CountyScore

Hanson County

South Dakota · SD

#16 in South Dakota
75.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Hanson County, South Dakota

Strong Livability Above the National Standard

Hanson County scores 75.1 out of 100, meaningfully exceeding the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the upper-middle range of American counties. This solid performance reflects consistent strength across measured dimensions.

Above-Average Living in South Dakota

Hanson County scores 75.1, outperforming the South Dakota state average of 71.3 by nearly 4 points. The county ranks among South Dakota's more desirable places to live.

Strong Income and Health Leadership

Hanson County ranks highest in income (39.8) with median household income of $86,375, among the strongest in this group. Health outcomes (76.9) also lead, and strong risk management (85.2) ensures financial stability alongside earning potential.

Affordability Rising With Income

Housing costs reflect the county's prosperity: median home value of $192,400 and rent at $733/month represent higher affordability challenges (Cost Score 81.3) relative to other South Dakota counties. Income growth is outpacing housing affordability improvements.

Best for Affluent Families and Professionals

Hanson County appeals to established families and professionals with solid incomes who can afford moderately higher housing costs in exchange for strong health, wellness, and financial opportunity. If income growth and health outcomes matter most, this county rewards prosperity well.

Score breakdown

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

Tax73.4Cost81.3SafetyComing SoonHealth76.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome39.8Risk85.2WaterComing Soon
🏛73.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡85.2
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 Hanson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Boundary County
Idaho
75.1
Median income: $62,438
Clark County
Idaho
75.1
Median income: $52,083
Ida County
Iowa
75.1
Median income: $62,841
Robertson County
Kentucky
75.1
Median income: $52,337
Alger County
Michigan
75.1
Median income: $59,406

Deep Dives

Hanson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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.

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.