CountyScore

Harding County

South Dakota · SD

#1 in South Dakota
80.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Harding County, South Dakota

Elite-Level American Livability

Harding County scores 80.9 out of 100, placing it in the top tier of American counties and far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This exceptional performance demonstrates best-in-class livability across multiple dimensions.

South Dakota's Highest Performer

Harding County's score of 80.9 dramatically outperforms the South Dakota state average of 71.3 by nearly 10 points. The county stands as one of the state's absolute best places to live.

Outstanding Stability and Affordability Mix

Harding County leads with exceptional risk resilience (98.5)—the highest in this entire group—and best-in-class housing affordability (Cost Score 89.9) featuring median rent of just $478/month. Health outcomes (84.1) also rank among the strongest, creating an outstanding living environment.

Income Remains Below Potential

Income ranks lowest at 32.2, with median household income of $74,766, suggesting wage growth lags other dimensions. Residents seeking maximum earning potential may need to supplement local opportunities with remote or external income sources.

Perfect for Retirees and Remote Workers

Harding County is ideal for retirees, remote professionals, and families prioritizing rock-bottom living costs, exceptional stability, and outstanding health outcomes over local wage growth. The remarkable combination of affordability and resilience makes this county among America's best for financial security seekers.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76Cost89.9SafetyComing SoonHealth84.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.2Risk98.5WaterComing Soon
🏛76
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤84.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡98.5
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 Harding County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Greenlee County
Arizona
80.9
Median income: $75,239
Judith Basin County
Montana
81
Median income: $55,417
Daggett County
Utah
81
Median income: $58,750
Wheeler County
Nebraska
80.8
Median income: $55,893
Loup County
Nebraska
81.1
Median income: $60,156

Deep Dives

Harding County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.