62.2
County Score
Safety 97.5Income & Jobs 89.7Disaster Risk 85.2

County Report Card

About Hanson County, South Dakota

Solidly above the national median

Hanson County earns a composite score of 62.2, beating the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high standard of living for its residents.

Outperforming the South Dakota average

The county's 62.2 score is notably higher than the state average of 55.9. It provides a more robust economic and safety profile than many neighboring counties.

Elite safety and high incomes

Hanson County boasts a safety score of 97.5 and a very high income score of 89.7. The median household income of $86,375 is one of the strongest in the region.

Water and school performance issues

The water score is low at 25.3, and the school score of 28.3 suggests challenges in the education system. The tax score of 36.4 also indicates a relatively high effective tax rate of 1.026%.

Best for high-income safety seekers

Hanson County is an excellent fit for high-earning households who prioritize personal security. While schools and water need attention, the economic strength of the county is undeniable.

Score breakdown

Tax36.4Cost58.7Safety97.5Health76.7Schools28.3Income89.7Risk85.2Water25.3Weather35.8
🏛36.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠58.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼89.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
76.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓28.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
85.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧25.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤35.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱45.1
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

Hanson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hanson County

via TaxByCounty

Hanson County moderately taxed nationally

With an effective tax rate of 1.026%, Hanson County sits below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the lower-middle tier of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,973 annually is still 27% below the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below South Dakota average

Hanson County's effective rate of 1.026% edges below South Dakota's average of 1.094%, ranking it among the state's more affordable counties. The median annual tax of $1,973 falls somewhat below the state median of $1,785 due to the higher-than-average home values in the county.

Lower taxes than most nearby counties

Hanson County's 1.026% rate sits between Grant County (0.851%) and Hamlin County (1.090%), offering mid-range tax costs for the region. It substantially undercuts Hughes County (1.143%) and Hand County's (0.903%) comparisons, positioning it comfortably in the regional middle.

Median home costs $1,973 yearly

On Hanson County's median home value of $192,400, homeowners pay approximately $1,973 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to roughly $2,085; without, it drops to $1,883.

Appeal your assessment if it seems high

Even in a moderately taxed county, individual properties can be over-valued relative to comparable homes. Hanson County homeowners should verify that their assessed value aligns with current market sales—a simple task that could unlock real savings.

Cost of Living in Hanson County

via CostByCounty

Hanson County: Prosperity meets housing affordability

Hanson County's rent-to-income ratio of 10.2% ranks among the best in this county set and well below the state average of 13.8%, driven by a strong median household income of $86,375. The county demonstrates how higher earning power transforms even moderate rents into genuinely affordable housing.

Highest incomes, excellent affordability outcomes

Hanson County ranks among South Dakota's highest-earning counties at $86,375 median income, enabling an impressive 10.2% rent-to-income ratio. The county's economic strength and reasonable rents create one of the state's best housing affordability profiles.

Top-tier income with competitive rents

Hanson County's $733 median rent is moderate for the region, but the county's exceptional $86,375 median income—second-highest in this set—produces a 10.2% affordability ratio that beats most peers. Strong earnings make moderate rents feel remarkably affordable.

Affluent households, manageable housing costs

Hanson County renters allocate $733 monthly while homeowners spend $923, both reasonable proportions of the $86,375 median income. At just 10.2% of income committed to rent, households enjoy substantial financial flexibility for savings, education, and quality-of-life investments.

Economic strength drives housing comfort

Hanson County combines strong regional incomes with reasonable housing costs, delivering genuine affordability and lifestyle quality. If you're seeking a county where housing doesn't constrain your budget, Hanson's economic vitality and affordability ratio make it an excellent choice.

Income & Jobs in Hanson County

via IncomeByCounty

Hanson County exceeds national income

Hanson County's median household income of $86,375 ranks 15.5% above the national median of $74,755, placing it well into the upper tier of American counties. This above-average household income reflects strong earning power across the county.

Highest income tier in state

Hanson County's median household income of $86,375 ranks among the very highest in South Dakota, exceeding the state average of $66,926 by 29.0%. The county consistently outperforms state peers in household earning potential.

Regional income leader

Hanson County's $86,375 median household income is the highest among all nearby counties, surpassing Hamlin ($83,194), Hughes ($78,981), Hand ($72,054), Grant ($73,818), and all lower-income neighbors. It represents the premier earning opportunity in its region.

Housing costs remain very low

Hanson County's rent-to-income ratio of 10.2% is among the lowest statewide, meaning housing consumes minimal household income. Combined with the highest median household income in the region, residents enjoy exceptional financial flexibility.

Build substantial long-term wealth

Hanson County's strong income and low housing costs create ideal conditions for aggressive wealth building through investments, business ownership, and retirement planning. Partner with a financial advisor to develop a comprehensive strategy that takes full advantage of your favorable earning position.

Safety in Hanson County

via CrimeByCounty

Hanson County Reports Flawless Safety Score

Hanson County reports zero crimes per 100,000 residents, earning a perfect safety score of 100.0. This compares very favorably to the national crime rate of 2,385.5. Because data comes from a single agency, residents should view these perfect numbers with cautious optimism.

Far Exceeding South Dakota Averages

With a 100.0 score, Hanson County sits at the top of South Dakota's safety rankings. The state average safety score is 98.8, and the average crime rate is 788.1 per 100,000. Hanson’s lack of reported crime makes it a standout in the state.

Safety Leader Among Regional Neighbors

Hanson County matches the 0.0 crime rate of Haakon and Harding counties. It appears much safer on paper than Hamlin County, which reports a rate of 435.7. This high ranking reflects a very quiet period for local law enforcement.

No Reported Violent or Property Crimes

The county reports 0.0 violent crimes and 0.0 property crimes per 100,000 people. This means no major incidents were logged by the reporting agency during the 2022 calendar year. It is a statistically perfect environment for public safety.

Vigilance in a Single-Agency County

Since only one agency reports data here, it is important to stay personally involved in home security. Good neighbors and basic locks go a long way in maintaining this peaceful atmosphere. Continue to support local law enforcement to keep these numbers low.

Health in Hanson County

via HealthByCounty

Hanson County beats national average

At 78.1 years, Hanson County residents live 1.7 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years. A 12.7% poor/fair health rate outperforms the national average of 17%.

Strong longevity within South Dakota

Hanson County's 78.1-year life expectancy exceeds South Dakota's 75.4-year average by 2.7 years. The county ranks in the upper tier of state health outcomes.

Competitive with comparable counties

Hanson County's 78.1-year life expectancy aligns closely with Grant County (78.5 years) and Hand County (78.5 years). The county performs at the top of its regional peer group.

Lowest uninsured rate in peer group

Hanson County's 8.8% uninsured rate beats South Dakota's 11.1% average by 2.3 percentage points—the strongest coverage rate among profiled counties. Provider data is limited, but high insurance rates suggest residents can access available care.

Maintain Hanson's coverage success

Hanson County's exceptional uninsured rate reflects community commitment to health coverage—keep this momentum going. Check your plan annually to ensure continued coverage and protect your family's health.

Schools in Hanson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Schools, Big Opportunities

Hanson County supports ten public schools serving 604 students across two districts. The educational landscape consists of five elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools. This high ratio of schools to students ensures very small class sizes across the county.

Solid Performance with Lean Budgets

The county maintains a 90% graduation rate, outpacing the South Dakota state average by nearly eight points. Hanson County manages these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,535, which is significantly lower than both the state and national averages. The composite school score of 50.4 perfectly aligns with the state median.

Two Districts for Local Choice

Hanson School District 30-1 is the largest, managing six schools and 396 students. The Bridgewater-Emery 30-3 district serves the remaining 333 students through its three facilities. There are no charter schools in the county, with all local children attending traditional public schools.

Intimate Classrooms in Rural Plains

With an average school size of only 60 students, Hanson County offers one of the most personalized education experiences in the state. Hanson Elementary is the largest site with 135 students, while several other locations operate with much smaller cohorts. All ten schools are classified as rural, maintaining the area's quiet, focused character.

Quality Education in a Rural Setting

For families who want their children to have close relationships with teachers, Hanson County is an ideal place to buy a home. The combination of a 90% graduation rate and exceptionally small school sizes makes it a safe bet for educational success. Explore properties in the Hanson or Bridgewater-Emery districts to find your perfect fit.

Disaster Risk in Hanson County

via RiskByCounty

Hanson County risks remain well below national average

Hanson County's composite risk score of 14.82 falls substantially beneath the national average, earning a Very Low risk rating. The county enjoys relatively stable natural disaster exposure overall.

Hanson County is safer than most South Dakota counties

At 14.82, Hanson County scores below South Dakota's state average of 26.84, placing it among the state's safer counties. The county faces less overall natural hazard pressure than much of the state.

Moderate risk compared to nearby counties

Hanson County's 14.82 score is higher than nearby Hamlin County (9.99) and Haakon County (9.73), but lower than Hughes County (16.48). The county occupies a moderate position within its regional risk context.

Tornado poses Hanson's greatest threat

Tornado risk stands at 43.54—substantially higher than the county's other hazards and its primary natural disaster concern. Wildfire risk (54.83) runs a close second, while flood risk (15.04) and earthquake risk (13.20) are minimal.

Strengthen tornado and storm protections

Hanson County residents should prioritize tornado and wind coverage in their homeowners policies, given the county's tornado risk score of 43.54. Review your policy annually and ensure coverage limits reflect potential storm damage.

Weather & Climate in Hanson County

via WeatherByCounty

Continental Extremes in the Heartland

Hanson County records an annual average temperature of 45.0°F, sitting about 10 degrees below the national median. This area is defined by sharp seasonal transitions and healthy annual precipitation levels.

Average Temperatures with Extra Rain

Hanson matches the state's thermal profile with an average of 45.0°F, just shy of the 45.6°F South Dakota mark. However, it is wetter than the average, receiving 25.3 inches of precipitation annually.

Milder Snowfall than Eastern Peers

Hanson County experiences 36.3 inches of annual snow, which is less than the 40.9 inches seen in Hamlin County. It stays slightly warmer in the summer too, with 25 days of 90°F heat compared to Hamlin’s nine.

Humid Summers and Chilly Winters

Summers are warm with a July average of 72.1°F and 25 extreme heat days. Winters are cold and snowy, with January temperatures averaging 15.5°F and annual snow reaching 36.3 inches.

Prepare for Seasonal Humidity Fluctuations

The 25.3 inches of rain can lead to humid summer conditions, making air conditioning a priority. Residents should also winterize their homes to protect against the 18.5°F winter average.

Soil Quality in Hanson County

via SoilByCounty

Regional Context for Hanson County

Detailed soil survey data for Hanson County is currently limited in the primary metrics of pH and taxonomic order. However, local conditions typically mirror the surrounding southeastern South Dakota plains, which feature productive, prairie-derived soils.

Awaiting Detailed Composition Data

While specific sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded here, neighboring counties suggest a loamy mix. Gardeners are encouraged to perform a simple jar test to determine their local soil texture before planting.

Estimating Growth Potential for Farms

Local fertility benchmarks for organic matter and water capacity are not provided in this set. Despite the data gap, the region is historically known for supporting robust corn and soybean production on well-managed land.

Managing Water on the Landscape

Hydrologic data is not currently available for this county, meaning site-specific drainage tests are essential for any new construction. Observing how your yard handles a heavy rainstorm is the best way to judge localized drainage.

Gardening Opportunities in Zone 5a

Hanson County is situated in hardiness zone 5a, offering a slightly longer growing season than northern neighbors. This zone allows for a wide variety of vegetables and flowers to thrive with standard regional care.

Lawn Care in Hanson County

via LawnByCounty

Steep Challenges for Hanson Lawns

Hanson County's lawn difficulty score of 45.1 is significantly lower than the South Dakota average of 51.1. Zone 5a gardeners here must work harder to overcome environmental stressors to maintain a healthy green space.

Fast Growth and Summer Stress

The county sees 25 extreme heat days, slightly higher than the state average. This heat, combined with 25.3 inches of rain, drives 2614 growing degree days, requiring a frequent and consistent mowing schedule to prevent weeds.

Monitor Your Local Soil

Specific soil data for pH and texture is currently unavailable for Hanson County. Homeowners should perform a local soil test to determine if amendments are needed to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range.

Navigating a Dry Landscape

Hanson County faced 29 weeks of drought over the last year, and 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry. With no rainfall currently easing the pressure, using smart irrigation controllers can help maximize your 25.3 inches of annual precipitation.

Selecting Hardy Grass Varieties

Choose resilient cool-season grasses that can withstand both the Zone 5a winters and summer dry spells. Plan to seed your lawn after the last frost on May 8th but before the fall frost arrives on September 29th.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hanson County's county score?
Hanson County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 62.2 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 Hanson County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Hanson County ranks #22 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 Hanson County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Hanson County is $1,973, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Hanson County a tax score of 36.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hanson County?
The median household income in Hanson County, South Dakota is $86,375 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hanson County earns an income score of 89.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hanson County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Hanson County scores 62.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Hanson 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 Hanson County with other counties side by side.