $190,000.

Own a median home? Expect $2,361 yearly

A homeowner with Davison County's median property value of $190,000 pays approximately $2,361 per year in property taxes at the current 1.243% effective rate. This translates to roughly $197 monthly, or about $59 per quarter for most homeowners.

You might be paying too much

Across South Dakota, many homeowners discover their assessments are inflated—and Davison County is no exception. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent sales in your area, requesting a reassessment review could lower your tax bill significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Davison County

via CostByCounty

Davison's housing costs outpace national norms

Davison County residents spend 14.7% of their income on rent, compared to a national median of roughly 13.8%. While the $750 median monthly rent is close to the national standard, the county's median household income of $61,401 trails the U.S. average by $13,354, making housing a proportionally tighter squeeze.

Middle of the South Dakota pack

At 14.7%, Davison's rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above South Dakota's state average of 13.8%. The county ranks solidly in the middle range of affordability for South Dakota counties, neither a bargain basement nor a high-cost outlier.

Davison outpaces nearby counties

Davison's $750 rent is competitive with state averages and lower than nearby Edmunds County ($881) and Fall River County ($866). However, Day County to the north offers better affordability at just 12% rent-to-income ratio and $623 monthly rent.

Where Davison incomes go

Renters in Davison dedicate $750 monthly to housing, while homeowners spend $889 on ownership costs—with median home values at $190,000. Together, housing consumes roughly 14.7% of the median household income, leaving substantial room for other expenses compared to national stress levels.

Consider Davison if you value balance

Davison County offers reasonable housing costs with solid income levels by South Dakota standards. If you're relocating, compare it to the more affordable Day County or the slightly pricier Fall River County to find your ideal fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Davison County

via IncomeByCounty

Davison trails national income benchmark

Davison County's median household income of $61,401 falls $13,354 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle range nationally. This gap reflects economic patterns common to rural South Dakota counties, where agricultural and manufacturing sectors dominate over higher-wage industries.

Below-average rank within South Dakota

At $61,401, Davison County earns slightly below South Dakota's state average of $66,926, ranking it in the lower half of the state's 66 counties. The county's per capita income of $36,524 slightly exceeds the state average of $35,667, suggesting income concentration among fewer earners.

Davison outpaced by neighboring peers

Davison County's median household income lags Deuel County ($79,556) and Day County ($62,270), its stronger regional neighbors. However, it outearns Fall River County ($61,056) and Faulk County ($58,000) in the same economic region, indicating mixed performance relative to similar rural counties.

Affordable housing supports financial stability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 14.7%, Davison County remains below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs consume a manageable share of household earnings. The median home value of $190,000 is accessible to median-income households, supporting long-term wealth building through homeownership.

Build financial security in Davison County

Davison County households should leverage affordable housing to build equity while focusing on savings and retirement planning to close the income gap with national peers. Starting an emergency fund covering three to six months of expenses, then maximizing 401(k) contributions, creates a foundation for generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Davison County

via CrimeByCounty

Davison County Safety vs National Trends

Davison County's total crime rate of 2,424.1 per 100K slightly exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a high safety score of 96.2 out of 100.

Davison Falls Below State Safety Averages

The county's crime rate sits significantly higher than the South Dakota average of 788.1 per 100K. Consequently, Davison ranks lower in safety compared to its more rural state peers.

A Regional Hub with Higher Activity

Davison’s role as a regional hub increases its incident numbers compared to sparsely populated neighbors. It reports a much higher concentration of property crimes than nearby rural counties.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crimes reach 2,103.6 per 100K residents, while violent crimes occur at a rate of 320.5. These figures mean most local law enforcement activity involves theft or vandalism rather than physical harm.

Securing Your Davison County Property

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents. Residents can improve community safety by installing smart locks and exterior lighting to deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Davison County

via HealthByCounty

Davison lives longer than most Americans

At 78.5 years, Davison County residents live about 5.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 73 years. Just 15.9% report poor or fair health, beating the national rate of roughly 18%, signaling strong overall wellness across the county.

A top performer in South Dakota

Davison County's 78.5-year life expectancy ranks well above South Dakota's state average of 75.4 years. The county's health advantage is particularly notable among South Dakota's 66 counties, reflecting solid healthcare access and community wellness.

Davison outpaces nearby counties

Davison's 78.5-year life expectancy exceeds Day County (78.3) and Faulk County (77.2), positioning it as a regional health leader. Its 81 primary care providers per 100,000 residents far outpace neighbors like Deuel County (23 per 100K), ensuring robust frontline care.

Healthcare access meets community needs

Davison County's 11.0% uninsured rate nearly matches South Dakota's average of 11.1%, meaning most residents have coverage. With 161 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county leads the region in behavioral health capacity, addressing critical wellness gaps.

Make sure you're covered

Even in a well-insured county, 1 in 9 Davison residents lack health insurance. Check your coverage today—visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and employer options that fit your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Davison County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Educational Hub in Mitchell

Davison County supports 3,254 students across 13 public schools organized into three districts. The county's educational infrastructure is well-balanced with six elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools.

High Performance and Exceptional Graduation

Davison County reports a strong 91.6% graduation rate, significantly outperforming state and national averages. The county achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,633 and a solid school score of 53.6.

Mitchell School District at the Center

The Mitchell School District 17-2 is the largest provider, serving 2,735 students across nine separate schools. There are no charter schools in the county, as the community is centered around its strong public district offerings.

A Dynamic Mix of Town and Rural

The county features six town schools and seven rural schools, offering an average enrollment of 250 students. Mitchell High School is the largest campus in the county with 896 students, providing a comprehensive secondary education experience.

Make a Move to Davison County

High graduation rates and a variety of school sizes make Davison County a top choice for South Dakota homebuyers. Explore local listings to find a home near the high-performing Mitchell school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Davison County

via RiskByCounty

Davison's composite risk exceeds state average

Davison County scores 39.25 on the composite risk index, placing it above South Dakota's 26.84 state average and well above the nation's typical risk profile. Despite the "Very Low" rating, this county faces above-average vulnerability compared to its peers statewide.

Mid-range risk ranking within South Dakota

Among South Dakota's 66 counties, Davison ranks in the middle tier for natural disaster risk. Its 39.25 composite score reflects exposure to multiple hazard types that clusters it above the state median.

Higher risk than nearby eastern counties

Davison's risk score of 39.25 significantly outpaces neighboring Deuel County (6.87) and Douglas County (10.40), making it one of the more exposed counties in the eastern region. Day County to the north presents a similar risk profile at 27.64, suggesting localized vulnerability patterns.

Tornadoes and wildfires pose greatest threat

Tornado risk reaches 75.54 in Davison County—the county's most acute hazard—while wildfire risk sits at 68.38, both well above many neighboring counties. Flood risk of 35.91 adds moderate but notable vulnerability across the county.

Secure comprehensive coverage now

Davison County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance that explicitly covers wind and hail damage from tornadoes, as standard policies often exclude these perils. Consider bundling flood insurance and updating coverage annually as climate patterns shift.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Davison County

via WeatherByCounty

A Typical Great Plains Continental Climate

Davison County's 47.4°F annual average sits below the national median, reflecting a classic humid continental climate. The region experiences wide thermal swings and distinct seasonal transitions common to the American interior.

Among South Dakota's Warmer Counties

With an average temperature nearly 2 degrees above the South Dakota average of 45.6°F, Davison is among the warmer regions in the state. It ranks in the top tier for warmth compared to its chillier northern peers.

Wetter and Warmer than the State Average

The county receives 23.5 inches of precipitation annually, slightly outpacing the state average of 22.7 inches. This creates a slightly more humid profile than the drier counties found further west.

Hot Summers and Snowy Winters

Summers are intense with 28 days hitting 90°F or higher and July averages reaching 75.0°F. Winters balance the heat with 40.6 inches of snow and a chilly January average of 18.2°F.

Prepare for Seasonal Extremes

Residents should plan for heavy snow removal and high cooling costs during the frequent 90-degree summer days. A robust HVAC system and reliable winter tires are essential for navigating this variable climate.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Davison County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Entisols Define Davison Soil

Davison County's soil features a pH of 7.14, which is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and slightly higher than the state average. These soils belong to the Entisols order and typically present as gravelly loam. This identity signals a relatively young soil profile with distinct mineral characteristics.

A Versatile Loam Mixture

The soil composition consists of 31.8% sand, 45.4% silt, and 22.8% clay. This balanced mix creates a gravelly loam texture that provides decent structure for various agricultural uses. The high silt content helps with workability while the clay fraction maintains necessary mineral bonds.

Strong Water Retention Capabilities

With an organic matter content of 3.35%, Davison exceeds the national average of 2.0% but trails the South Dakota state average. Its available water capacity of 0.195 in/in is higher than the state average of 0.182 in/in. This suggests the soil is excellent at holding onto moisture for crops during dry spells.

High Permeability and Rapid Drainage

Classified as excessively drained and belonging to hydrologic group A, this soil allows water to move through very quickly. While this prevents ponding, it means nutrients may leach away faster than in heavier soils. Builders find these conditions favorable for stable foundations and effective septic drainage.

Hardy Gardening in Zone 5a

Davison County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, where the soil score of 64.8 beats the state average of 61.2. Root vegetables and prairie-hardy perennials thrive in this gravelly loam when supported by consistent watering. It is a great environment to start a resilient home garden or small orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Davison County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Davison County

Davison County scores a 46.1 on the lawn difficulty scale, falling below both the national average of 50.0 and the state average of 51.1. In Hardiness Zone 5a, homeowners find that maintaining a lush green turf requires more effort than in neighboring counties.

Low Rain and Significant Heat

With only 23.5 inches of annual precipitation, the county falls short of the 30-50 inches ideal for healthy lawns. The 28 extreme heat days each year, which exceed the state average of 24, necessitate a rigorous watering schedule during the peak of summer.

Working with Excessively Drained Loam

The local soil is a gravelly loam with a slightly alkaline pH of 7.14. Because it is classified as excessively drained, water moves through the root zone quickly, meaning lawns often need more frequent, light irrigation to stay hydrated.

Managing 42 Weeks of Drought

Lawns here faced 42 weeks of drought over the past year, and currently, 100% of the county is abnormally dry. To build resilience, practice deep watering early in the morning to minimize evaporation and encourage deeper root growth.

Start Your Lawn in Late April

Hardy cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass are ideal for this Zone 5a environment. Plan to seed after the last spring frost on April 30 to ensure your new lawn establishes itself before the July heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Davison County's county score?
Davison County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 43.3 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 Davison County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Davison County ranks #56 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 Davison County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Davison County is $2,361, with an effective tax rate of 1.24%. This earns Davison County a tax score of 23.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Davison County?
The median household income in Davison County, South Dakota is $61,401 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Davison County earns an income score of 43.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Davison County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Davison County scores 43.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Davison 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 Davison 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.