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Douglas County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#26 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
61.5
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 89.6Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Douglas County, South Dakota

Douglas County Outperforms National Peers

Douglas County achieves a composite score of 61.5, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. It ranks well for those seeking a high-quality lifestyle in the rural Midwest.

Exceeding South Dakota Average Expectations

With a score that beats the state average of 55.9, Douglas County is a strong regional contender. It offers a blend of financial stability and community security that is hard to find elsewhere.

Elite Safety and Superior Earnings

Safety is nearly perfect here, with a score of 97.5. Household finances are also robust, as a median income of $78,125 contributes to a high income score of 81.7.

Weak Schools and Low Tax Efficiency

The education system faces challenges, with the school score falling to 30.2. Furthermore, the tax score of 26.8 indicates a relatively high local tax burden compared to other low-cost counties.

A Haven for Prosperous Empty Nesters

The county is ideal for high-earning households who value maximum security and clean water above local school ratings. Its strong income profile makes it a stable choice for those already established in their careers.

Score breakdown

Tax26.8Cost57.7Safety97.5Health69.7Schools30.2Income81.7Risk89.6Water86Weather39.4
🏛26.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼81.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤69.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡89.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨70.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.9
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

Charles Mix County
South Dakota
55.3
Davison County
South Dakota
43.3
Aurora County
South Dakota
61.3
Gregory County
South Dakota
61.9
Hutchinson County
South Dakota
65.7
Boyd County
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67.6
Hanson County
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Brule County
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46.4

Deep Dives

Douglas County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Douglas County

via TaxByCounty

Douglas rates above the national norm

Douglas County's effective tax rate of 1.173% exceeds the U.S. median of 0.84%, placing it in the upper third nationally. The median annual tax of $1,466 is roughly 45% lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting South Dakota's lower property values.

Above South Dakota's average

Douglas County's 1.173% effective rate runs above South Dakota's 1.094% state average, making it a higher-taxed county regionally. Residents pay a median of $1,466 annually versus the state median of $1,785.

Mid-range in regional tax landscape

Douglas County (1.173%) sits between higher-taxed Davison (1.243%) and Dewey (1.338%) and lower-taxed Deuel (0.820%) and Edmunds (0.866%). Its $1,466 median tax reflects modest home values of $125,000 in this rural county.

Median home: $1,466 in annual taxes

A Douglas County homeowner with the median property value of $125,000 pays approximately $1,466 per year in property taxes at the 1.173% rate. That equals roughly $122 monthly, manageable for most households.

Assessment errors are worth investigating

At Douglas County's 1.173% rate, overassessment mistakes impact your wallet more than in lower-tax counties. Take time to verify your home's assessed value against recent comparable sales; an appeal could reduce your bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Douglas County

via CostByCounty

Douglas balances strong income with moderate costs

Douglas County's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio sits just below South Dakota's 13.8% state average, despite carrying the second-highest median household income of $78,125 in this cohort. The $864 monthly rent is higher than average, but strong local earnings keep the proportional burden manageable.

Douglas ranks among South Dakota's better markets

At 13.3%, Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio edges below the state average of 13.8%, placing it in the more affordable half of South Dakota counties. The county's strong median income of $78,125 helps offset its higher rental costs.

Douglas commands higher rent, offset by higher income

Douglas County's $864 rent is the highest among these eight counties, but its $78,125 median income keeps the overall burden at 13.3%—better than Davison, Dewey, and Faulk. This suggests Douglas offers value for higher-earning households willing to accept premium rental prices.

Douglas rewards earned income with affordability

Renters allocate $864 monthly while homeowners invest $712 in ownership costs, with median home values at just $125,000—the second-lowest in this group. Housing consumes 13.3% of household income, making Douglas workable for households earning above the county median.

Douglas suits higher-income relocators

Douglas County works best for relocators earning above $78,000 who can absorb the region's highest rents while maintaining healthy affordability ratios. Compare Douglas to Deuel County if you prioritize absolute lowest costs, or Edmunds if you want mid-range balance.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Douglas County

via IncomeByCounty

Douglas County exceeds national income benchmark

Douglas County's median household income of $78,125 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $3,370, placing it firmly in the upper-income tier nationally. For a rural South Dakota county, this performance demonstrates economic strength and diversified employment opportunities.

Douglas ranks in South Dakota's top tier

At $78,125, Douglas County significantly outearns South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by over $11,000, ranking it among the state's strongest counties. The per capita income of $37,172 aligns closely with state average, indicating broadly distributed household earning power rather than concentrated wealth.

Douglas competes with regional income leaders

Douglas County's $78,125 median household income trails only Deuel County ($79,556) and closely matches Edmunds County ($77,266) in the region. The county ranks solidly above Day, Davison, Fall River, Faulk, and Dewey counties, positioning it as a secondary economic hub.

Strong income-to-housing balance supports savings

Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.3% remains comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, freeing household resources for savings and investment. The median home value of $125,000 is the lowest among comparable high-income counties, creating exceptional homeownership value for median earners.

Douglas County residents should invest aggressively

With above-average incomes and exceptional housing affordability, Douglas County households are well-positioned to build significant wealth through disciplined investing. Focus on tax-advantaged retirement accounts, diversified stock portfolios, and possibly real estate investment to compound earnings and build multigenerational financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Douglas County

via CrimeByCounty

Douglas County Achieves Perfect Safety

Douglas County earns a perfect safety score of 100.0, the highest possible rating. There were zero reported crimes per 100K residents in 2022, while the national average sits at 2,385.5.

The Gold Standard for South Dakota

The county far exceeds the South Dakota average safety score of 98.8. As a single-agency county reporting no crimes, it stands out as one of the state's most tranquil areas.

Quiet Even for Rural Neighbors

Douglas County’s perfect score makes it an outlier even among its very safe rural neighbors. While nearby counties report some activity, Douglas remains exceptionally quiet.

Zero Reported Incidents in 2022

Both violent and property crime rates sit at 0.0 per 100K residents. Because these figures come from a single reporting agency, they represent a very low-incident environment.

Keep the Zero Streak Alive

A perfect safety record is no reason to ignore home security. Residents can help keep rates at zero by locking doors and participating in local neighborhood watch programs.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Douglas County

via HealthByCounty

Douglas County leads in longevity

Douglas County residents live to 80.9 years on average—more than 7.9 years longer than the U.S. average of 73 years. Just 14.6% report poor or fair health, among the best rates nationally and reflecting exceptional wellness outcomes.

South Dakota's healthiest county

At 80.9 years, Douglas County's life expectancy ranks at or near the top of South Dakota's 66 counties, outpacing the state average of 75.4 years by 5.5 years. The county represents a gold standard for health outcomes in the region.

Douglas dominates regional health metrics

Douglas's 80.9-year life expectancy exceeds every neighboring county in this group, including Davison (78.5), Deuel (79.2), and Edmunds (79.1), marking it as the region's health leader. With 35 primary care providers per 100K and matching mental health capacity, the county offers balanced care access.

Strong coverage supports strong outcomes

Douglas County's 12.8% uninsured rate sits slightly above South Dakota's 11.1% average, yet the county maintains the highest life expectancy in this group. The county's 35 mental health providers per 100K ensure behavioral health support complements primary care in a cohesive health ecosystem.

Protect Douglas's health advantage

Even in South Dakota's healthiest county, coverage gaps exist—1 in 8 residents lack insurance. Secure your health today at healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to enroll in Medicaid or marketplace coverage that keeps you connected to Douglas's excellent healthcare network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Douglas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Douglas County’s Small School Network

Six public schools serve the families of Douglas County, including two elementary, two middle, and two high schools. Total enrollment is relatively small at 329 students spread across two districts.

Competitive Graduation and State Scores

Douglas County maintains an 84.2% graduation rate, slightly higher than the state average of 82.4%. The county spends $7,012 per pupil, which is in line with South Dakota's average investment levels.

Armour and Corsica-Stickney Districts

The county is split between the Corsica-Stickney 21-3 district with 276 students and the Armour School District 21-1 with 219 students. Public education is exclusively traditional as there are no charter schools present.

The Essence of Rural Education

All schools are located in rural areas and average just 55 students per school. Armour Elementary is the largest with 123 students, while Corsica-Stickney Jr. High offers a very intimate setting with 42 students.

Small-Town Learning for Your Family

If you value small class sizes and close-knit communities, Douglas County is an ideal place to call home. Check out local listings near Armour or Corsica to find your perfect fit.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Douglas County

via RiskByCounty

Douglas County offers minimal disaster risk

Douglas County's composite risk score of 10.40 sits well below South Dakota's 26.84 state average, placing it among the nation's safest counties. The "Very Low" rating reflects genuine protection from most major natural hazards.

Among South Dakota's safest counties

Douglas County ranks in the lowest tier among South Dakota's 66 counties for overall natural disaster risk, with its 10.40 score placing it in the top tier of safety. Only a handful of South Dakota counties offer comparable low-risk profiles.

Safer than most eastern region peers

Douglas County's 10.40 risk score significantly undercuts Davison County (39.25) and Day County (27.64) to the north, making it one of the region's safer options. Only Deuel County (6.87) nearby presents notably lower risk.

Wildfire remains modest concern

Wildfire risk of 53.85 is Douglas County's most elevated hazard, though it remains moderate compared to western counties. Tornado (37.09) and flood (10.46) risks both fall below state averages, with earthquake risk minimal at 19.97.

Standard coverage typically sufficient

Douglas County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most residents. Consider a wildfire rider as a modest insurance addition rather than premium coverage, and maintain basic fire safety around your property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Douglas County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer Temps in the Heartland

Douglas County is one of South Dakota's warmer spots with an average of 48.9°F, though still cooler than the national median. The county experiences a robust continental climate with significant summer heat.

A Warm Outlier in South Dakota

The county sits more than 3 degrees above the state average of 45.6°F. This makes it one of the warmest counties in South Dakota, particularly during the peak of the growing season.

Higher Heat and Moderate Moisture

Compared to its neighbors, Douglas is both warmer and wetter, receiving 25.4 inches of precipitation annually. This moisture supports 33 days of extreme heat where temperatures top 90°F.

Hot July and Milder Winters

July is hot with an average of 75.0°F, while January stays relatively mild for the state at 20.9°F. The 34.4 inches of annual snowfall is lower than many northern South Dakota counties.

Prepare for High Cooling Demands

Residents should prepare for high energy demands in July and August to combat the 33 days of 90-degree weather. Winter requires less snow removal than northern neighbors, but heating remains a vital utility.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Douglas County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH for Douglas County

Douglas County features an average pH of 6.89, making it one of the most neutral soils in the state. This is very close to the ideal 6.5-7.0 range for most garden plants and is lower than the South Dakota average of 7.05. Taxonomic data for these specific soils is not currently available.

Silty Soils with Great Potential

The composition is dominated by 48.2% silt, along with 28.6% sand and 23.2% clay. This high silt fraction gives the soil a smooth texture and excellent nutrient-holding capacity. It is generally easier to till than soils with higher clay concentrations.

Superior Moisture Holding Capacity

The available water capacity in Douglas County is 0.198 in/in, which is significantly higher than the state average of 0.182 in/in. While the 3.50% organic matter is slightly below the state average, it remains far above the national 2.0% benchmark. This combination yields an impressive soil score of 70.7.

Analyzing Silt-Driven Drainage

While specific drainage classes are not provided, the nearly 50% silt content suggests moderate to slow drainage speeds. Soils with this much silt can hold water for long periods, which is a boon for crops during dry South Dakota summers. Monitoring for compaction is important in these silty environments.

Prime Growing Conditions in 5a

Sitting in USDA Zone 5a, Douglas County offers a slightly longer growing season than northern neighbors. The high soil score of 70.7 makes this a premier location for diverse gardening and robust crop yields. You can confidently plant everything from sweet corn to perennial flowers here.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Douglas County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Lawn Challenges in Douglas

Douglas County sits right at the national median with a score of 49.9, making it a typical South Dakota lawn environment. It is slightly more difficult than the state average of 51.1, largely due to summer heat factors.

Higher Heat and Growing Degrees

The county experiences 33 extreme heat days, which is much higher than the state average of 24. With 3,160 growing degree days, grass grows rapidly in the spring and fall but may require extra water to survive the July sun.

Ideal pH for Nutrient Access

At 6.89, the soil pH in Douglas County is perfectly within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for turfgrass. This means your grass can easily absorb essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus without the need for pH-altering amendments.

Widespread Dryness Impacts Maintenance

The county spent 42 weeks in drought over the last year and remains 100% abnormally dry today. Homeowners should prioritize water conservation by letting grass grow taller, which shades the soil and reduces evaporation.

Maximize the Zone 5a Cycle

Tall Fescue is a great choice for this area due to its superior heat and drought tolerance. Planting should occur after the May 3 frost to give the lawn a full season to mature before the October 6 freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Douglas County's county score?
Douglas County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 61.5 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 Douglas County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Douglas County ranks #26 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 Douglas County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Douglas County is $1,466, with an effective tax rate of 1.17%. This earns Douglas County a tax score of 26.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Douglas County?
The median household income in Douglas County, South Dakota is $78,125 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Douglas County earns an income score of 81.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Douglas County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Douglas County scores 61.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Douglas 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 Douglas 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.