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Fall River County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#52 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
46.6
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.

Score breakdown

Tax33.5Cost47.7Safety88.7Health41.9Schools10.7Income42.2Risk69.1Water21.4Weather29.6
🏛33.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠47.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡88.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓10.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡69.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧21.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤29.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.5
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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Box Butte County
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Deep Dives

Fall River County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Fall River County

via CostByCounty

Fall River faces significant affordability pressure

Fall River County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these eight counties and substantially exceeds South Dakota's 13.8% state average. The $866 monthly rent combined with a median household income of just $61,056 creates notable housing stress for renters.

Fall River ranks among South Dakota's priciest markets

At 17.0%, Fall River County's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds South Dakota's 13.8% state average, placing it among the state's most affordability-challenged counties. This elevated burden reflects both higher-than-average rents and below-average incomes.

Fall River demands the highest rent-to-income sacrifice

Fall River County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds every other county in this analysis—Dewey (14.8%) is the next closest. With $866 monthly rent and only $61,056 median income, Fall River renters allocate more of their earnings to housing than any peer county.

Fall River puts housing costs front and center

Renters allocate $866 monthly while homeowners invest $849, with median home values at $176,300—among the highest in this cohort. Housing consumes 17% of median household income, leaving Fall River households with limited flexibility for savings and other expenses.

Fall River requires careful financial planning

Fall River County's high rent-to-income ratio makes it challenging for renters; homebuyers may find better value here, but incomes don't easily support the region's housing costs. Relocators should strongly consider Day, Deuel, or Davison counties for superior affordability before choosing Fall River.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Fall River County

via HealthByCounty

Fall River County lags on longevity

Fall River County's 72.8-year life expectancy falls slightly below the U.S. average of 73 years, marking a significant health gap for a rural county. With 16.2% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces above-average chronic disease and wellness challenges.

Below South Dakota's state average

At 72.8 years, Fall River County's life expectancy trails South Dakota's state average of 75.4 years by 2.6 years. Among South Dakota's 66 counties, Fall River ranks toward the bottom, signaling persistent health access and lifestyle challenges.

Fall River significantly behind peers

Fall River's 72.8-year life expectancy lags all neighboring counties in this analysis—Faulk County (77.2), Edmunds County (79.1), and Deuel County (79.2)—by 4-6 years. Despite having 69 primary care providers per 100K, the county struggles to translate provider supply into better population health outcomes.

Coverage and specialized care available

Fall River County's 12.8% uninsured rate sits above South Dakota's average, yet the county boasts 636 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—far exceeding any peer county and likely reflecting regional mental health infrastructure. This capacity suggests behavioral health needs are recognized but may signal underlying mental health and substance use challenges.

Coverage is the first step

With 1 in 8 Fall River residents uninsured, enrolling in health insurance is critical to accessing the county's strong mental health and primary care resources. Visit healthcare.gov or call your health department to apply for Medicaid or marketplace coverage and connect with care that can improve your health today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Fall River County

via SchoolsByCounty

Serving One Thousand Students

Fall River County operates eight public schools, including three elementary, two middle, and three high schools. This infrastructure supports 1,036 students across three different school districts.

Opportunities for Academic Growth

The graduation rate currently sits at 67.1% with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,278. The county's school score is 39.9, indicating areas for improvement compared to the South Dakota state average.

Hot Springs Leads the County

Hot Springs School District 23-2 is the largest by far, with three schools and 773 students. No charter schools operate in the area, meaning all local students attend traditional district schools.

A Mix of Town and Country

The county features five rural schools and three town schools, with an average school size of 130 students. Hot Springs Elementary is the most populous with 331 students, whereas Oelrichs High School serves a small group of 47 students.

Discover Homes in Hot Springs

Hot Springs offers a more robust school environment for those who prefer town amenities over strictly rural settings. Explore real estate options in this scenic county to find the right school district for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fall River County

via RiskByCounty

Fall River County exceeds state average risk

Fall River County's composite risk score of 30.92 exceeds South Dakota's 26.84 state average, placing it in the upper-middle tier of statewide vulnerability. Despite a "Very Low" national rating, this southwestern county faces above-average exposure.

Above-average risk among state counties

Fall River County ranks in the upper half of South Dakota's 66 counties for natural disaster risk, with its 30.92 score reflecting notably elevated exposure compared to state median. This positioning suggests concentrated vulnerability from specific hazard types.

More exposed than northern neighbors

Fall River County's 30.92 risk score significantly exceeds nearby Faulk County (7.95) and Edmunds County (6.97) to the north, though remains lower than Dewey County (78.72) to the northwest. Its southwestern location exposes it to distinct hazard patterns.

Wildfire and earthquake threaten Fall River

Wildfire risk reaches 93.77 in Fall River County—the state's highest—making it the county's primary concern, while earthquake risk of 35.15 ranks elevated for South Dakota. Flood risk of 41.54 adds a secondary but notable vulnerability.

Comprehensive wildfire coverage essential

Fall River County residents face the state's most severe wildfire risk at 93.77 and must prioritize comprehensive coverage for this hazard. Additionally, given the elevated earthquake risk, verify that your homeowners policy covers earthquake damage or obtain separate earthquake insurance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 46.6 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 $1,876, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns Fall River County a tax score of 33.5/100 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 $61,056 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fall River County earns an income score of 42.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fall River County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Fall River County scores 46.6/100 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.

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