countyscore
74.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.5Safety 97.5Cost of Living 86.7

County Report Card

About Harding County, South Dakota

A national leader in livability

Harding County earns an impressive composite score of 74.8, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. It is one of the highest-rated counties in the region.

Setting the pace in South Dakota

With a score of 74.8, Harding County far exceeds the state average of 55.9. It offers a superior quality of life compared to the vast majority of South Dakota counties.

Peak resilience and safety

The county earns a near-perfect risk score of 98.5 and a safety score of 97.5. Housing is also incredibly affordable, with a cost score of 86.7 and median rent of just $478.

Moderate tax and school scores

The tax score of 42.8 is the county's lowest mark, though the effective rate is a reasonable 0.933%. The school score of 66.3 is solid but falls behind the county's elite metrics.

A premier choice for safety and value

Harding County is ideal for anyone seeking a low-risk, high-safety environment with exceptional housing value. Its combination of high incomes and low costs makes it a standout performer.

Score breakdown

Tax42.8Cost86.7Safety97.5Health68Schools66.3Income77Risk98.5Water86Weather34.1
🏛42.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼77
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓66.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨46
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.2
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

Bowman County
North Dakota
64.9
Carter County
Montana
72.6
Slope County
North Dakota
77.4
Butte County
South Dakota
43.5
Perkins County
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Fallon County
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Adams County
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Hettinger County
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62.1

Deep Dives

Harding County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Harding County

via TaxByCounty

Harding County below the national average

At 0.933%, Harding County's effective tax rate falls comfortably below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the lower-middle range of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,460 annually is 46% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Among South Dakota's most affordable counties

Harding County's effective rate of 0.933% sits well below the state average of 1.094%, ranking it among South Dakota's tax-friendly jurisdictions. The median annual tax of $1,460 remains below the state median of $1,785.

Tax-efficient choice in its region

Harding County's 0.933% rate ranks below all major neighbors except Haakon County (0.847%) and Grant County (0.851%), offering favorable tax treatment. It substantially undercuts Hamlin County (1.090%) and Hughes County (1.143%) to the south and east.

Median home costs $1,460 per year

On Harding County's median home value of $156,400, homeowners pay approximately $1,460 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to roughly $1,480; without, it drops to $1,438.

Review your property's assessed value today

Harding County's low tax rates are attractive, but individual homeowners may still be overpaying due to inflated assessments. Requesting a review of your property's valuation against recent local sales is a zero-cost way to validate your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Harding County

via CostByCounty

Harding County: Extreme affordability, remote location

Harding County achieves the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this entire set at 7.7%—less than half the national stress threshold—with an exceptional $478 monthly rent. The median household income of $74,766 essentially matches the national average, making Harding's affordability advantage all about extraordinarily low rents.

South Dakota's most affordable county by far

Harding County's 7.7% rent-to-income ratio shatters the state average of 13.8%, and its $478 median rent is the lowest across all eight counties. The dramatic affordability gap reflects Harding's remote location and rural character, offering renters unparalleled value in South Dakota.

Dramatically lower rents than all peers

Harding County's $478 rent dramatically undercuts every comparison county, with the next-closest being Gregory at $614—a $136 monthly difference. The 7.7% rent-to-income ratio stands alone in this analysis, offering renters exceptional purchasing power.

Minimal rent, maximum household flexibility

Harding County renters spend just $478 monthly while homeowners pay $674, both exceptionally low amounts against the $74,766 median income. At 7.7% of income dedicated to rent, households retain 92.3% of earnings for all other purposes—extraordinary financial freedom.

Unbeatable affordability for remote-work relocators

Harding County is South Dakota's ultimate affordability outlier, with rents nearly 37% below the state average and an unmatched 7.7% rent-to-income ratio. If remote work enables location flexibility and housing cost minimization is your goal, Harding County delivers extraordinary value with the trade-off of isolation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Harding County

via IncomeByCounty

Harding County matches national income

Harding County's median household income of $74,766 virtually matches the national median of $74,755, placing it squarely in the American mainstream. Per capita income of $48,974 significantly exceeds national averages by 23%, indicating wealth is concentrated among fewer households or highly productive individuals.

Above-average for South Dakota

Harding County's median household income of $74,766 exceeds South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by 11.7%, ranking it in the upper-middle tier statewide. The county's per capita income of $48,974 far surpasses the state average of $35,667, indicating strong individual wealth concentration.

High per capita income regionally

Harding County's $74,766 median household income ranks near Grant ($73,818) and Hand ($72,054), but its per capita income of $48,974 is the highest among all neighboring counties by a wide margin. This suggests fewer but wealthier households in the county.

Lowest housing cost ratio statewide

Harding County's rent-to-income ratio of 7.7% is among the absolute lowest in South Dakota, indicating housing is exceptionally affordable relative to income. This leaves abundant resources for savings, investments, and major financial goals.

Use exceptional housing advantage

Harding County's combination of near-national income and the state's lowest rent-to-income ratio creates significant wealth-building capacity. Prioritize maxing out retirement contributions, building an investment portfolio, or exploring real estate opportunities that leverage your exceptional housing affordability advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Harding County

via CrimeByCounty

Harding County Achieves Perfect Safety Rating

Harding County reports zero crimes per 100,000 residents, resulting in a safety score of 100.0. This is significantly lower than the national average crime rate of 2,385.5. A single reporting agency provides the data for this frontier county.

Leading South Dakota in Public Safety

Harding County outpaces the state average safety score of 98.8 with its perfect 100.0 rating. While the average South Dakota county reports 788.1 crimes per 100,000, Harding reports none. It remains one of the quietest corners of the state.

Comparing Harding to Its Rural Peers

Harding County shares a 0.0 crime rate with counties like Hanson and Haakon. It is vastly quieter than Hughes County, which reports 1,875.1 crimes per 100,000 people. The county’s remote location likely contributes to its minimal crime profile.

Zero Violent or Property Crime Reports

Data shows 0.0 violent crimes and 0.0 property crimes per 100,000 residents for the 2022 year. This indicates that no qualifying crimes were reported by the local agency to the national database. The community remains a model of documented safety.

Protecting Your Home on the Frontier

In low-population areas, being a good neighbor is your best security system. Keep an eye on nearby properties and ensure your own home is well-lit at night. These simple habits help maintain Harding County’s record-breaking safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Harding County

via HealthByCounty

Harding County health data limited

Harding County's 11.1% poor/fair health rate outperforms the national average of 17%, suggesting a relatively healthy population. Complete life expectancy data is unavailable, limiting direct national comparisons.

Small county, strong health indicators

While Harding County's life expectancy data is incomplete, its 11.1% poor/fair health rate beats South Dakota's implied average. The county's health profile aligns with some of the state's stronger performers.

Health outcomes competitive in region

Harding County's 11.1% poor/fair health rate matches Hamlin County and trails Hanson County (12.7%). The county maintains competitive health indicators among neighbors.

Coverage near state average

Harding County's 11.3% uninsured rate essentially matches South Dakota's 11.1% average. Provider data is limited, reflecting Harding's small, rural status.

Verify coverage in rural settings

Harding County residents should confirm insurance status, as rural access can amplify coverage gaps. Contact the state marketplace or community health resources to ensure you have protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Harding County

via SchoolsByCounty

An Ultra-Personalized Learning Network

Harding County operates five public schools for a small student body of 224, all within a single district. The landscape includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This distribution ensures that education remains accessible even in the most remote parts of the county.

Leading the State in Quality

Harding County achieves an impressive school score of 58.6, the highest among its peers and well above the national median of 50.0. The county invests $9,361 per pupil, which is nearly $2,000 more than the South Dakota state average. This investment yields a strong 90% graduation rate, confirming the effectiveness of its school system.

Unified Under Harding County 31-1

Harding County School District 31-1 manages every public school and student in the county. There are no charter options, as the community relies entirely on its highly-rated traditional public school system. This single-district model allows for a cohesive educational strategy across the entire region.

The Essence of Rural Education

The average school size in Harding County is a mere 45 students, offering an unparalleled level of individual attention. Buffalo Elementary is the largest facility with 92 students, while Ludlow and Camp Crook elementaries serve just eight students each. All five schools are situated in rural locales, providing a peaceful and distraction-free learning environment.

Excellence in the Great Open Spaces

Harding County is a premier choice for home buyers who prioritize high academic scores and tiny class sizes. With the highest school score in the region, your investment in a home here is also an investment in a top-tier education. Look for properties near Buffalo to be at the heart of this high-achieving district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Harding County

via RiskByCounty

Harding County ranks among America's safest

Harding County's composite risk score of just 1.49 places it among the nation's lowest natural disaster risk areas, with a Very Low risk designation. The county enjoys exceptional protection from most natural hazards.

Harding County is South Dakota's safest county

At 1.49, Harding County's score is dramatically below South Dakota's state average of 26.84—less than 6% of the state norm. The county represents an exceptionally resilient natural disaster environment statewide.

Dramatically safer than all nearby counties

Harding County's 1.49 score is far lower than any adjacent county, including Hand County (6.46), Hamlin County (9.99), and Haakon County (9.73). The county stands alone in its exceptional resilience to natural disasters.

Wildfire is Harding's only notable hazard

Wildfire risk registers at 82.60—Harding County's sole meaningful natural hazard exposure, and strikingly high given the county's minimal overall risk. Tornado risk (8.17), flood risk (3.47), and earthquake risk (5.82) all pose negligible concern.

Wildfire coverage is your only essential protection

Harding County homeowners should ensure their policies include wildfire coverage, as it represents virtually the entire natural hazard exposure in the county. Standard homeowners coverage may require riders for wildfire protection—verify your policy details.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Harding County

via WeatherByCounty

Arid and Snowy High Plains

Harding County's 44.5°F annual average temperature is significantly lower than the national median. Located in the northwest corner, it faces an arid climate with much lower precipitation than most of the country.

Cold, Dry, and Very Snowy

The county is drier than most of South Dakota, receiving only 16.3 inches of precipitation compared to the 22.7-inch state average. However, it is one of the snowiest regions, recording 50.6 inches annually.

The Snowiest in the Region

Harding outpaces its neighbors in snowfall, with 50.6 inches dwarfing the 40.2 inches found in Hughes County. It is also considerably drier, receiving roughly 4 inches less total precipitation than Hughes.

High Snow Totals and Hot Summers

Despite 27 days of extreme 90°F summer heat, winter is the dominant season here. The county receives a massive 50.6 inches of snow and sustains a winter average of 21.3°F.

Heavy Winter Prep is Essential

Snow management is a primary concern given the 50.6-inch annual average. With only 16.3 inches of total moisture, water conservation is also a vital practice for local residents and agriculture.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Harding County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Soil with Moderate Alkalinity

Harding County soil has a pH of 7.08, placing it just slightly above the state average of 7.05. This profile is generally hospitable, though it is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5.

A Sand-Heavy Soil Profile

Harding County features a high sand content of 46.3%, paired with 29.8% silt and 20.5% clay. This sandy texture provides excellent aeration for roots but may struggle to hold onto nutrients over time.

Navigating Lean Organic Content

The soil contains 2.15% organic matter, which is lower than the state average but slightly above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.155 in/in, reflecting the lower moisture retention typical of sandy western soils.

Sandy Texture Implies Fast Drainage

Though the specific drainage class isn't listed, the high 46.3% sand content ensures that water typically moves through the soil profile quickly. This prevents waterlogging but requires gardeners to be diligent about consistent irrigation.

Tough Plants for Hardiness Zone 4b

With a soil score of 46.0, gardening in Harding County requires some strategy, such as using raised beds or adding compost. Native shrubs and drought-tolerant perennials will perform best in this zone 4b climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Harding County

via LawnByCounty

Arid Conditions in the Northwest

Harding County has a lawn difficulty score of 49.2, making it slightly more challenging than the national average. In this Zone 4b region, the primary hurdle for any homeowner is the lack of consistent natural moisture.

The driest County in the Group

With only 16.3 inches of annual rain, Harding County falls far below the ideal 30-50 inches required for lush turf. You must also contend with 27 extreme heat days, which can quickly brown out a lawn without heavy irrigation.

Sandy Soils and Neutral pH

The soil pH of 7.08 is very close to the neutral ideal, but the high sand content of 46.3% means water drains away almost instantly. Lawns here benefit greatly from top-dressing with compost to increase water retention in the sandy base.

Current Relief from Drought

Harding County is currently 0% dry, a welcome change after 12 weeks of drought last year. Because it is so arid, installing a rain barrel system is a smart way to supplement the low 16.3 inches of annual precipitation.

Focus on Drought-Tolerant Species

Buffalograss or Crested Wheatgrass are the most practical choices for this dry Zone 4b climate. Wait until after the late spring frost on May 17th to plant, as Harding County has a shorter growing season than its neighbors.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harding County's county score?
Harding County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 74.8 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 Harding County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Harding County ranks #1 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 Harding County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Harding County is $1,460, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Harding County a tax score of 42.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Harding County?
The median household income in Harding County, South Dakota is $74,766 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Harding County earns an income score of 77/100 on CountyScore.
Is Harding County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Harding County scores 74.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Harding 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 Harding 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.