CountyScore

Hand County

South Dakota · SD

#6 in South Dakota
77.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Hand County, South Dakota

Exceptional Livability Nationwide

Hand County scores 77.6 out of 100, ranking solidly in the upper tier of American counties and well above the national median of 50.0. This exceptional performance reflects strong livability across diverse dimensions.

South Dakota's Higher Performers

Hand County's score of 77.6 surpasses the South Dakota state average of 71.3 by over 6 points, placing it among the state's most livable counties. The county represents above-average quality of life for the region.

Best-in-Class Stability and Affordability

Hand County boasts exceptional risk resilience (93.6) and outstanding housing affordability (Cost Score 87.2) with median rent of just $553/month. The combination of low taxes (0.903%) and strong health outcomes (76.0) creates a supremely stable, accessible living environment.

Income Growth Opportunity Limited

Income ranks lowest at 30.4, with median household income of $72,054 trailing stronger regional peers. Residents seeking rapid income advancement may find limited employment momentum within county boundaries.

Excellent for Cost-Conscious, Stability-Focused Residents

Hand County perfectly suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing minimal living expenses, economic stability, and health over wage growth. The exceptionally low rent and strong resilience make this county ideal for those seeking maximum financial security and lifestyle peace.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax76.9Cost87.2SafetyComing SoonHealth76SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.4Risk93.6WaterComing Soon
🏛76.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡93.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Hand County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Butte County
Idaho
77.6
Median income: $43,281
Deuel County
South Dakota
77.6
Median income: $79,556
LaSalle Parish
Louisiana
77.5
Median income: $67,077
Daniels County
Montana
77.5
Median income: $58,000
Copper River Census Area
Alaska
77.7
Median income: $75,053

Deep Dives

Hand County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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