countyscore

Fall River County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#52 in South Dakota

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
47.1
County Score
Safety 88.7Disaster Risk 69.1Soil Quality 57.5

County Report Card

About Fall River County, South Dakota

Fall River County Underperforms Nationally

With a composite score of 46.6, Fall River County falls just short of the national median of 50.0. This score highlights specific areas where the county lags behind the typical American community.

Trailing the South Dakota Benchmark

The county's score of 46.6 is nearly 10 points lower than the South Dakota average of 55.9. This suggests that residents face more livability challenges than in many other parts of the state.

A Very Safe Rural Environment

Public safety is the county's brightest spot, earning a high score of 88.7. Natural disaster risk management is also effective, with a risk score of 69.1 providing some stability.

Critical Education and Water Deficits

Education is a major hurdle here, with a school score of only 10.7. Infrastructure also struggles, as the water score of 21.4 indicates significant quality or access issues for residents.

Best for Residents Seeking Quiet Security

This county is a match for those who prioritize safety above all else, including education and local infrastructure. It may be less suitable for families with children given the current school and water scores.

2040608010035.445.288.741.910.757.169.121.429.6Tax35.4Cost45.2Safety88.7Health41.9Schools10.7Income57.1Risk69.1Water21.4Weather29.647.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Fall River County DNA

Foverall

How Fall River County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Fall River County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (88.7/100) but notably weak in Schools (10.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
35.4-16.6
Cost
45.2
Safety
88.7+33.7
Health
41.9-8.100000000000001
Schools
10.7-43.3
Income
57.1
Risk
69.1+22.099999999999994
Water
21.4-36.6
Weather
29.6-26.4
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Fall River County?

Many homeowners in Fall River County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$193,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$931/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$193,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,917/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

55.7

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
Compare Fall River County with Pike County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Pike County
Alabama
Median income: $48,677
47.1
Butts County
Georgia
Median income: $69,241
47.1
Jackson County
Georgia
Median income: $89,544
47.1
Kane County
Illinois
Median income: $103,163
47.1
Johnson County
Indiana
Median income: $90,454
47.1
Plymouth County
Iowa
Median income: $83,251
47.1
Jessamine County
Kentucky
Median income: $74,576
47.1
Madison County
Kentucky
Median income: $63,351
47.1

Nearby counties

Custer County
South Dakota
50.3
Dawes County
Nebraska
40.4
Niobrara County
Wyoming
55.1
Sioux County
Nebraska
61.2
Oglala Lakota County
South Dakota
65.9
Weston County
Wyoming
58.8
Box Butte County
Nebraska
43.1
Pennington County
South Dakota
28

Deep Dives

Fall River County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Fall River County

via TaxByCounty

Fall River's rate slightly above average

Fall River County's effective tax rate of 1.064% sits above the U.S. median of 0.84%, placing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. The median annual tax of $1,876 remains well below the national median of $2,690 due to South Dakota's lower home values.

Slightly below South Dakota's average

Fall River County's 1.064% effective rate is marginally below South Dakota's 1.094% state average, making it fairly typical statewide. Residents pay a median of $1,876 annually, which is just above the state median of $1,785.

Middle-ground in regional comparison

Fall River County (1.064%) sits between Day County (1.030%) on the lower end and Davison (1.243%) on the higher end, making it a regional middle ground. Its $1,876 median tax is the second-highest among these peer counties.

Median home: roughly $1,876 yearly

A Fall River County homeowner with the median property value of $176,300 pays approximately $1,876 per year in property taxes at the 1.064% rate. That's about $156 monthly, fairly representative for the state.

Don't assume your assessment is accurate

Fall River County residents should verify their home's assessed value against recent comparable sales, as overassessment is common even in average-tax counties. A reassessment appeal can uncover and correct errors that reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fall River County

via IncomeByCounty

Fall River County trails national income standard

Fall River County's median household income of $61,056 falls $13,699 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle income tier nationally. This gap is typical for rural South Dakota counties with economies rooted in agriculture and small manufacturing.

Fall River ranks below South Dakota average

At $61,056, Fall River County trails South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by nearly $6,000, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. The per capita income of $36,268 closely aligns with the state average of $35,667, suggesting income is fairly distributed across households.

Fall River among the lower-earning counties

Fall River County's $61,056 median household income exceeds only Faulk ($58,000) and Dewey ($57,928) among comparable counties, placing it in the regional lower tier. The county lags all high-earning neighbors including Deuel ($79,556), Douglas ($78,125), and Edmunds ($77,266).

Housing affordability strained by income levels

Fall River County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% approaches the 30% affordability threshold more closely than most comparable counties, signaling tighter household budgets. The median home value of $176,300 is relatively high for the county's income level, limiting homeownership accessibility for median-income households.

Focus on income growth and financial planning

Fall River County residents should prioritize workforce development and career advancement to increase household earnings and reduce affordability pressure. Start with a detailed budget and emergency fund, then explore skill-building opportunities and side income to strengthen financial resilience and savings capacity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fall River County

via CrimeByCounty

Top-Tier National Safety in Fall River

Fall River County is remarkably safe, earning a 99.6 safety score. Its total crime rate of 240.2 per 100K is roughly 10 times lower than the national average.

A Secure Choice in South Dakota

The county stays well ahead of the South Dakota average crime rate of 788.1 per 100K. It ranks as one of the more secure counties in the state, exceeding the state safety average.

Quiet Living in Fall River

Compared to Davison County's higher rates, Fall River offers a much quieter environment. It provides a safer alternative to more densely populated regional neighbors.

Low Rates for All Crime Types

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 141.3 per 100K, while property crime stands at 98.9. Both metrics are substantially lower than both national and state averages.

Simple Steps for Home Safety

Maintaining a safe household in Fall River is simple with a few smart steps. Motion-activated lights and basic alarm systems are effective tools for preserving this low-crime atmosphere.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fall River County

via WeatherByCounty

Hot, Dry, and Sun-Drenched

Fall River County averages 47.1°F annually, staying below the national median but ranking high for the region. Its semi-arid climate is characterized by low precipitation and hot summer afternoons.

A Heat Leader in South Dakota

The county is notably warmer than the 45.6°F state average. It ranks as one of the hottest spots in South Dakota during the peak of summer, driven by its southwestern location.

Significantly Drier than Neighbors

With only 17.8 inches of rain, this is one of the driest counties in the state compared to the 22.7-inch average. This dryness contributes to a staggering 44 days of heat above 90°F each year.

Intense Heat and Milder Winters

Summers are long and hot, though January is surprisingly mild for the state at 23.8°F. The 38.6 inches of snowfall is manageable due to the county's relatively warm winter average of 25.1°F.

Water Conservation is Key

Efficient air conditioning is a must for the 44 days of extreme summer heat. Gardeners should focus on xeriscaping to account for the low 17.8 inches of annual rain and high evaporation rates.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fall River County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of the Southwest

Fall River County features an average pH of 7.18, which is slightly higher than the state average and well above the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is common in the semi-arid southwestern corner of the state. Taxonomic records for this area are not currently available.

Lighter Texture with Significant Sand

The soil contains 32.6% sand and 37.3% silt, with a lower clay fraction of 21.9%. This composition tends to be lighter and easier to work than the heavier clays found elsewhere in South Dakota. It provides a decent balance for native range plants and irrigated crops.

Rich Organic Matter, Moderate Capacity

The organic matter content is a robust 4.07%, which is significantly higher than the state average of 3.75%. However, the available water capacity of 0.171 in/in is slightly lower than the state average of 0.182 in/in. This means the soil is fertile but may require more frequent watering during droughts.

Dry Climate Drainage Patterns

Specific drainage classifications are not listed, but the lower water capacity suggests moisture moves through the profile relatively quickly. The sand and silt levels indicate that the soil is unlikely to stay waterlogged for long periods. Careful irrigation management is key in this environment.

Vibrant Gardening in Zone 5a

Fall River County enjoys a Zone 5a climate, allowing for a wider variety of plants than the northern counties. The soil score of 57.5 reflects the challenges of a drier climate, but the high organic matter is a major asset. Focus on xeric-scaping or irrigated vegetable beds for the best results.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fall River County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Lawn Challenges in Fall River

Fall River County is one of the toughest places for lawns, with a difficulty score of 32.5 compared to the national average of 50.0. The combination of low rain and extreme heat makes Zone 5a maintenance a serious commitment.

High Heat and Very Low Rain

The county receives just 17.8 inches of rain annually and endures a punishing 44 days of extreme heat. These conditions are far from the 30-50 inches of rain lawns prefer, making supplemental irrigation absolutely essential for survival.

Managing Alkaline and Sandy Soils

With a pH of 7.18 and a sand content of 32.6%, the soil can be prone to drying out quickly. While specific drainage data is not available, homeowners often need to add organic matter to improve the soil's water-holding capacity.

Severe Drought Conditions Persist

The county has been in drought for 53 weeks, with over 84% currently in Severe Drought status. Xeriscaping or using buffalo grass is highly recommended here to cope with the 100% abnormally dry area coverage.

Choosing Drought-Tolerant Species

In this harsh climate, traditional grasses struggle; consider native species that can survive the May 16 late spring frost. If you do seed, focus on the short window before the heat intensifies in early June.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fall River County's county score?
Fall River County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 47.1 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 Fall River County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Fall River County ranks #52 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 Fall River County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Fall River County is $1,940, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Fall River County a tax score of 35.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fall River County?
The median household income in Fall River County, South Dakota is $67,917 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fall River County earns an income score of 57.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fall River County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Fall River County scores 47.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #52 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Fall River 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 Fall River County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.