countyscore
72.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 93.6Safety 92Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Hand County, South Dakota

Exceptional national performance

Hand County achieves a high composite score of 72.3, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. It represents the top tier of rural American counties for livability.

A premier South Dakota county

The score of 72.3 is significantly higher than the South Dakota average of 55.9. Hand County stands out as one of the state's most desirable locations.

Resilience, safety, and water quality

The county records an elite risk score of 93.6 and a safety score of 92.0. Additionally, the water score of 86.0 and affordable rent of $553 make daily living both safe and cheap.

Moderate tax and income scores

The tax score of 45.0 is the lowest dimension, reflecting a 0.903% effective tax rate. While the school score of 60.3 is decent, it remains lower than the county's other high marks.

Top choice for balanced rural living

Hand County is perfect for families wanting a mix of high safety, clean water, and extreme affordability. It offers one of the most complete and high-scoring profiles in the entire state.

Score breakdown

Tax45Cost79.3Safety92Health74.4Schools60.3Income71.5Risk93.6Water86Weather40.2
🏛45
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼71.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡92
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤74.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓60.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡93.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.9
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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Nearby counties

Hyde County
South Dakota
57.4
Faulk County
South Dakota
68.8
Jerauld County
South Dakota
65.9
Beadle County
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Spink County
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Buffalo County
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Hughes County
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Brule County
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46.4

Deep Dives

Hand County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hand County

via TaxByCounty

Hand County below the national tax average

At 0.903%, Hand County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,373 annually is nearly 49% below the national median of $2,690.

Below-average taxes for South Dakota

Hand County's effective rate of 0.903% trails the state average of 1.094%, ranking it among South Dakota's more tax-friendly counties. The median annual tax of $1,373 sits well below the state median of $1,785.

Middle ground among regional peers

Hand County's 0.903% rate falls between Haakon County (0.847%) and Harding County (0.933%), positioning it in the tax-friendly middle of the region. It's substantially lower than Hamlin County (1.090%) and Hughes County (1.143%) to the north.

Median home costs $1,373 annually

On Hand County's median home value of $152,100, homeowners pay approximately $1,373 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, costs reach roughly $1,372; without, they remain near $1,374.

Don't assume your assessment is accurate

Hand County residents benefit from relatively low tax rates, but that doesn't guarantee your individual property is fairly valued. Comparing your assessment to recent sales of similar homes is a quick way to identify potential overpayments.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hand County

via CostByCounty

Hand County: South Dakota's affordability champion

Hand County achieves a remarkable 9.2% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest among these eight counties and significantly better than the state average of 13.8%. With $553 median rent against a $72,054 median income, the county offers genuinely exceptional housing affordability.

Cheapest rents, best affordability ratio statewide

Hand County's $553 median rent ranks among South Dakota's lowest, paired with the strongest rent-to-income ratio (9.2%) in this county set. The combination of depressed rents and respectable incomes creates outstanding affordability compared to state peers.

Clear affordability advantage across the region

Hand County's $553 rent undercuts every neighboring county in this analysis, with the next-closest being Gregory County at $614. The 9.2% affordability ratio stands as the best in the region, offering renters unmatched purchasing power for their housing dollar.

Exceptionally low rents unlock household flexibility

Hand County renters spend just $553 monthly while homeowners pay $760, leaving substantial income room against the $72,054 median. At 9.2% of income dedicated to rent, households retain 90.8% of earnings for all other needs—extraordinary flexibility.

Unmatched affordability for rent-conscious movers

Hand County is South Dakota's best-kept housing affordability secret, with rents significantly below state averages and outstanding rent-to-income ratios. If keeping housing costs minimal is your priority, no county in this set offers better value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hand County

via IncomeByCounty

Hand County income near national average

Hand County's median household income of $72,054 sits within 3.6% of the national median of $74,755, indicating household earnings align closely with the broader U.S. economy. Per capita income of $43,377 exceeds national averages by 14%, suggesting wealth is distributed effectively across the county.

Above-average South Dakota county

Hand County's median household income of $72,054 exceeds South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by 7.6%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. Per capita income of $43,377 significantly surpasses the state average of $35,667, indicating stronger wealth distribution.

Solid income performance regionally

Hand County ($72,054) earns more than Gregory ($52,432), Haakon ($59,231), and Grant ($73,818) counties, though trails Hamlin ($83,194), Hanson ($86,375), and Hughes ($78,981) in the region. It represents solid middle-to-upper income territory among its peers.

Excellent rent affordability

Hand County's rent-to-income ratio of just 9.2% is one of the lowest statewide, meaning housing costs consume minimal household income. This favorable ratio leaves significant resources for savings, investments, and other financial priorities.

Capitalize on strong per capita income

Hand County's excellent per capita income relative to household income suggests opportunities for individual financial growth and entrepreneurship. Use your favorable housing cost ratio to build emergency reserves, invest in retirement accounts, or explore business ventures that leverage the county's economic strengths.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hand County

via CrimeByCounty

Hand County Boasts Elite Safety Stats

Hand County reports an impressively low crime rate of 130.0 per 100,000 residents. This is a mere fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. With a safety score of 99.8, the county is one of the most secure in the United States.

Hand County Outranks State Safety Average

The county's safety score of 99.8 exceeds the South Dakota state average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 130.0 is also far superior to the state average of 788.1 per 100,000 people. Two reporting agencies verify these quiet local conditions.

Safer Than Most Nearby Counties

Hand County is notably safer than Hamlin County, which has a crime rate of 435.7. It also outperforms Gregory County’s rate of 301.3. For residents, this means living in one of the most tranquil spots in the regional map.

Even Split Between Crime Types

Both violent and property crimes sit at a very low 65.0 per 100,000 residents. To put this in perspective, the national property crime rate is over 30 times higher at 2,015.7. Total crime incidents in Hand County are exceptionally rare.

Preserving Peace in Hand County

With such low numbers, community awareness is your best tool for staying safe. Reporting unusual activity helps local agencies maintain this high level of security. Simple home lighting can deter the rare opportunistic property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hand County

via HealthByCounty

Hand County life expectancy solid

Hand County's 78.5-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 2.1 years. A 12.6% poor/fair health rate significantly outperforms the national average of 17%.

Above South Dakota's health benchmark

Hand County's 78.5-year life expectancy surpasses South Dakota's 75.4-year average by 3.1 years. The county ranks among the state's stronger performers for longevity.

Matching top regional performers

Hand County's 78.5-year life expectancy ties Grant County and exceeds Gregory County (73.7 years). The county competes well within its regional peer group.

Good coverage, solid primary care

Hand County's 10.3% uninsured rate sits just below South Dakota's 11.1% average, indicating strong coverage uptake. The county provides 65 primary care providers per 100,000 residents.

Keep coverage strong for health gains

Hand County's health successes reflect strong insurance enrollment—protect these gains by reviewing your current coverage. Local health offices can help verify or upgrade your plan.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hand County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Miller Education Network

Hand County operates four public schools, all managed under a single, unified district. The student body of 457 is served by two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This streamlined approach allows the county to centralize its academic resources efficiently.

Competitive Scores and High Investment

The county achieves a strong school score of 56.5, which is well above the South Dakota state average of 50.4. A 90% graduation rate highlights the success of the local system compared to the 87% national average. Per-pupil spending sits at $8,364, representing a significant investment that exceeds the state average of $7,409.

A Single District Serving All

Miller School District 29-4 is the sole educational authority in the county, managing all 457 students. The district maintains a traditional public school model with no charter schools currently in operation. This unified structure fosters a strong sense of community and shared goals among local families.

Rural Roots with Diverse Sizes

All schools in Hand County are rural, but they range significantly in scale. Miller Elementary is the largest with 233 students, while Millerdale Colony Elementary provides an extremely intimate setting for 30 students. The average school size across the county is 114 students, balancing community feel with regional resources.

Invest in a High-Performing Community

Hand County's high school scores make it an attractive destination for families who value academic excellence. Homes within the Miller School District offer access to a system that consistently outperforms state averages in both graduation rates and school quality. This county is a standout choice for those seeking a proven, rural educational environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hand County

via RiskByCounty

Hand County faces exceptionally low national risks

Hand County's composite risk score of 6.46 ranks among the nation's lowest, earning a Very Low risk designation. The county enjoys minimal exposure to most natural disaster threats.

Hand County is South Dakota's safest regions

At 6.46, Hand County scores less than one-quarter of South Dakota's state average of 26.84. It ranks among the state's very lowest-risk counties for natural disaster exposure.

Among the region's most resilient counties

Hand County's 6.46 score is the lowest in its immediate region, safer than Hamlin County (9.99) and Haakon County (9.73). The county represents an exceptionally protected natural hazard environment.

Wildfire is Hand's primary hazard concern

Wildfire risk registers at 77.48—notably high for the county and its dominant natural hazard exposure. Tornado risk (20.20), earthquake risk (8.65), and flood risk (6.20) all pose minimal threat by comparison.

Prioritize wildfire protection above all else

Hand County homeowners should ensure robust wildfire coverage in their insurance policies, as it represents the county's sole meaningful natural hazard exposure. Verify your policy explicitly covers wildfire damage and review coverage limits annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hand County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Plains Climate Profile

Hand County sits at an annual average of 45.2°F, remaining cooler than the national median. Its climate profile is typical of the high plains, featuring distinct seasons and moderate annual moisture.

Aligning with South Dakota Norms

The county's 45.2°F average temperature almost perfectly mirrors the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. Annual precipitation is also standard for the state, coming in at 22.3 inches.

Wetter and Snowier than Hughes

Hand County receives 22.3 inches of precipitation, making it slightly wetter than Hughes County to the west. It also handles more snow, averaging 43.7 inches compared to 40.2 inches in the state capital region.

High Snowfall and Frequent Freezes

The county averages 43.7 inches of snow annually, with winter temperatures averaging 19.4°F. Summer brings a July average of 72.7°F and about 20 days per year where the mercury tops 90°F.

Gear Up for Significant Snowfall

The 43.7 inches of annual snow requires reliable clearing equipment and winter-tread tires. While summer heat is moderate, cooling systems should be checked to handle the three weeks of 90°F temperatures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hand County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Mollisols and Ideal pH

Hand County features the highly productive Mollisols order, typical of the world's best grasslands. Its average pH of 6.88 is closer to the national median of 6.5 than most South Dakota counties, making it versatile for many plant species.

Gravelly Sandy Loam Mix

The soil is primarily a gravelly sandy loam, containing 44.4% silt, 29.8% sand, and 25.8% clay. This texture offers a great balance between structural stability for building and ease of tillage for farming.

Exceptional Water Capacity for Crops

Hand County boasts an available water capacity of 0.190 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.182 in/in. Although organic matter sits slightly lower than the state average at 3.21%, the soil remains highly fertile and responsive.

Excellent Drainage for Active Use

The soil is classified as excessively drained and falls into hydrologic group A, which means water moves through it effortlessly. This rapid drainage minimizes the risk of muddy yards but may require more frequent watering during dry spells.

High-Quality Growing in Zone 4b

A soil score of 66.5 indicates high agricultural potential for this zone 4b region. Gardeners should consider planting deep-rooted perennials that can take full advantage of the high water capacity deep in the soil profile.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hand County

via LawnByCounty

Hand County Leads the State

With a lawn difficulty score of 58.9, Hand County offers some of the best growing conditions in South Dakota. This Zone 4b area outperforms the state average score of 51.1 due to a balanced mix of temperature and soil quality.

Mild Summers and Steady Growth

Hand County experiences 20 extreme heat days, staying cooler than the state average of 24. Annual precipitation of 22.3 inches matches the state average perfectly, supporting 2614 growing degree days of consistent turf development.

Near-Ideal Soil for Vibrant Lawns

A soil pH of 6.88 is squarely within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for maximum nutrient availability. The gravelly sandy loam texture is excessively drained, so you should monitor moisture levels closely during the 20 days of peak summer heat.

Manageable Drought Risk

The county saw only 13 weeks of drought last year, and currently, just 24.6% of the area is abnormally dry. These relatively stable conditions allow you to focus on routine maintenance rather than emergency water conservation.

Timing Your Hand County Lawn

Capitalize on the great soil by planting Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue blends. The safest time to start is after the May 3rd spring frost, giving your lawn five months to establish before the October 3rd freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hand County's county score?
Hand County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 72.3 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 Hand County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Hand County ranks #2 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 Hand County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Hand County is $1,373, with an effective tax rate of 0.90%. This earns Hand County a tax score of 45/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hand County?
The median household income in Hand County, South Dakota is $72,054 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hand County earns an income score of 71.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hand County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Hand County scores 72.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Hand 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 Hand 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.