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Gregory County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#24 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
61.9
County Score
Cost of Living 90.7Safety 86.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Gregory County, South Dakota

Gregory County beats the national average

With a composite score of 61.9, Gregory County sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the upper tier of American counties for overall livability.

Stronger than the state average

Gregory County's 61.9 score exceeds the South Dakota average of 55.9. It offers a more balanced profile than many surrounding rural jurisdictions.

Affordable housing and clean water

The county boasts an impressive cost score of 90.7, supported by a median gross rent of just $614. Safety and water quality are also highlights, scoring 86.5 and 86.0 respectively.

Lower incomes and health scores

The income score is a notable low point at 19.6, with a median household income of $52,432. Health outcomes also lag with a score of 37.8, while the tax score of 31.0 indicates a higher relative burden.

Best for retirees and budget-conscious living

Gregory County is a great fit for retirees or those with remote income looking for extreme affordability and high safety. The low housing costs make it one of the most accessible markets in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax31Cost90.7Safety86.5Health37.8Schools53.6Income19.6Risk83.9Water86Weather39.5
🏛31
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡86.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤37.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡83.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨48.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46
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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Deep Dives

Gregory County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gregory County

via TaxByCounty

Gregory County's rate just shy of national average

Gregory County's effective tax rate of 1.100% sits nearly even with the national median of 1.1%, placing it squarely in the middle of U.S. counties. However, the median property tax of $1,419 remains 47% lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting South Dakota's lower home values.

Near the South Dakota statewide average

At 1.100%, Gregory County's effective tax rate slightly exceeds South Dakota's average of 1.094%, ranking it in the middle tier of the state's 66 counties. The median annual tax of $1,419 falls below the state median of $1,785 due to lower home valuations.

Moderately taxed among regional counties

Gregory County's 1.100% rate places it above Grant County (0.851%) and Hand County (0.903%) but below Hamlin County (1.090%), making it a middle option for the region. The county sits near the state average, offering no unusual tax burden compared to immediate neighbors.

Median home generates $1,419 annual tax

On Gregory County's median home value of $129,000, homeowners pay approximately $1,419 yearly in property taxes. With a mortgage, costs reach roughly $1,803; without, they drop to $1,257.

Review your assessment for accuracy

Lower-value homes sometimes attract less rigorous assessments, but errors still occur. If your Gregory County property seems overvalued relative to recent sales in your area, filing an appeal could reduce your tax burden at minimal cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gregory County

via CostByCounty

Gregory County: Rural affordability meets modest incomes

At 14.1%, Gregory County's rent-to-income ratio nudges just above the state average of 13.8%, though it remains better than many urban markets nationwide. The county's $614 median rent is genuinely low, but a median household income of $52,432—significantly below the national average of $74,755—means affordability is relative.

Below-state-average rents, below-state-average income

Gregory County offers some of South Dakota's cheapest rents at $614 monthly, but ranks lower on the income side compared to many peer counties. The 14.1% rent-to-income ratio reflects the tension between low housing costs and lower earnings across the region.

Lowest rents in the comparison, tight budgets

Gregory County's $614 rent is the lowest among these eight counties, beating even Hand County ($553 is lower—correction: Hand is $553, Gregory is $614). However, its median income of $52,432 is among the lowest regionally, making the affordability ratio less favorable than raw rent prices suggest.

Low rent, lower income—tight household economics

Gregory County renters spend $614 monthly while homeowners pay $583, both low in absolute terms but substantial relative to the $52,432 median income. Renters dedicate 14.1% of income to housing, leaving limited margin for unexpected expenses or savings goals.

Cheapest rents require careful income planning

Gregory County's $614 median rent is a bargain on paper, but factor in the lower median income before relocating. If you're considering a move, ensure your income exceeds the county median to avoid stretching already tight housing affordability ratios.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gregory County

via IncomeByCounty

Gregory County trails national income

Gregory County's median household income of $52,432 falls 29.9% below the national median of $74,755, indicating household earnings significantly lag the broader American picture. The county's per capita income of $32,510 also trails the national average by roughly 10%.

Lowest tier in South Dakota

Gregory County ranks among South Dakota's lower-income counties, with median household income $14,494 below the state average of $66,926. This 21.6% shortfall places it near the bottom tier statewide.

Lowest income in surrounding counties

Gregory County residents earn substantially less than all nearby counties—Grant ($73,818), Haakon ($59,231), and Hamlin ($83,194) all significantly outpace its $52,432 median. This indicates Gregory County faces tighter economic conditions than its regional neighbors.

Housing takes larger share of budget

At 14.1% of median household income, Gregory County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national affordability threshold by 47%, suggesting housing costs consume more of residents' budgets here. Combined with lower overall incomes, this limits discretionary spending and savings capacity.

Seek higher-wage opportunities and skills

Gregory County residents can strengthen finances by exploring job training, apprenticeships, or relocation for higher-earning roles. Consider connecting with workforce development programs to identify growth industries and pathways to increase household income over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gregory County

via CrimeByCounty

Gregory County Outpaces National Safety Trends

With a total crime rate of 301.3 per 100,000 people, Gregory County is significantly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. It boasts a high safety score of 99.5 out of 100. Three separate reporting agencies contribute to this positive data profile.

Stronger Performance Than State Averages

Gregory County's safety score of 99.5 sits comfortably above the South Dakota average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 301.3 is less than half the state average of 788.1 per 100,000 residents. This ranks the county as one of the more secure regions in the southern part of the state.

Lower Crime Rates Than Nearby Hamlin

Gregory County's crime rate of 301.3 is lower than Hamlin County’s rate of 435.7. However, it sees more activity than Hand County, which reports a rate of just 130.0. Despite these variations, all three counties remain well below national thresholds.

Low Violent Crime, Occasional Property Issues

Violent crime in Gregory County is low at 50.2 per 100,000 residents, which is a fraction of the national 369.8 average. Property crime makes up the bulk of local reports at 251.1 per 100,000. These figures translate to a very small number of total incidents in a county of this size.

Smart Security for Rural Households

Since property crime is the most frequent report, residents should focus on securing outbuildings and vehicles. Motion-activated lights are an effective deterrent for low-density areas. Simple habits keep Gregory County among the state's safest places to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Gregory County

via HealthByCounty

Gregory County faces health headwinds

At 73.7 years, Gregory County residents live 2.7 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. A 17.2% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds the national average of 17%, signaling health challenges across the population.

Struggling against state benchmark

Gregory County's 73.7-year life expectancy falls 1.7 years short of South Dakota's 75.4-year average. The county ranks among the lower performers for longevity within the state.

Lagging neighboring counties

Gregory County's 73.7-year life expectancy trails Grant County (78.5 years) and Hamlin County (77.3 years) by significant margins. These gaps suggest structural health barriers that warrant local attention.

Uninsured rate highest in region

Gregory County's 15.1% uninsured rate far exceeds South Dakota's 11.1% average, leaving significant portions of residents without coverage. The county does offer 101 primary care providers and 25 mental health providers per 100,000 residents.

Coverage could transform health futures

With uninsurance running 36% higher than the state average, Gregory County residents should prioritize health coverage enrollment. Community health centers and county offices can guide enrollment through state and federal programs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gregory County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Town Education Foundation

Gregory County supports 749 students across eight public schools and three distinct districts. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools. This network provides a localized learning environment for families in this rural region.

Strong Results with Efficient Spending

The county boasts a 90% graduation rate, which exceeds both the national average of 87% and the South Dakota state average of 82.4%. While per-pupil spending of $7,685 is lower than the $13,000 national benchmark, it remains slightly above the state average. The composite school score of 55.0 outpaces the national median, indicating a high return on educational investment.

Gregory and Burke Lead the County

The Gregory School District 26-4 is the largest in the area, serving 431 students across three schools. Burke School District 26-2 follows closely with 273 students enrolled in its three facilities. Currently, there are no charter schools in the county, with all students attending traditional public institutions.

A Traditional Rural School Experience

All eight schools in the county are classified as rural, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. Gregory Elementary is the largest school with 240 students, while the South Central district manages significantly smaller enrollments. The average school size is just 107 students, ensuring individual attention for every child.

High-Performing Schools for Growing Families

Families looking for a community that prioritizes graduation success should consider Gregory County's residential options. With graduation rates well above state levels, the local school system is a primary draw for home buyers. Explore homes near Gregory or Burke to take advantage of these stable, high-achieving rural districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gregory County

via RiskByCounty

Gregory County's risk ranks well below national norms

Gregory County scores 16.16 on the composite risk scale, well beneath the national average and earning a Very Low risk rating. This reflects a relatively stable natural hazard environment across the county.

Gregory County is safer than most South Dakota peers

At 16.16, Gregory County's composite score falls significantly below South Dakota's state average of 26.84, positioning it among the state's lower-risk counties. The county benefits from below-average exposure across multiple hazard types.

Comparable risk to nearby Haakon County

Gregory County's 16.16 score mirrors the risk profile of adjacent Haakon County (9.73), though Gregory experiences somewhat higher overall exposure. Both counties share a Very Low risk designation and similar geographic pressures.

Wildfire dominates Gregory's hazard profile

Wildfire risk stands at 70.01—Gregory County's primary natural hazard concern by a significant margin. Tornado risk (29.01) and earthquake risk (15.49) are present but substantially lower; flood risk (15.43) poses minimal threat.

Wildfire insurance is your top priority

Gregory County homeowners should verify that their policies explicitly cover wildfire damage, given the county's elevated wildfire risk score of 70.01. Standard homeowners coverage may have gaps—review your policy details carefully.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gregory County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Annual Temps Near the Missouri River

Gregory County's 47.5°F annual average temperature reflects a continental climate with significant seasonal variation. While cooler than the national median, it represents one of the milder pockets in the northern plains.

Warmer and Wetter than State Norms

The county averages 47.5°F annually, outpacing the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. Residents also see more moisture, with 26.3 inches of annual precipitation compared to the statewide average of 22.7 inches.

Temperatures Align with Central Neighbors

Gregory County shares similar heat profiles with nearby Haakon County, though it receives significantly more moisture. While Haakon struggles with 18.7 inches of rain, Gregory enjoys a more robust 26.3 inches annually.

Sweltering Summers and Snowy Winters

The region faces 28 extreme heat days per year where temperatures top 90°F, peaking with a July average of 74.2°F. Winter remains demanding, delivering 41.1 inches of snowfall and a January average of 20.9°F.

Heavy Snow and Heat Protection Needed

Strong air conditioning is vital for the four weeks of extreme summer heat. Homeowners should also invest in durable roofing and insulation to handle the heavy 41.1-inch annual snow load.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gregory County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Entisols Define the Landscape

Gregory County is characterized by gravelly loam soils belonging to the Entisols taxonomic order. With an average pH of 7.08, the soil is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5, though it aligns closely with the state average of 7.05.

Balanced Texture with Sandy Leanings

The soil composition consists of 38.5% silt, 33.1% sand, and 27.6% clay. This specific mix offers a stable foundation for agriculture, though the high clay content compared to neighboring counties can make the soil feel heavy when wet.

Managing Moderate Organic Matter levels

The organic matter content stands at 2.38%, which is lower than the state average of 3.75% but still above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.157 in/in suggests that supplemental watering may be necessary during South Dakota's peak summer heat.

Fast Drainage and High Permeability

Classified as excessively drained and part of hydrologic group A, Gregory County soils allow water to infiltrate rapidly. While this prevents pooling and root rot, it also means nutrients can leach away more quickly than in denser soils.

Warmer Opportunities in Zone 5a

Gregory County enjoys a slightly warmer climate in hardiness zone 5a, expanding the range of possible perennials and garden crops. Despite a modest soil score of 48.2, careful mulching and soil amendments will yield a bountiful harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gregory County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Tougher Lawn Conditions

Gregory County carries a lawn difficulty score of 46.0, indicating a more challenging environment than the national average of 50.0. Homeowners in this Zone 5a region must manage higher heat and persistent dry spells to keep turf green.

Intense Summer Heat Impacts Mowing

With 28 extreme heat days per year, your lawn faces more stress than the state average of 24 days. The 26.3 inches of annual rain helps, but the 2866 growing degree days mean grass grows quickly and requires a diligent mowing schedule.

Balanced pH in Gravelly Loam

The soil pH of 7.08 is nearly perfect for nutrient uptake, though the gravelly loam texture allows water to escape quickly. Expect to supplement the excessively drained soil with organic matter to improve its water-holding capacity.

Recovery After a Year of Drought

The county endured drought for all 53 weeks of the past year, and 100% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. Prioritize deep, infrequent watering during the early morning hours to combat these persistent dry conditions.

Resilient Grasses for Gregory County

Select heat-tolerant cool-season blends or Buffalograss to handle the 28 annual heat days. Wait until the final frost passes around May 6th to begin your spring seeding projects for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gregory County's county score?
Gregory County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 61.9 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 Gregory County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Gregory County ranks #24 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 Gregory County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Gregory County is $1,419, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Gregory County a tax score of 31/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gregory County?
The median household income in Gregory County, South Dakota is $52,432 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gregory County earns an income score of 19.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gregory County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Gregory County scores 61.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Gregory 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 Gregory 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.