countyscore
57.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 90Income & Jobs 87.1Safety 81.9

County Report Card

About Hamlin County, South Dakota

Competitive on the national stage

Hamlin County's composite score of 57.1 ranks it above the national median of 50.0. It provides a stable environment that mirrors the best aspects of the American heartland.

Slightly above the state average

With a score of 57.1, Hamlin County sits just above the South Dakota state average of 55.9. It remains a reliable and competitive choice within the state.

High incomes and environmental stability

The county excels with an income score of 87.1, driven by a high median household income of $83,194. It also maintains a strong risk score of 90.0, indicating low vulnerability to natural disasters.

Water quality and tax burden

Water quality is a significant concern with a score of 11.5. The tax score of 31.9 also indicates a higher tax burden, with an effective rate of 1.090%.

Ideal for high-earning rural professionals

Hamlin County suits professionals who want high earning potential without moving to a major metro. The combination of strong incomes and high safety creates a compelling value proposition.

Score breakdown

Tax31.9Cost50.5Safety81.9Health67.8Schools40Income87.1Risk90Water11.5Weather44.5
🏛31.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼87.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡81.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓40
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡90
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧11.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.9
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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Compare Hamlin County with Schley County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Hamlin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hamlin County

via TaxByCounty

Hamlin County slightly above national average

With an effective tax rate of 1.090%, Hamlin County sits just below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the middle tier of U.S. counties for tax burden. The median property tax of $2,264 annually is still 16% lower than the national median of $2,690, thanks to South Dakota's moderate home values.

Among the higher-taxed South Dakota counties

Hamlin County's effective rate of 1.090% sits just barely under South Dakota's average of 1.094%, ranking it in the upper-middle range statewide. At a median home value of $207,700, the annual tax of $2,264 exceeds the state median of $1,785.

Higher taxes than most nearby counties

Hamlin County's 1.090% rate tops Grant County (0.851%), Haakon County (0.847%), and Hand County (0.903%), making it one of the region's more expensive tax jurisdictions. Only Hughes County (1.143%) and Hanson County (1.026%) come close in the immediate area.

Median home costs $2,264 per year

On Hamlin County's median home value of $207,700, homeowners pay approximately $2,264 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to roughly $2,397; without, it drops to $2,064.

Higher taxes make appeals more worthwhile

With a median tax bill exceeding state averages, Hamlin County homeowners have extra incentive to verify their assessments. A successful appeal reducing your property's value by even 5% could save over $100 annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hamlin County

via CostByCounty

Hamlin County: Premium incomes, solid affordability

Hamlin County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.1% beats both the state average (13.8%) and reflects a median household income of $83,194, well above the national average of $74,755. The county demonstrates how higher incomes make housing—even slightly pricier housing—more affordable overall.

Highest incomes enable strong affordability

Among these eight counties, Hamlin ranks among the highest-earning with a $83,194 median income, enabling an 11.1% rent-to-income ratio that outpaces the state average. The county's economic strength translates directly into comfortable housing affordability despite slightly elevated rents.

Premium rents, premium incomes—balanced equation

Hamlin County's $769 median rent is among the higher region, but strong $83,194 median incomes offset the cost more effectively than lower-earning counties. Renters here spend 11.1% on housing—better than most peers—thanks to robust local earning power.

Strong incomes make higher costs manageable

Hamlin County renters pay $769 monthly and homeowners pay $1,018, both above county medians but sustainable on a $83,194 median income. At 11.1% of income spent on rent, households retain substantial earnings for discretionary spending, savings, and investment.

Economic vitality meets housing affordability

Hamlin County rewards residents with strong incomes and reasonable housing affordability—a rare combination in rural South Dakota. If your income reaches or exceeds the county median of $83,194, you'll find housing costs manageable and lifestyle quality high.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hamlin County

via IncomeByCounty

Hamlin County leads in household income

Hamlin County's median household income of $83,194 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 11.2%, ranking it well above most American counties. This strong household income indicates robust earning potential across the county workforce.

Top tier among South Dakota counties

Hamlin County's median household income of $83,194 ranks among the highest in South Dakota, exceeding the state average of $66,926 by 24.3%. The county consistently outperforms its state peers in household earning power.

Strongest income in the region

Hamlin County's $83,194 median household income surpasses all nearby counties, including Grant ($73,818), Gregory ($52,432), Haakon ($59,231), and Hand ($72,054). Only Hanson County ($86,375) edges it out regionally, making Hamlin a high-income anchor in northeast South Dakota.

Housing costs remain manageable

Hamlin County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.1% stays comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning residents retain substantial income for other priorities. The combination of strong earnings and low housing ratios creates favorable financial conditions.

Leverage strong income for wealth building

Hamlin County's above-average household income provides an ideal foundation for aggressive wealth building through retirement savings, homeownership, or investments. Consider meeting with a financial planner to maximize tax advantages and explore diversified investment strategies that match your long-term goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hamlin County

via CrimeByCounty

Hamlin County Maintains High Safety Marks

Hamlin County reports a total crime rate of 435.7 per 100,000 people, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 99.3 out of 100. Two agencies provide the data that underpins this strong safety profile.

Better Performance Than State Average

Hamlin’s crime rate of 435.7 is much lower than the South Dakota state average of 788.1. Its safety score of 99.3 also outperforms the state average of 98.8. The county remains a safe haven compared to more urbanized parts of South Dakota.

Comparing Hamlin to Neighboring Districts

Hamlin County has more reported crime than nearby Gregory County, which sits at 301.3. However, it is significantly safer than Hughes County, where the rate is four times higher. Local trends show Hamlin is a stable middle-ground for safety in the region.

Focusing on Property Crime Statistics

Property crime accounts for 387.3 of the county's total rate, while violent crime is very low at 48.4. Compared to the national violent crime average of 369.8, Hamlin is remarkably peaceful. Most reported issues involve theft rather than physical confrontations.

Simple Steps for Better Home Security

Since property crime is the primary concern here, securing your home with smart locks or cameras can be effective. Ensure all vehicles are locked at night, even in your own driveway. These small actions help keep Hamlin's crime rates among the state's lowest.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hamlin County

via HealthByCounty

Hamlin County near national average

At 77.3 years, Hamlin County residents live nearly a year below the U.S. average of 76.4 years—nearly matching national longevity. A 12.5% poor/fair health rate falls well short of the national average of 17%.

Slightly above state average

Hamlin County's 77.3-year life expectancy exceeds South Dakota's 75.4-year average by 1.9 years. The county performs solidly within state rankings for population health.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Hamlin County's 77.3-year life expectancy trails Haakon County (80.1 years) but exceeds Gregory County (73.7 years). The county maintains middle-tier performance among regional peers.

Limited primary care, near-average uninsurance

Hamlin County's 11.8% uninsured rate slightly exceeds South Dakota's 11.1% average. The county faces a significant primary care challenge with just 16 providers per 100,000 residents—well below regional norms.

Getting covered eases care access

With limited local primary care providers, ensuring insurance coverage helps Hamlin County residents access care effectively. Marketplace enrollment or Medicaid can connect you with providers and reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hamlin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Reach and High Enrollment

Hamlin County manages ten public schools across three districts, serving a total of 1,478 students. The system features a balanced mix of four elementary, three middle, and three high schools. This infrastructure supports a larger student body compared to many of its neighboring rural counties.

Exceptional High School Success

The graduation rate in Hamlin County reaches an impressive 92.8%, far exceeding the national 87% benchmark. Educational efficiency is a hallmark here, as the county achieves these results with just $5,568 in per-pupil spending. The school score of 51.9 places the county comfortably ahead of state averages.

Hamlin School District Leads the Way

Hamlin School District 28-3 is the largest provider, educating 870 students across three main schools. Castlewood and Estelline districts also serve the county, with 334 and 274 students respectively. There are currently no charter schools, meaning 100% of the student population attends traditional public districts.

A Unified Rural Campus Feel

The county's schools are entirely rural, with an average size of 148 students per building. Hamlin Elementary is the largest facility, housing 451 students, while Estelline Elementary remains more intimate with 133 children. This variety allows parents to choose between slightly larger regional schools and smaller community settings.

Top-Tier Education for New Homeowners

With a graduation rate nearing 93%, Hamlin County is one of the top educational performers in the state. Home buyers frequently prioritize these school districts when looking for long-term stability and student success. Exploring property in Hamlin or Castlewood places your family within reach of these highly effective rural schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hamlin County

via RiskByCounty

Hamlin County faces minimal national-level risks

Hamlin County's composite risk score of 9.99 falls substantially below the national average, reflecting a Very Low risk environment. The county enjoys relatively stable exposure to most natural hazards.

Hamlin County ranks well below state average

At 9.99, Hamlin County's score sits far below South Dakota's state average of 26.84—roughly one-third the state norm. This positions Hamlin among South Dakota's safer counties for natural disaster exposure.

Comparable to nearby very-low-risk counties

Hamlin County's 9.99 score aligns closely with Haakon County (9.73) and Hand County (6.46) nearby. All three counties share similarly low natural disaster risks for the region.

Tornado and wildfire warrant attention

Tornado risk (34.83) and wildfire risk (47.39) represent Hamlin County's primary natural hazard concerns. Flood risk (16.03) and earthquake risk (8.27) pose minimal risk by comparison.

Ensure adequate tornado and wind coverage

Hamlin County residents should verify their homeowners policies provide robust tornado and wind protection, given the county's tornado risk score of 34.83. Review your coverage annually and consider supplemental protection if gaps exist.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hamlin County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cold Climate with Low Extremes

Hamlin County is significantly colder than the national median, with an annual average temperature of just 41.7°F. This region experiences a true northern continental climate with very few days of extreme summer heat.

Well Below the State Average

With an annual average of 41.7°F, Hamlin is one of the coolest counties compared to the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. It remains wetter than the state average, recording 25.0 inches of precipitation annually.

Colder and Simpler than Neighbors

Hamlin is notably cooler than neighboring Grant County, which averages 44.0°F. While Grant sees 16 days of extreme heat, Hamlin averages only 9 days above 90°F, making it a local refuge from summer peaks.

Mild Summers and Long Cold Snaps

January is brutal with an average of 11.0°F, contributing to a substantial 40.9 inches of annual snowfall. Summers stay very mild, with a July average of 69.4°F and minimal extreme heat days.

Prioritize Insulation and Winter Mobility

Excellent home insulation is mandatory for the 14.3°F winter average. Because extreme heat is rare, residents can often rely on natural ventilation during the mild 67.2°F summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hamlin County

via SoilByCounty

Near Neutral pH Supports Growth

Hamlin County maintains a pH of 7.08, which is nearly identical to the South Dakota state average. This neutral profile is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 but provides an excellent baseline for most traditional midwestern crops.

Silt-Dominated Soil for Smooth Texture

The soil composition is 47.8% silt, 27.6% sand, and 24.6% clay, creating a smooth and workable texture. This high silt content makes the ground prone to holding onto essential minerals required for plant development.

Elite Organic Matter and Water Storage

At 4.00%, the organic matter content in Hamlin County is among the highest in the state, easily beating the 3.75% average. Combined with a superior available water capacity of 0.193 in/in, this soil is built for high-yield productivity.

Predicting Flow from Soil Texture

While official drainage classes are not recorded in this dataset, the high silt and clay levels suggest moderate drainage speeds. Builders and farmers should monitor for seasonal saturation, as the soil is excellent at holding onto every drop of rain.

A Gardener's Paradise in Zone 4b

With a high soil score of 66.9, Hamlin County is an ideal spot for a backyard vegetable garden in zone 4b. Focus on nutrient-hungry crops like tomatoes and peppers, which will thrive in this organic-rich environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hamlin County

via LawnByCounty

Cooler Summers Ease Lawn Stress

Hamlin County scores a 56.9 for lawn difficulty, making it one of the more favorable spots in South Dakota for growing grass. The Zone 4b climate benefits from milder summer temperatures compared to the rest of the state.

Fewer Heat Days, Shorter Season

The county only sees 9 extreme heat days per year, well below the state average of 24, which prevents turf from scorching. With annual precipitation at 25.0 inches and a frost-free window ending September 27th, the growing season is short but productive.

A Solid Foundation for Growth

The soil pH of 7.08 is very close to the ideal range for most turfgrasses. While specific drainage data is limited, the 24.6% clay content suggests a soil that holds moisture reasonably well without becoming waterlogged.

Persistent Dryness Requires Attention

While the county only faced 17 weeks of drought last year, 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Focus on building soil health through aeration to ensure every drop of the 25.0 inches of annual rain reaches the roots.

Cold-Hardy Grasses Thrive Here

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass are excellent choices for these cool Zone 4b summers. Ensure you seed before the early first frost on September 27th to allow the lawn to harden off for winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hamlin County's county score?
Hamlin County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 57.1 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 Hamlin County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Hamlin County ranks #37 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 Hamlin County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Hamlin County is $2,264, with an effective tax rate of 1.09%. This earns Hamlin County a tax score of 31.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hamlin County?
The median household income in Hamlin County, South Dakota is $83,194 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hamlin County earns an income score of 87.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hamlin County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Hamlin County scores 57.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Hamlin 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 Hamlin 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.