countyscore
68.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.1Safety 91.7Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Faulk County, South Dakota

Faulk County is a National Leader

Faulk County boasts a remarkable composite score of 68.8, placing it far above the national median of 50.0. It is one of the highest-rated counties in the region for general livability.

Leading the Way in South Dakota

Faulk County easily outpaces the South Dakota average of 55.9. Its superior tax and safety scores make it a top-tier destination within the state's borders.

Low Taxes and Exceptional Safety

The county features an incredibly low effective tax rate of 0.762%, yielding a tax score of 56.4. Safety is also a major draw, with a score of 91.7 and a risk score of 92.1.

Lower-than-Average Household Incomes

The income score of 32.8 is the county's primary weakness, reflecting a median household income of $58,000. While the cost of living is low, earning potential is more limited than in neighboring counties.

A Top Choice for Tax-Savvy Retirees

Faulk County is perfect for those who want to keep more of their money while living in a very safe, affordable area. Its low cost and low tax burden make it an elite option for fixed-income residents.

Score breakdown

Tax56.4Cost78.5Safety91.7Health63.1Schools52.3Income32.8Risk92.1Water86Weather36.7
🏛56.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡91.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤63.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡92.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.2
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

Edmunds County
South Dakota
62.8
Hand County
South Dakota
72.3
Spink County
South Dakota
58.6
Hyde County
South Dakota
57.4
Potter County
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McPherson County
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Walworth County
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Brown County
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Deep Dives

Faulk County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Faulk County

via TaxByCounty

Faulk County has one of the nation's lowest rates

Faulk County's effective tax rate of 0.762% is among the lowest in the entire United States, well below the national median of 0.84% and in the bottom 20%. The median annual tax of just $946 is only 35% of the national median of $2,690.

South Dakota's most tax-friendly county

Faulk County ranks as one of South Dakota's lowest-taxed counties with an effective rate of 0.762%, substantially below the state average of 1.094%. Residents enjoy the lowest median tax in the state dataset at just $946 annually.

The region's lowest-tax jurisdiction

Faulk County (0.762%) has the lowest effective tax rate in this entire peer group, even lower than Deuel County (0.820%) and Edmunds County (0.866%). Its $946 median tax is by far the most affordable in the regional comparison.

Median home: just $946 in annual taxes

A Faulk County homeowner with the median property value of $124,100 pays approximately $946 per year in property taxes at the 0.762% rate. That's roughly $79 monthly—the lowest burden among all counties in this dataset.

Low taxes don't eliminate appeal opportunities

Even in tax-advantaged Faulk County, overassessed properties exist on the rolls. Compare your assessed value to recent arm's-length sales of similar homes; if misaligned, an appeal to the county assessor can secure additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Faulk County

via CostByCounty

Faulk faces moderate affordability headwinds

Faulk County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds South Dakota's 13.8% state average, driven by a median household income of $58,000—the second-lowest among these eight counties. The $692 monthly rent is moderate, but lower earnings amplify the proportional housing burden.

Faulk ranks above South Dakota's affordability average

At 14.3%, Faulk County's rent-to-income ratio sits above South Dakota's 13.8% state average, indicating above-average affordability stress. The county's below-median income makes housing costs feel disproportionately heavy compared to higher-earning peer counties.

Faulk's modest rent masks income challenges

Faulk County's $692 rent is among the lowest in this cohort, but the $58,000 median income creates a 14.3% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds Day (12%), Deuel (10.1%), and Edmunds (13.7%). Low rent alone doesn't guarantee affordability without adequate income.

Faulk households juggle modest incomes and rents

Renters allocate $692 monthly while homeowners invest $695 in ownership costs, with median home values at just $124,100. Housing consumes 14.3% of median household income, leaving Faulk residents with modest cushion for unexpected expenses.

Faulk suits budget-conscious homebuyers most

Faulk County offers low home values ($124,100 median) and modest rents, making it attractive for property buyers with limited capital. Renters seeking better proportional affordability should explore Day County, while those with higher incomes might find Deuel or Edmunds more comfortable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Faulk County

via IncomeByCounty

Faulk County faces national income gap

Faulk County's median household income of $58,000 falls $16,755 below the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lower-income counties nationally. This significant gap reflects limited high-wage employment opportunities and an economy dependent on agriculture and seasonal work.

Faulk ranks in South Dakota's bottom tier

At $58,000, Faulk County trails South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by over $8,900, ranking it in the lower quartile of the state's 66 counties. The per capita income of $36,556 aligns with state average, indicating that income is reasonably distributed despite overall lower household earnings.

Faulk among the region's lowest earners

Faulk County's $58,000 median household income ranks second-lowest in the region, exceeding only Dewey County ($57,928) while trailing all other comparable counties. The earnings gap versus high-performing peers like Deuel ($79,556) exceeds $21,000, underscoring significant economic challenges.

Housing remains affordable despite low income

Faulk County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% provides reasonable affordability, though the underlying income level limits overall financial flexibility. The median home value of $124,100 is among the region's lowest, supporting homeownership access but offering limited appreciation potential for wealth building.

Build economic resilience in Faulk County

Faulk County households should invest in education and skills training to increase earning potential and narrow the income gap with regional peers and national standards. Establish a solid financial foundation through budgeting and emergency savings, then explore career advancement, entrepreneurship, or relocation opportunities to unlock higher income potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Faulk County

via CrimeByCounty

Faulk County: Highly Safe by National Standards

Faulk County features a high safety score of 99.8. Its total crime rate of 140.2 per 100K is minimal when compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

Superior State Safety Rankings

The county ranks highly within South Dakota, where the average crime rate is 788.1 per 100K. It remains much safer than the state average, which carries a 98.8 safety score.

Secure Rural Neighbor Relations

Faulk County shares a low-crime profile with neighboring Edmunds County. As a single-agency county, its reported data reflects a very calm and secure community environment.

Breaking Down Local Incidents

Property crime is the primary concern at 93.5 per 100K, while violent crime remains even lower at 46.7. Both categories are negligible compared to national figures.

Security Awareness in Faulk County

Even in very safe areas, home security remains a wise investment. Installing visible security cameras can deter the few property crimes that do occur in the county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Faulk County

via HealthByCounty

Faulk County residents live above average

Faulk County's 77.2-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 73 years by 4.2 years, reflecting solid community health. With 15.8% reporting poor or fair health, the county performs slightly better than the national average, indicating reasonably managed chronic disease.

Above South Dakota's health baseline

At 77.2 years, Faulk County's life expectancy surpasses South Dakota's state average of 75.4 years by 1.8 years. The county ranks in the middle tier of South Dakota's 66 counties in health outcomes, suggesting balanced healthcare access and community wellness.

Faulk in the middle of the pack

Faulk's 77.2-year life expectancy trails the highest performers (Deuel at 79.2, Douglas at 80.9, Edmunds at 79.1) but exceeds Fall River (72.8) and Dewey (56.7). With 47 primary care providers per 100K, the county offers moderate care access, better than Day County (37) but less robust than Davison (81).

Coverage near state average

Faulk County's 10.7% uninsured rate sits just below South Dakota's 11.1% average, meaning most residents maintain health insurance. Data on mental health providers is limited, but the county's 47 primary care physicians per 100K provide reasonable frontline care capacity for community needs.

Ensure you stay insured

About 1 in 10 Faulk County residents lack health coverage—ensure you're not among them by verifying your insurance status at healthcare.gov. If you're uninsured or face coverage gaps, contact your local health department to explore Medicaid and marketplace options that keep you connected to care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Faulk County

via SchoolsByCounty

Consolidated Education in Faulk County

A single school district manages all seven public schools in Faulk County, serving 386 students. The layout includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.

Strong Outcomes and High Scores

Faulk County delivers a 90.0% graduation rate and a school score of 54.7, both of which exceed state averages. The county invests $7,561 per pupil, slightly more than the typical South Dakota district.

Unified Faulkton Area Schools

Faulkton Area Schools 24-4 is the sole provider for the county, providing a unified educational experience for all 386 students. No charter schools are available, focusing all resources on the central district.

Diverse Rural Elementary Options

All schools are rural, with a small average size of 55 students. While Faulkton Elementary is the largest with 162 students, the county also features tiny specialized campuses like Thunderbird Colony Elementary with 30 students.

High-Performing Schools in Faulkton

With a 90% graduation rate and scores above the state average, Faulk County is a hidden gem for education. Look for homes within the Faulkton Area Schools boundary to secure a high-quality education for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Faulk County

via RiskByCounty

Faulk County among lowest-risk nationally

Faulk County's composite risk score of 7.95 sits far below South Dakota's 26.84 state average, placing it among America's safest counties. This "Very Low" rating reflects minimal exposure to most major natural hazards.

Third-safest county in South Dakota

Faulk County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in South Dakota, with its 7.95 composite score placing it in the top tier for safety statewide. Only Deuel County (6.87) and Edmunds County (6.97) offer comparable disaster protection.

Safest in north-central South Dakota

Faulk County's 7.95 risk score makes it one of the region's safest options, slightly outperforming neighboring Edmunds County (6.97) and vastly surpassing Dewey County (78.72) to the northwest. Day County (27.64) to the east presents considerably higher exposure.

Wildfire presents minimal concern

Wildfire risk of 67.53 is Faulk County's most elevated hazard, though it remains moderate compared to western counties. All other risks—tornado (21.12), flood (6.84), and earthquake (10.56)—fall well below state and national averages.

Standard coverage provides good protection

Faulk County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate coverage without additional riders. Focus on maintaining basic property safety rather than purchasing premium disaster insurance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Faulk County

via WeatherByCounty

Clear Skies and Cool Air

Faulk County's 44.0°F average temperature reflects a cool continental climate well below the national median. The weather here is defined by clear skies and significant seasonal swings.

Cooler than the State Benchmark

The county sits about 1.6 degrees below the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. This makes it a representative example of the cooler, central-northern tier of the state.

Typical Moisture for the Plains

Precipitation totals 21.5 inches annually, trailing the state average of 22.7 inches. This balance of moisture results in 40.5 inches of snow and 22 days of 90-degree summer heat.

Sharp Seasonal Fluctuations

Temperatures range from a July average of 71.6°F to a January average of 14.2°F. While summers are pleasant, the winter average of 17.3°F requires serious cold-weather preparation.

Invest in High-Quality Insulation

Residents should invest in high-quality insulation to handle the cold winters and 40.5 inches of snow. Cooling needs are moderate, with about three weeks of 90-degree weather to navigate each year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Faulk County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Prairie Identity

Faulk County's soil average pH is 7.08, which is very close to the South Dakota average of 7.05. This slightly alkaline level is higher than the national 6.5 median but provides a versatile base for most local vegetation. No specific taxonomic order or texture is currently recorded for the county.

Balanced Silt and Sand Blend

The soil is composed of 34.3% sand, 42.9% silt, and 22.8% clay. This mix offers a good balance, where the sand provides aeration and the silt and clay provide nutrient storage. It is a classic example of productive midwestern soil composition.

High Potential for Moisture Retention

Organic matter in Faulk County is a strong 3.78%, just above the state average. The available water capacity of 0.196 in/in is excellent, outperforming the state average of 0.182 in/in. This high capacity helps local crops withstand the variable rainfall of the plains.

Steady Infiltration and Storage

While specific drainage and hydrologic data are unavailable, the 0.196 water capacity suggests the soil acts as an efficient sponge. The 34.3% sand content likely allows for decent infiltration during heavy rain events. This prevents excessive runoff and keeps moisture where plants can reach it.

Robust Growth in Zone 4b

Faulk County features an impressive soil score of 67.4, indicating it is more productive than the average South Dakota county. Its Zone 4b designation supports hardy fruits and vegetables that can handle cold winters. The fertile, water-retaining soil makes this an excellent location for any aspiring gardener.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Faulk County

via LawnByCounty

Faulk County Offers Favorable Growth

Faulk County earns a respectable lawn score of 56.2, outperforming the state average of 51.1. For residents in Zone 4b, this represents a relatively hospitable environment for maintaining a healthy yard.

Moderate Temperatures for Turf

The county sees 22 extreme heat days, staying slightly cooler than the state average. Although the 21.5 inches of annual rain is below the national ideal, the 2,492 growing degree days provide ample warmth for consistent grass development.

Balanced Soil for Faulk Lawns

The soil pH sits at 7.08, which is nearly ideal for standard turfgrass health. With 34.3% sand and 22.8% clay, the soil texture is well-suited for drainage, though specific drainage class data is not available.

Stable Moisture Levels

With only 10 weeks of drought in the past year and 0% of the county currently dry, moisture levels are very stable. This is the perfect time to apply a slow-release fertilizer to build up the lawn's energy reserves.

Seeding Before the September Frost

Wait until after the May 10 frost to plant cool-season varieties like Fine Fescue. Be mindful that the first fall frost arrives on September 28, giving you a focused but productive summer growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Faulk County's county score?
Faulk County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 68.8 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 Faulk County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Faulk County ranks #5 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 Faulk County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Faulk County is $946, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Faulk County a tax score of 56.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Faulk County?
The median household income in Faulk County, South Dakota is $58,000 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Faulk County earns an income score of 32.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Faulk County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Faulk County scores 68.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Faulk 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 Faulk County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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