countyscore
60.5
County Score
Safety 84.4Cost of Living 75.5Disaster Risk 72.4

County Report Card

About Day County, South Dakota

Day County Exceeds National Livability Standards

Day County earns a composite score of 60.5, comfortably outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high quality of life compared to the average American county.

Outpacing the South Dakota State Average

Day County stands out in the state with a score that exceeds the South Dakota average of 55.9. It offers a more balanced profile of cost and safety than many of its regional peers.

Exceptional Safety and Affordable Living

Public safety is a major highlight, reflected in a high safety score of 84.4. Affordability also drives the county's appeal, with a cost score of 75.5 and a low median home value of $155,100.

Limited Water Quality and School Scores

Education metrics are a weak point, with the school score trailing at 38.4. Environmental factors also present a hurdle, as the water score of 38.6 suggests room for infrastructure improvement.

Ideal for Secure, Low-Cost Rural Living

Day County is a premier choice for retirees or remote workers looking for a safe community with very low housing costs. While schools are a concern for families, the financial peace of mind is a significant draw.

Score breakdown

Tax35.9Cost75.5Safety84.4Health64Schools38.4Income45.9Risk72.4Water38.6Weather47.3
🏛35.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡84.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤64
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡72.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧38.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.2
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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Clark County
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Deep Dives

Day County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Day County

via TaxByCounty

Day County taxes below the national average

Day County's effective tax rate of 1.030% sits above the U.S. median of 0.84%, placing it in the middle-upper tier nationally. The median tax bill of $1,598 is substantially lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting South Dakota's lower home valuations.

Slightly below South Dakota's average rate

Day County's 1.030% effective rate is close to but marginally below South Dakota's 1.094% state average. The median property tax of $1,598 is noticeably lower than the state median of $1,785, indicating more modest home values in this northeastern county.

Middle ground among regional peers

Day County (1.030%) falls between Davison County's higher rate of 1.243% and Deuel County's lower 0.820%, making it a middle-of-the-road option regionally. Its median tax of $1,598 reflects the balance—lower than Davison but higher than the least-taxed surrounding counties.

Median home nets $1,598 annual tax

A Day County homeowner with the median property value of $155,100 pays approximately $1,598 per year in property taxes at the 1.030% rate. That comes to roughly $133 monthly—comfortable for many rural South Dakota residents.

Check your assessment before paying

Even in lower-tax counties like Day, property assessments can be incorrect, leading to overpayment. If your home's assessed value appears inflated compared to comparable recent sales, filing an appeal with the county assessor could reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Day County

via CostByCounty

Day County punches above affordability class

Day County's 12.0% rent-to-income ratio beats the national median and South Dakota's state average of 13.8%, making it one of the most affordable rental markets in the region. The $623 median monthly rent combined with $62,270 median income creates a housing-friendly environment rare in rural America.

Day ranks among South Dakota's best

With a 12.0% rent-to-income ratio, Day County ranks in the top tier of South Dakota counties for housing affordability, well below the state average of 13.8%. This competitive advantage makes Day a standout for renters seeking maximum wallet relief.

Day County leads the affordability race

Day County's 12% rent-to-income ratio decisively outperforms Davison (14.7%), Deuel (10.1%), and Faulk (14.3%) when measured by affordability burden. At $623/month rent, Day offers the lowest rental cost among its peer counties.

Day's housing economics favor renters

Renters pay just $623 monthly while homeowners invest $791 in ownership costs, with median home values reaching $155,100. Housing consumes only 12% of median household income, well below national stress thresholds.

Day County is rural affordability's hidden gem

If you're seeking a South Dakota county where housing won't strain your budget, Day County delivers genuine relief. It's the region's best option for renters and a strong choice for homebuyers who prioritize affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Day County

via IncomeByCounty

Day County sits modestly below US average

Day County's median household income of $62,270 trails the national median of $74,755 by $12,485, placing it in the lower-middle income tier nationally. Despite this gap, Day County performs better than many rural counties, reflecting a diversified local economy beyond agriculture alone.

Day ranks above average statewide

At $62,270, Day County surpasses South Dakota's state average of $66,926 and ranks in the middle-upper tier among the state's counties. The county's per capita income of $37,817 notably exceeds the state average of $35,667, indicating balanced income distribution across households.

Day outearns most regional competitors

Day County's $62,270 median household income exceeds Fall River ($61,056), Davison ($61,401), and Faulk ($58,000) counties, positioning it as a regional income leader. Only Deuel ($79,556), Douglas ($78,125), and Edmunds ($77,266) counties in the broader region earn notably more.

Strong affordability supports homeownership

Day County boasts a rent-to-income ratio of just 12.0%, well below the 30% affordability threshold and among the best in its region. A median home value of $155,100 remains highly attainable for median-income households, positioning homeownership as a realistic wealth-building strategy.

Day County households positioned for growth

Day County's strong affordability ratio creates space for households to invest beyond housing, whether in education, business, or diversified retirement accounts. Residents should capitalize on low housing costs by redirecting savings toward investment vehicles like IRAs and index funds to accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Day County

via CrimeByCounty

Day County Outshines National Safety Standards

Day County is exceptionally safe, boasting a safety score of 99.4 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 364.6 per 100K is a small fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Among South Dakota's Safest Regions

Day County outperforms the state average safety score of 98.8. It remains one of the more secure regions in the state, keeping incident rates well below the South Dakota average of 788.1.

Quiet Streets Compared to Neighbors

Day County maintains a much lower crime profile than neighboring Davison County. Local law enforcement manages a total volume that is significantly lower than more urbanized South Dakota areas.

Low Risk Across All Categories

Property crime stays low at 237.0 per 100K, while violent crime is just 127.6. These figures suggest that residents are less likely to experience crime here than in 90% of the country.

Maintaining Peace in Day County

Low crime rates provide peace of mind, but proactive measures remain valuable. Simple steps like securing outbuildings and using motion sensors help maintain the county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Day County

via HealthByCounty

Day County residents enjoy strong longevity

Day County's 78.3-year life expectancy surpasses the U.S. average by about 5.3 years, placing residents in the healthier tier of American counties. With 15.2% reporting poor or fair health—below the national average of roughly 18%—the county demonstrates solid community wellness.

Above average health across South Dakota

At 78.3 years, Day County's life expectancy outpaces South Dakota's state average of 75.4 years by nearly 3 years. The county ranks favorably among the state's 66 counties in health outcomes and longevity.

Day holds its own regionally

Day County's 78.3-year life expectancy matches Davison County (78.5) and exceeds Faulk County (77.2), reflecting strong regional health standings. However, the county has just 37 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, about half Davison's capacity, signaling tighter access to first-line care.

Coverage gaps slightly above state average

Day County's 12.5% uninsured rate runs 1.4 percentage points above South Dakota's 11.1%, meaning more residents lack active coverage. Data on mental health providers is limited, but the county's 37 primary care doctors per 100K suggests residents may need to travel for specialized behavioral health care.

Check your insurance status today

With 1 in 8 Day County residents uninsured, coverage is more critical than ever for family health and financial security. Visit healthcare.gov or call your county health office to explore Medicaid eligibility and marketplace plans available in your area.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Day County

via SchoolsByCounty

Day County's Rural Education Network

Six public schools serve a total enrollment of 734 students across two districts. The infrastructure is evenly split between two elementary, two middle, and two high schools.

Strong Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

Day County boasts a 91.2% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the state average of 82.4% and the national mark of 87%. The county achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,132, which is lower than both the state and national averages.

Webster Area Leads the Local Districts

Webster Area 18-5 is the largest district, educating 551 students across three schools. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all public education provided through traditional local districts.

The Intimacy of Rural Classrooms

Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, maintaining an average school size of 122 students. Webster Area Elementary is the largest facility with 265 students, while Waubay High School offers a highly personalized experience for its 64 students.

Settle Near High-Performing Rural Schools

With graduation rates exceeding 90%, Day County offers an excellent foundation for growing families. Explore local real estate to find a home where small-town values meet academic success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Day County

via RiskByCounty

Day County risk slightly above state average

Day County's composite risk score of 27.64 exceeds South Dakota's 26.84 state average by less than one point, indicating risk exposure comparable to the statewide norm. Nationally, this "Very Low" rating reflects manageable but non-negligible disaster vulnerability.

Near-average risk among South Dakota counties

Day County ranks close to the median among South Dakota's 66 counties, with its 27.64 score placing it just slightly above statewide average exposure. This positioning suggests moderate but not exceptional natural disaster vulnerability relative to other counties in the state.

More exposed than most surrounding counties

Day County's 27.64 risk score significantly exceeds those of nearby Edmunds County (6.97) and Deuel County (6.87), making it one of the more vulnerable areas in the northeastern region. Davison County to the south presents comparable risk at 39.25, suggesting a broader vulnerability corridor.

Wildfire and tornado exposure dominate here

Wildfire risk reaches 77.86 in Day County—well above most state peers—making it the county's primary concern, while tornado risk of 40.62 poses secondary but significant threat. Flood risk remains moderate at 19.97, reflecting typical Great Plains precipitation patterns.

Prioritize wildfire and wind protection

Day County homeowners should ensure policies cover wind damage from tornadoes and obtain separate wildfire/brush fire coverage to address the county's elevated exposure. Review property defensibility around your home—clearing dead vegetation and maintaining clearance from structures significantly reduces loss severity.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Day County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool Northern Continental Climate

Day County's 43.7°F average temperature is significantly cooler than the national median. This northern location brings sharp seasonal transitions and long, cold winters.

Chillier than the State Average

The county stays nearly 2 degrees cooler than the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. This makes it one of the state's chillier jurisdictions, particularly during the deep winter months.

Higher Precipitation than Western Peers

At 24.1 inches of annual precipitation, Day County is wetter than the state average of 22.7 inches. This extra moisture often translates to 40.1 inches of snow during the long winter season.

Mild Summers and Frigid Winters

January averages a frigid 12.3°F while July reaches a comfortable 71.5°F. The area only sees 8 days of 90-degree heat, offering a significant reprieve from the summer intensity felt elsewhere in the state.

Focus on Winter Readiness

High-quality winter gear is a priority here given the 15.8°F winter average and consistent snow accumulation. Residents enjoy lower summer cooling costs but must invest heavily in home insulation and heating reliability.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Day County

via SoilByCounty

High pH Dominates the Landscape

Day County records an average pH of 7.21, making it notably more alkaline than the national 6.5 benchmark. While specific taxonomic data for this region is limited, the chemical profile suggests a mineral-rich environment. This alkalinity levels out slightly above the South Dakota state average of 7.05.

Heavy Silt and Clay Mix

The soil contains 45.0% silt and 24.8% clay, balanced by 30.2% sand. This high concentration of fine particles creates a dense matrix that retains nutrients well but can become heavy when wet. Farmers must manage this mix carefully to maintain proper aeration for root health.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Day County boasts a high organic matter content of 4.12%, significantly outperforming the state average of 3.75%. The available water capacity is 0.190 in/in, which provides better moisture storage than the state typical. These figures point to a very fertile foundation for regional agriculture.

Observing Moisture in the Field

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for Day County. However, the 24.8% clay content suggests the soil likely holds water longer than sandier neighbors. Local observers should monitor for slow runoff during heavy spring rains.

Cold-Hardy Growth in Zone 4b

As a Zone 4b region, Day County requires plants that can withstand deep winter freezes. The respectable soil score of 63.8 suggests high productivity for cool-weather crops like brassicas and small grains. Gardeners should take advantage of the high organic matter to grow nutrient-dense produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Day County

via LawnByCounty

Day County Offers Easier Lawn Care

With a lawn difficulty score of 60.2, Day County is significantly easier to manage than the national average of 50.0. This Zone 4b county provides a favorable environment for those looking for a lower-maintenance yard.

Cooler Summers Benefit Northern Turf

Day County experiences only 8 extreme heat days per year, far fewer than the state average of 24. While the 24.1 inches of rain is below the national ideal, the milder July temperatures help grass retain moisture longer.

Managing Slightly Alkaline Soil

The soil pH of 7.21 is slightly above the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0, which may require sulfur amendments for peak performance. Although specific drainage data is limited, the 24.8% clay content suggests a stable foundation that holds nutrients well.

Low Drought Stress This Year

Day County saw only 12 weeks of drought over the last year and currently reports no abnormally dry areas. This lack of moisture stress makes it an ideal time to focus on core aeration and overseeding to thicken your turf.

Seeding for Zone 4b Success

Fine fescues thrive in the cooler climate and 2,522 growing degree days found here. Aim to plant around the last frost on May 4 to give your grass plenty of time to mature before the first frost on October 6.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Day County's county score?
Day County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 60.5 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 Day County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Day County ranks #28 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 Day County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Day County is $1,598, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Day County a tax score of 35.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Day County?
The median household income in Day County, South Dakota is $62,270 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Day County earns an income score of 45.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Day County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Day County scores 60.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Day 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 Day County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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