countyscore
65.5
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 90.3Cost of Living 81.9

County Report Card

About Haakon County, South Dakota

Exceeding the national median score

Haakon County earns a composite score of 65.5, which is notably higher than the national median of 50.0. This places the county in a strong position for overall quality of life.

Outpacing the South Dakota average

The county's 65.5 score puts it well ahead of the South Dakota state average of 55.9. It offers a high-performing alternative to the state's typical rural profile.

High safety and low environmental risk

A safety score of 97.5 and a risk score of 90.3 make this one of the most secure places to live. Housing is also highly affordable, reflected in a cost score of 81.9 and a median home value of $153,200.

Infrastructure and school performance

The water score is very low at 13.4, indicating significant infrastructure concerns. School and income scores also trail at 29.1 and 36.5, respectively.

A haven for safety seekers

Haakon County is best suited for those who prioritize personal safety and low-cost homeownership above all else. Its exceptionally high safety and risk scores provide a rare level of peace of mind.

Score breakdown

Tax49.2Cost81.9Safety97.5Health73.9Schools29.1Income36.5Risk90.3Water13.4Weather31.9
🏛49.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓29.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡90.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧13.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤31.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨40.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.5
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Haakon County?

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

Check My Assessment

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 Haakon County with Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area
Alaska
Median income: $59,079
65.5
Franklin County
Iowa
Median income: $63,648
65.5
Edmonson County
Kentucky
Median income: $54,512
65.5
Russell County
Kentucky
Median income: $50,520
65.5
Meagher County
Montana
Median income: $56,215
65.5
Mercer County
Ohio
Median income: $78,036
65.5
King County
Texas
Median income: $70,192
65.5
Washington County
Alabama
Median income: $60,503
65.4

Nearby counties

Ziebach County
South Dakota
63.9
Stanley County
South Dakota
60.1
Dewey County
South Dakota
54.1
Jackson County
South Dakota
66.7
Jones County
South Dakota
58.8
Sully County
South Dakota
70
Meade County
South Dakota
34.5
Pennington County
South Dakota
27.8

Deep Dives

Haakon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Haakon County

via TaxByCounty

Haakon County has the lowest tax rate nationwide

At 0.847%, Haakon County claims one of the lowest effective tax rates in America, well below the national median of 1.1%. The median property tax of $1,297 is less than half the national median of $2,690.

South Dakota's most tax-friendly county

Haakon County ranks as South Dakota's lowest-taxed county, with an effective rate of 0.847% compared to the state average of 1.094%. The median annual tax of $1,297 represents one of the smallest burdens statewide.

The region's most tax-efficient option

Haakon County's 0.847% rate undercuts every regional neighbor, including Grant County (0.851%), Hand County (0.903%), and Harding County (0.933%). For budget-conscious homeowners, Haakon offers the most favorable tax environment in its area.

Median home costs just $1,297 yearly

On Haakon County's median home value of $153,200, homeowners pay approximately $1,297 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to roughly $2,059; without one, it drops to $944.

Low rates don't exempt you from appeals

Even in the state's most tax-efficient county, overassessments happen. Reviewing your assessed value against comparable recent sales is a simple step that could recoup money regardless of your county's overall tax climate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Haakon County

via CostByCounty

Haakon County mirrors South Dakota's affordability

Haakon County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% essentially matches the state average of 13.8%, placing it squarely in the middle of South Dakota's housing affordability landscape. With a $688 median rent and $59,231 median income, the county offers typical rural South Dakota housing economics.

Right at South Dakota's affordability midline

Haakon County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio and $688 median rent position it as a representative South Dakota county, neither exceptionally affordable nor strained. The county tracks almost exactly with statewide averages, making it a stable benchmark for regional housing costs.

Mid-range rents among northeast counties

Haakon County's $688 rent sits between Grant County ($668) and Hughes County ($930), offering a middle option for renters in the region. Its 13.9% affordability ratio matches Grant's state-beating performance more closely than Hughes County's 14.1%.

Balanced rent and ownership costs

Haakon County renters spend $688 monthly while homeowners pay $659, a close-call scenario where renting slightly exceeds ownership costs. Against the $59,231 median income, renters dedicate 13.9% to housing—near the state average—while homeowners spend 13.3%.

Solid middle ground for midwest relocators

Haakon County offers representative South Dakota housing costs without extreme affordability pressures or premium prices. If you want a county that reflects broader state trends rather than outlier markets, Haakon delivers predictable, sustainable housing economics.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Haakon County

via IncomeByCounty

Haakon County income lags nation

Haakon County's median household income of $59,231 sits 20.8% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting a moderate income gap relative to the U.S. average. Per capita income of $35,643 also trails national figures by roughly 7%.

Below-average South Dakota county

Haakon County's median household income falls $7,695 below South Dakota's state average of $66,926, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. Per capita income slightly trails the state average, indicating limited wealth concentration.

Middle ground among peer counties

Haakon County ($59,231) earns more than Gregory County ($52,432) but less than Grant ($73,818), Hamlin ($83,194), and Hanson ($86,375) counties. This positions it as a moderate-income area within its regional context.

Housing costs strain modest budgets

Haakon County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% approaches the 30% affordability threshold, consuming a meaningful share of household income. Combined with below-state-average income, this suggests limited surplus for savings or major financial goals.

Focus on income growth and savings

Haakon County residents benefit from pursuing career advancement, professional certifications, or skill development to increase earning power. Start small with emergency savings and explore low-cost investment vehicles like employer retirement plans to build long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Haakon County

via CrimeByCounty

Haakon County Reports Zero Crime Incidents

Haakon County achieves a perfect safety score of 100.0, reporting no crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022. This is remarkably lower than the national total crime rate of 2,385.5. Two local agencies provided data to support these findings.

Top Tier Safety in South Dakota

Haakon County is one of the safest spots in South Dakota, easily beating the state average safety score of 98.8. While the average South Dakota county deals with 788.1 crimes per 100,000 people, Haakon reports none. It remains a standout for public safety across the plains.

Matching the Region's Safest Counties

Haakon County matches the 0.0 crime rate found in Grant and Hanson counties. It is significantly safer than neighboring Hughes County, where the rate climbs to 1,875.1. This highlights the distinct safety advantage of Haakon's rural setting.

No Reported Violent or Property Incidents

With 0.0 violent and 0.0 property crimes reported per 100,000 residents, the data indicates a very quiet year. These rates mean the reporting agencies handled no incidents that qualified for the federal database. Residents enjoy an exceptionally rare level of documented security.

Keep Haakon County Secure and Safe

Maintaining a perfect score requires continued community awareness and cooperation with local law enforcement. Even in high-safety areas, residents should periodically check window locks and garage doors. Your proactive steps help preserve this peaceful environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Haakon County

via HealthByCounty

Haakon County leads in longevity

Haakon County's 80.1-year life expectancy ranks among the nation's best, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly 4 years. A 14.7% poor/fair health rate beats the national average of 17%.

South Dakota's longevity champion

At 80.1 years, Haakon County's life expectancy surpasses South Dakota's 75.4-year average by 4.7 years. The county ranks as one of the state's healthiest communities.

Clear health advantage over peers

Haakon County's 80.1-year life expectancy outpaces Grant County (78.5 years) and Hand County (78.5 years). This strong showing reflects sustained community health investments.

Strong healthcare infrastructure

Haakon County's 10.4% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average of 11.1%, leaving most residents covered. The county delivers 109 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, one of the highest rates regionally.

Maintain health momentum with coverage

Haakon County's strong health outcomes benefit from high insurance enrollment—maintain this advantage by checking your coverage. Visit local clinics or the state marketplace to verify your current plan.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Haakon County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact and Focused Schooling

Haakon County operates five public schools within a single district framework to serve 332 students. The system consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This centralized structure ensures consistent curriculum and administration across the county's vast rural landscape.

Beating State Graduation Standards

Students here achieve a 90% graduation rate, significantly higher than the South Dakota state average of 82.4%. The county operates with a lean $5,648 per-pupil expenditure, which is roughly half of the national average. Despite the lower spending, the county maintains a school score of 50.6, keeping pace with state and national medians.

Haakon School District 27-1 Dominates

The Haakon School District 27-1 manages nearly the entire student population, with 318 students across four schools. A small portion of the county's students attend Midland Elementary under the Kadoka Area School District. Charter schools have not yet entered the local market, leaving traditional public schools as the sole provider.

Small Classes in a Rural Setting

Every school in Haakon County sits in a rural locale, reflecting the area's agricultural roots. Philip Elementary is the largest hub with 152 students, while Midland Elementary serves just 14 children. With an average school size of 66 students, teachers can easily focus on the specific needs of each pupil.

Find Your Place in Philip

The Philip area serves as the educational heart of the county, making it an ideal spot for families to search for real estate. Living here means joining a community where 90% of students cross the graduation stage successfully. Consider a home in Haakon County if you value small class sizes and a proven track record of student completion.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Haakon County

via RiskByCounty

Haakon County ranks among America's safest

Haakon County's composite risk score of 9.73 places it well below the national average, earning a Very Low risk designation. The county enjoys minimal overall exposure to compounded natural disaster threats.

Haakon County is one of South Dakota's safest

With a score of 9.73 against South Dakota's state average of 26.84, Haakon County ranks among the state's lowest-risk counties. This represents less than one-third of the state's average composite risk.

Safest in its immediate region

Haakon County's 9.73 score is notably lower than nearby Hamlin County (9.99), Hand County (6.46), and Gregory County (16.16). The county represents one of the region's most resilient natural disaster environments.

Wildfire is Haakon's sole significant hazard

Wildfire risk at 68.51 dominates Haakon County's hazard profile, while flood risk (21.98) remains moderate. Tornado risk (8.24) and earthquake risk (7.67) pose minimal concern for county residents.

Focus protection on wildfire coverage

Haakon County homeowners should prioritize wildfire coverage in their insurance policies, as it represents the county's only meaningful natural hazard exposure. Review your policy's wildfire provisions and consider supplemental coverage if needed.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Haakon County

via WeatherByCounty

High Heat and Arid Plains Conditions

Haakon County averages 47.4°F annually, placing it slightly below the national median temperature. The climate is characterized by high summer peaks and lower-than-average precipitation for the central United States.

One of the State's Hotspots

At 47.4°F, the county is noticeably warmer than the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. It is also significantly drier, receiving only 18.7 inches of annual precipitation compared to the 22.7-inch state norm.

Higher Heat than Eastern Neighbors

Haakon experiences 41 days of 90°F heat, nearly double the 20 days seen in Hand County to the east. This makes Haakon one of the more thermally intense counties in the central South Dakota region.

Extreme Heat and Sharp Winter Chills

Summer dominates with 41 days above 90°F and a July average of 74.7°F. Despite the heat, winters are harsh, bringing 42.8 inches of snow and a January average of 20.8°F.

Focus on Hydration and HVAC Reliability

Residents must plan for prolonged heatwaves, requiring robust cooling systems for the 41 extreme heat days. Xeriscaping is a practical choice given the low 18.7-inch annual rainfall and high evaporation rates.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Haakon County

via SoilByCounty

Markedly Alkaline Soil in Haakon

Haakon County soil is notably alkaline with an average pH of 7.34, which is significantly higher than the state average of 7.05. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the high pH suggests a need for acid-loving plants to receive specialized care.

High Silt and Clay Content

The soil is comprised of 42.4% silt and 35.9% clay, with sand making up only 21.4%. This heavy, fine-textured mix can retain significant nutrients but may become compacted or difficult to work when moisture levels are high.

Low Moisture Retention and Organic Matter

The available water capacity is 0.149 in/in, falling below the state average of 0.182 in/in. With organic matter at 2.34%, the soil is lean compared to state benchmarks, requiring intentional composting to boost its growing potential.

Localized Drainage Needs Investigation

Standardized drainage classes are not fully documented for this county's primary acreage, necessitating on-site percolation tests for builders. The high clay percentage suggests that drainage may be slower than in the sandier counties to the east.

Gardening Success in Zone 4b

In hardiness zone 4b, gardeners should focus on tough, drought-resistant varieties that can handle alkaline conditions. Native grasses and prairie-adapted shrubs are excellent choices for landscaping in this semi-arid environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Haakon County

via LawnByCounty

High-Heat Challenges in Haakon County

A lawn difficulty score of 46.5 reflects a demanding climate for Zone 4b turf, trailing the state average of 51.1. High summer temperatures and lower-than-ideal rainfall make consistent lawn care a necessity here.

Forty-One Days of Extreme Heat

Haakon County endures 41 days of heat at or above 90°F, far exceeding the state average of 24 days. Combined with just 18.7 inches of annual precipitation, this heat makes supplemental irrigation vital for lawn survival.

Managing Alkaline Clay Soils

With a pH of 7.34 and a high clay content of 35.9%, your soil is significantly more alkaline and heavy than the national ideal. Adding sulfur or peat moss can help lower the pH to a range where your grass can actually absorb nutrients.

Water Conservation is Key

Despite 17 weeks of drought last year, currently only 3.9% of the county is abnormally dry. Use mulch-mowing to return clippings to the lawn, which helps protect the soil surface from the intense 41 days of annual heat.

Best Grasses for Arid Conditions

In this dry Zone 4b climate, drought-resistant varieties like Tall Fescue or native wheatgrasses perform best. Plan your planting around the typical last frost date of May 11th to give new shoots a head start.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Haakon County's county score?
Haakon County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 65.5 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 Haakon County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Haakon County ranks #15 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 Haakon County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Haakon County is $1,297, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Haakon County a tax score of 49.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Haakon County?
The median household income in Haakon County, South Dakota is $59,231 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Haakon County earns an income score of 36.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Haakon County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Haakon County scores 65.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Haakon 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 Haakon 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.