CountyScore

Deuel County

South Dakota · SD

#5 in South Dakota
77.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Deuel County, South Dakota

Top-tier national livability

Deuel County's composite score of 77.6 ranks decisively above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties. This exceptional performance reflects balanced strength across multiple livability dimensions.

South Dakota's strongest performer

Deuel County ranks 77.6, significantly above the South Dakota average of 71.3, making it the standout county in this regional comparison. The county demonstrates how small Great Plains communities can achieve exceptional livability.

Income, tax, and safety standouts

Deuel County excels across the board: a median household income of $79,556 (Income Score 35.3), the lowest effective tax rate at 0.820% (Tax Score 79.2), and an outstanding Risk Score of 93.2 signaling exceptional economic security. Housing remains affordable at $180,100 median home value and $668/month rent.

Limited data in some areas

Safety, schools, and water quality data are not yet available for Deuel County, so the full livability picture remains incomplete. Prospective residents should seek local sources for information on these important dimensions.

Best for stable, income-conscious movers

Deuel County is ideal for families and professionals seeking a rare combination of solid incomes, low taxes, and real economic stability. It appeals to those fleeing high-tax states who want to preserve wealth while maintaining rural peace and affordability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax79.2Cost84.6SafetyComing SoonHealth75.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.3Risk93.2WaterComing Soon
🏛79.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡93.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Deuel County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Butte County
Idaho
77.6
Median income: $43,281
Hand County
South Dakota
77.6
Median income: $72,054
LaSalle Parish
Louisiana
77.5
Median income: $67,077
Daniels County
Montana
77.5
Median income: $58,000
Copper River Census Area
Alaska
77.7
Median income: $75,053

Deep Dives

Deuel County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Deuel County

via TaxByCounty

Deuel's tax rate among America's lowest

At 0.820%, Deuel County has one of the lowest effective property tax rates in the nation, well below the U.S. median of 0.84% and in the bottom 30%. The median annual tax of $1,477 is roughly 45% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Well below South Dakota average

Deuel County's 0.820% effective rate ranks among the lowest in South Dakota, notably below the state average of 1.094%. Residents enjoy median taxes of just $1,477 versus $1,785 statewide, reflecting a lighter tax burden overall.

The tax bargain of the region

Deuel County (0.820%) has the lowest effective tax rate among its peer counties, even lower than Day County (1.030%) and Edmunds County (0.866%). At $1,477, the median tax bill is the most affordable in this regional cluster.

Median home? Pay about $1,477 yearly

A homeowner with Deuel County's median property value of $180,100 pays approximately $1,477 annually in property taxes at the 0.820% rate. Monthly costs average just $123, making it one of the most affordable counties in the state.

Low rates don't guarantee accurate assessments

Even in tax-friendly Deuel County, assessment errors happen—your home might still be overvalued on the county rolls. Request a formal reassessment review if you believe your assessed value doesn't match recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Deuel County

via CostByCounty

Deuel ranks as South Dakota's affordability champion

Deuel County boasts a remarkably low 10.1% rent-to-income ratio, well below both the national median and South Dakota's 13.8% state average. With the highest median household income of the eight-county cohort at $79,556 paired with modest $668 rent, Deuel delivers exceptional housing value.

Deuel leads all South Dakota counties

At 10.1%, Deuel County claims the best rent-to-income ratio among South Dakota's counties in this analysis, significantly outpacing the state average of 13.8%. This elite affordability status reflects both strong local incomes and reasonable housing costs.

Deuel's income-to-rent advantage is unmatched

Deuel County's $79,556 median income combined with $668 rent creates the lowest burden among neighboring counties—Day comes close at 12%, but Deuel's higher income gives it superior affordability cushion. No other county in this group matches Deuel's combination of earning power and modest housing costs.

Deuel keeps housing costs proportionally minimal

Renters allocate just $668 monthly to rent while homeowners invest $788 in ownership, with median home values at $180,100—all consuming only 10.1% of household income. This leaves Deuel households with substantially more resources for savings, healthcare, and other essentials.

Deuel County offers the best overall value

If housing affordability is your top priority, Deuel County is where you'll find the region's healthiest balance of income and costs. Strong local earnings and modest housing expenses make Deuel the ideal destination for budget-conscious relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Deuel County

via IncomeByCounty

Deuel County surpasses national income average

Deuel County's median household income of $79,556 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $4,801, ranking it among the stronger-earning counties nationwide. This achievement is remarkable for a rural South Dakota county, signaling a robust local economy and higher-wage employment base.

Deuel ranks among South Dakota's top counties

At $79,556, Deuel County significantly outpaces South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by nearly $13,000, placing it in the upper tier of the state's 66 counties. The county's per capita income of $37,556 aligns with state average, suggesting household income strength rather than individual earning concentration.

Deuel County earns more than comparable peers

Deuel County's $79,556 median household income exceeds all neighboring and similar counties, including Douglas ($78,125) and Edmunds ($77,266). Only a handful of South Dakota counties match Deuel's earning power, making it a regional economic leader.

Excellent affordability unlocks wealth building

Deuel County's rent-to-income ratio of 10.1% ranks among the lowest regionally, meaning housing costs claim just one-tenth of median household income. The median home value of $180,100 remains well within reach for median earners, creating strong conditions for building home equity.

Maximize wealth potential in Deuel County

Deuel County households with above-average incomes and excellent affordability should aggressively pursue wealth-building strategies, including maxing retirement contributions and diversifying investments. Consider leveraging the county's strong economic fundamentals to invest in real estate, small business, or education to further compound household wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Deuel County

via HealthByCounty

Deuel County leads in life expectancy

Deuel County residents live to 79.2 years on average—nearly 6.2 years longer than the U.S. average of 73 years. Just 14.6% report poor or fair health, significantly beating the national rate and signaling exceptional community wellness.

Top tier health outcomes in South Dakota

At 79.2 years, Deuel County's life expectancy ranks among South Dakota's best, topping the state average of 75.4 years by 3.8 years. The county's robust longevity reflects strong community health fundamentals and access to care.

Deuel outshines many regional peers

Deuel's 79.2-year life expectancy exceeds Day County (78.3) and Davison County (78.5), making it a true regional leader in longevity. Yet the county's 23 primary care providers per 100,000 residents ranks among the state's lowest, creating potential care access challenges despite excellent health outcomes.

Excellent coverage with limited providers

Deuel County's 9.6% uninsured rate is the lowest among these eight counties and well below South Dakota's 11.1% average, reflecting strong health insurance penetration. However, with only 23 primary care providers per 100K, residents may face longer wait times or travel distances for routine medical visits.

Maintain your coverage advantage

Deuel's low uninsured rate is a community strength—keep it that way by reviewing your coverage annually. Visit healthcare.gov each fall to confirm your plan offers the care and providers your family needs, especially given the county's limited primary care capacity.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Deuel County

via RiskByCounty

Deuel ranks among lowest-risk counties nationally

Deuel County's composite risk score of 6.87 places it far below South Dakota's 26.84 state average and near the bottom of national disaster vulnerability rankings. This "Very Low" rating reflects genuinely minimal exposure to most major natural hazards.

Lowest-risk county in South Dakota

Deuel County ranks among the safest in South Dakota, with its 6.87 composite score placing it in the lowest tier of statewide natural disaster risk. Few South Dakota counties offer comparable protection from multiple hazard types.

Safest county in northeastern South Dakota

Deuel County's 6.87 risk score makes it significantly safer than neighboring Davison County (39.25) and Day County (27.64) in the region. Only nearby Edmunds County (6.97) approaches Deuel's exceptionally low vulnerability level.

Wildfire presents only notable hazard

Wildfire risk of 69.94 is Deuel County's primary natural disaster concern, though it remains moderate compared to western counties. All other hazards—tornado (32.41), flood (9.29), and earthquake (6.27)—fall well below state and national averages.

Basic coverage meets most needs

Deuel County's minimal risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection without specialized riders. Focus on maintaining a wildfire-resistant landscape and ensuring smoke detection systems function properly rather than purchasing premium disaster coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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