countyscore
54.1
County Score
Safety 93.5Cost of Living 82.3Schools 68

County Report Card

About Dewey County, South Dakota

Dewey County Beats the National Median

Dewey County holds a composite score of 54.1, which is higher than the national median of 50.0. Despite localized challenges, the county provides a standard of living that exceeds many U.S. counterparts.

Competitive Within the State Context

Dewey County remains competitive in South Dakota, sitting just slightly below the state average score of 55.9. It provides an alternative to higher-cost areas while maintaining strong community safety.

Top-Tier Safety and High Affordability

The county is remarkably safe, earning a safety score of 93.5. It is also one of the most affordable places to live, with a cost score of 82.3 and a median home value of just $75,400.

Struggling Health and High Risk Factors

Healthcare access is a critical issue, evidenced by a very low health score of 5.7. Environmental risk is also a concern, with a risk score of 21.3 indicating vulnerability to natural hazards.

Best for Budget-Minded, Healthy Households

Dewey County is an excellent fit for individuals who prioritize safety and homeownership on a tight budget. However, because of the low health and risk scores, it is less suited for those with chronic medical needs.

2040608010019.482.393.55.76832.621.346.937.1Tax19.4Cost82.3Safety93.5Health5.7Schools68Income32.6Risk21.3Water46.9Weather37.154.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average6 below average

Dewey County DNA

Foverall

How Dewey County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Dewey County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (93.5/100) but notably weak in Health (5.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
19.4-32.6
Cost
82.3+34.3
Safety
93.5+38.5
Health
5.7-44.3
Schools
68+14
Income
32.6-18.4
Risk
21.3-25.7
Water
46.9-11.100000000000001
Weather
37.1-18.9
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Think property taxes are too high in Dewey County?

Many homeowners in Dewey 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

$75,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$714/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$75,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,928/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

38.2

per 100K

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

Sully County
South Dakota
70
Potter County
South Dakota
66.2
Stanley County
South Dakota
60.1
Ziebach County
South Dakota
63.9
Walworth County
South Dakota
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Haakon County
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65.5
Corson County
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49
Hughes County
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42.3

Deep Dives

Dewey County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Dewey County

via TaxByCounty

Dewey County's highest rate among peers

Dewey County's effective tax rate of 1.338% is among the highest nationally, surpassing the U.S. median of 0.84% by a significant margin. However, the median tax bill of just $1,009 remains far below the national median of $2,690, due to very modest median home values of only $75,400.

South Dakota's steepest tax rate

Dewey County leads South Dakota with an effective tax rate of 1.338%, well above the state average of 1.094%. Despite this high rate, the modest median home value of $75,400 means residents pay only $1,009 in median annual taxes.

Highest rate in the regional comparison

Dewey County (1.338%) has the highest effective tax rate among all its peer counties, exceeding Davison (1.243%), Fall River (1.064%), and others in the dataset. The $1,009 median tax remains affordable only because home values are substantially lower.

Median home costs $1,009 yearly in taxes

A homeowner with Dewey County's median property value of $75,400 pays approximately $1,009 per year in property taxes at the 1.338% rate. That's about $84 monthly—low in absolute dollars, but the county applies the steepest rate per dollar of value.

High rates make assessments worth checking

With Dewey County's steep 1.338% effective rate, even small errors in property assessment compound quickly. If your home was recently assessed higher than comparable nearby sales, a formal appeal could yield meaningful savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dewey County

via CostByCounty

Dewey faces steeper housing affordability challenges

Dewey County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the national median and South Dakota's 13.8% state average, driven by a median household income of $57,928—the lowest among these eight counties. While the $714 monthly rent is moderate, lower incomes intensify the proportional housing burden.

Dewey ranks among South Dakota's tougher markets

With a 14.8% rent-to-income ratio, Dewey County sits above South Dakota's 13.8% state average, indicating above-average affordability stress for renters. The county's lower median income makes housing costs feel proportionally heavier than in higher-earning peer counties.

Dewey struggles relative to peer counties

Dewey's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio places it among the highest in this cohort, exceeded only by Fall River (17.0%). While Dewey's home values ($75,400) are the lowest in the group, the county's low median income of $57,928 creates disproportionate rental stress.

Dewey residents allocate significant income to housing

Renters dedicate $714 monthly to housing while homeowners invest $618 in ownership costs, with median home values at just $75,400. Housing consumes 14.8% of the county's median household income, leaving modest cushion for other critical expenses.

Dewey works best for homebuyers, not renters

Dewey County offers the lowest home values in this analysis, making it attractive for budget-conscious buyers willing to accept modest property prices. Renters should explore more affordable alternatives like Day County before committing to Dewey.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dewey County

via IncomeByCounty

Dewey County faces significant income challenges

Dewey County's median household income of $57,928 falls $16,827 below the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-earning counties in the nation. The county's per capita income of just $21,940—far below the national standard—reflects structural economic challenges requiring targeted investment and opportunity building.

Dewey ranks near the bottom statewide

At $57,928, Dewey County ranks in the bottom quartile of South Dakota's 66 counties, trailing the state average of $66,926 by nearly $9,000. The significantly low per capita income of $21,940 versus the state average of $35,667 indicates income concentration and limited earning opportunities across the population.

Dewey lags behind all neighboring counties

Dewey County's $57,928 median household income falls below every comparable county in the region, including Faulk ($58,000), Fall River ($61,056), and Davison ($61,401). This gap underscores the county's economic vulnerability and the need for workforce development and new business recruitment.

Housing affordability stretched by low incomes

Dewey County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% remains technically affordable, but this masks the underlying challenge: median household income is too low to support robust savings and investment. The median home value of $75,400 is the lowest in the region, reflecting both affordability and limited property appreciation potential.

Build pathways to economic mobility

Dewey County residents should prioritize education and skill-building to increase earning potential and close the income gap with neighboring counties and national averages. Start with community resources for job training, career counseling, and financial literacy to create a foundation for household income growth and long-term economic security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dewey County

via CrimeByCounty

Dewey County's Exceptional Safety Score

Dewey County achieves a near-perfect safety score of 99.9. Its total crime rate of 56.9 per 100K is remarkably low compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

A State Leader in Crime Prevention

Dewey ranks as one of the safest counties in South Dakota, far exceeding the state average safety score of 98.8. Its crime rate is less than 8% of the state average of 788.1.

Unmatched Safety in the Region

Dewey County reports significantly less crime than regional hubs like Davison. This high level of safety is a hallmark of its rural character and low population density.

A Unique Crime Profile

All reported crimes in 2022 were violent, totaling 56.9 per 100K residents. Remarkably, the county reports 0.0 property crimes, suggesting a very quiet year for local theft or vandalism.

Ensuring Dewey County Stays Safe

Even with zero reported property crimes, community vigilance remains essential. Basic home security habits ensure Dewey County remains one of the safest places to live in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Dewey County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse District Infrastructure

Dewey County supports eight public schools, including two alternative schools, serving 482 students in a single district. The landscape features a mix of three high schools, three middle schools, and two elementary schools.

High Investment and Strong Academic Scores

The county earns a high school score of 59.5, beating the state average of 50.4. Graduation rates sit at a healthy 90.0% with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,756, which is higher than the state average.

Timber Lake District Spotlight

Timber Lake School District 20-3 is the primary district, enrolling 362 students. There are no charter schools in the county, keeping education focused on traditional public and alternative pathways.

A Mix of Town and Rural Settings

Education takes place across five town-based schools and three rural campuses, with a very small average school size of 69 students. Timber Lake Elementary is the largest with 168 students, while Eagle Butte High School serves a tiny cohort of just 13 students.

Education-First Living in Dewey County

With academic scores well above state norms, Dewey County is a strong contender for education-focused homebuyers. Explore homes near Timber Lake to join this high-performing school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dewey County

via RiskByCounty

Dewey County faces elevated wildfire risk

Dewey County's composite risk score of 78.72 substantially exceeds South Dakota's 26.84 state average, ranking it among the state's most hazard-exposed counties nationally. Despite a "Relatively Low" rating, this represents South Dakota's third-highest composite vulnerability.

Highest-risk county in South Dakota

Dewey County ranks first among South Dakota's 66 counties for overall natural disaster risk, with its 78.72 score dramatically surpassing statewide average. This county faces exposure levels three times the state median.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding areas

Dewey County's 78.72 risk score vastly exceeds those of neighboring Faulk County (7.95), Edmunds County (6.97), and Day County (27.64), making it an isolated high-risk zone. Fall River County to the south (30.92) remains significantly less vulnerable.

Wildfire dominates Dewey County hazards

Wildfire risk reaches 82.98 in Dewey County—the highest in the state—making it by far the county's most pressing natural disaster threat. Tornado risk of 24.40 and flood risk of 17.37 are minimal by comparison, but wildfire exposure demands immediate attention.

Wildfire insurance essential here

Dewey County residents must secure comprehensive wildfire coverage as a non-negotiable priority given the county's 82.98 wildfire risk score. Implement defensible space around your home immediately—remove dead trees, thin vegetation, and clear roof gutters—as these actions reduce loss severity more than any insurance policy.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Dewey County

via WaterByCounty

Dewey County Holds Grade D

Dewey County recorded one health violation over the last five years, resulting in a Grade D. However, its violation rate of 20.8 per 100,000 is less than half the state average of 47.6.

No Current Watershed Health Data

Federal assessments for water body impairment do not yet cover Dewey County. These waterways have not been ranked in the latest §303(d) reporting cycle.

Focused Monitoring at Single Site

Data collection is limited, with only 107 measurements recorded at one monitoring site over the past five years. The focus is primarily on physical characteristics, nutrients, and inorganic metals.

Moreau River Gauge Lacks Live Data

The Moreau River at Promise drains a large 5,240 square mile area but currently lacks live discharge readings. This absence of real-time flow data limits visibility into local surface water conditions.

Review Local Compliance Alerts

Because monitoring data is sparse, residents should pay close attention to compliance alerts from their water providers. Testing for inorganic metals may be prudent given the focus of recent local monitoring.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dewey County

via WeatherByCounty

Dry Air and Wide Temperature Swings

Dewey County averages 45.3°F annually, falling short of the national median but following the regional trend. This semi-arid climate features lower humidity and significant variation between day and night.

Tracking with the State Average

The county tracks very closely with the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. It represents the typical thermal experience for the central part of the state throughout the year.

Drier than Average Conditions

With 19.3 inches of annual precipitation, Dewey is drier than the state average of 22.7 inches. This dry air allows for 24 days of 90-degree heat while keeping snowfall to a modest 39.0 inches.

Hot Summers and Cold Winters

The seasons fluctuate from a July average of 72.7°F down to a January average of 16.9°F. Summer days are frequently hot, but the low 19.5°F winter average ensures a true northern winter experience.

Landscaping for a Semi-Arid Zone

Practical planning involves drought-resistant landscaping and efficient cooling for the 24 days of extreme summer heat. Winter preparations should focus on wind protection, as the open landscape offers little buffer from the cold.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dewey County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils on the Plains

Dewey County's average pH of 7.18 is higher than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 7.05. This alkalinity suggests a landscape rich in calcium and other minerals common to the western plains. Specific taxonomic classification data for these soils is currently unavailable.

Higher Clay Content for Retention

The soil is comprised of 30.3% clay, which is higher than many neighboring counties. Combined with 39.7% silt and 28.7% sand, this mix creates a heavier texture that can be challenging to work when wet. However, this high clay percentage is excellent for locking in minerals.

Challenging Water and Organic Levels

Organic matter sits at 2.62%, which exceeds the national average but falls well below the state average of 3.75%. The available water capacity of 0.157 in/in is also lower than the state average of 0.182 in/in. These factors contribute to the county's lower soil score of 47.8.

Understanding Local Water Movement

Drainage classification data is limited for this region, but the 30.3% clay content suggests slower water movement. Heavy rains may lead to surface runoff rather than quick infiltration. Land managers should focus on practices that improve soil structure and reduce erosion.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 4b

Dewey County gardens must be tough to handle Zone 4b winters and lower water capacity. Focus on drought-tolerant native plants and use mulch to preserve what moisture the soil can hold. Despite the lower soil score, hardy shrubs and grasses can thrive with proper care.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dewey County

via LawnByCounty

Average Difficulty in Dewey County

Dewey County’s lawn score of 53.4 is slightly better than the national average and the state average of 51.1. Residents in this Zone 4b region enjoy a moderate climate that balances growth with maintenance needs.

Dry Climate Requires Careful Watering

Annual precipitation is low at just 19.3 inches, requiring significant supplemental watering to keep lawns green. The 24 extreme heat days match the state average, so expect your mowing schedule to slow down during mid-summer dormancy.

Clay-Rich Soil for Nutrient Retention

The soil has a relatively high clay content of 30.3% and a pH of 7.18. While specific drainage data is missing, this high clay percentage means the soil will hold onto fertilizers well but may be prone to compaction.

Currently Clear of Drought

Dewey County is currently 100% free of drought conditions, a significant relief after 12 weeks of drought in the past year. Use this period of adequate moisture to establish new sod or perform heavy lawn repairs.

Preparing for a Short Season

Because the first fall frost arrives early on September 30, early spring planting is essential. Start your grass after the May 10 frost to maximize the growing season and establish a strong root system.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dewey County's county score?
Dewey County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 54.1 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 Dewey County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Dewey County ranks #39 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 Dewey County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Dewey County is $1,009, with an effective tax rate of 1.34%. This earns Dewey County a tax score of 19.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dewey County?
The median household income in Dewey County, South Dakota is $57,928 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dewey County earns an income score of 32.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dewey County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Dewey County scores 54.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Dewey 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 Dewey County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.