CountyScore

Hughes County

South Dakota · SD

#35 in South Dakota
71.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Hughes County, South Dakota

Solid Livability Above National Baseline

Hughes County scores 71.4 out of 100, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0 and reflecting consistent strength across multiple livability factors. This solid performance places the county in the upper-middle range nationally.

Right at South Dakota's Midline

Hughes County scores 71.4, nearly matching the South Dakota state average of 71.3. The county represents typical livability for the state, neither outperforming nor lagging significantly behind peers.

Health and Income Lead Dimensions

Hughes County excels in health outcomes (76.9) and income (34.9) with median household income of $78,981, supporting well-being and financial opportunity. Risk resilience (83.6) ensures additional economic stability for residents.

Housing Affordability Under Pressure

Cost represents the primary weakness at 74.4, with median home value of $221,100 and rent at $930/month significantly exceeding rural county norms. Housing affordability challenges contrast sharply with strong income, suggesting rapid price appreciation.

Suitable for Higher-Income Professionals

Hughes County works best for established professionals and families with above-average incomes who prioritize health, wellness, and good schools over affordability. If you earn well and value urban amenities within a rural setting, this county's higher costs become manageable.

Score breakdown

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

Tax70.1Cost74.4SafetyComing SoonHealth76.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.9Risk83.6WaterComing Soon
🏛70.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.9
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
⚡83.6
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 Hughes County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Tallapoosa County
Alabama
71.4
Median income: $57,185
Van Buren County
Arkansas
71.4
Median income: $47,266
Audubon County
Iowa
71.4
Median income: $54,152
Butler County
Iowa
71.4
Median income: $69,651
Jones County
Iowa
71.4
Median income: $73,071

Deep Dives

Hughes County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hughes County

via TaxByCounty

Hughes County slightly above national median

At 1.143%, Hughes County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,526 annually is still 6% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting South Dakota's moderate home valuations.

The highest-taxed county in South Dakota

Hughes County's effective rate of 1.143% tops all other South Dakota counties, exceeding the state average of 1.094% by nearly half a percentage point. At a median home value of $221,100, the annual tax of $2,526 is the state's highest median bill.

Significantly higher taxes than nearby counties

Hughes County's 1.143% rate far exceeds every regional neighbor: Grant County (0.851%), Haakon County (0.847%), Hand County (0.903%), and Harding County (0.933%). Only Hamlin County (1.090%) approaches Hughes's burden, making it the region's most expensive tax jurisdiction.

Median home costs $2,526 per year

On Hughes County's median home value of $221,100, homeowners pay approximately $2,526 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to roughly $2,645; without, it drops to $2,221.

High taxes make property tax appeals crucial

As South Dakota's highest-taxed county, Hughes residents benefit most from challenging overassessments; a 5% reduction on a $2,526 bill saves over $125 yearly. Request a formal assessment review if you believe your property is valued above current market rates.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hughes County

via CostByCounty

Hughes County: Premium housing, solid incomes

Hughes County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% slightly exceeds the state average of 13.8%, but the median household income of $78,981 tops the national average of $74,755. The county's higher rents and strong incomes place it among South Dakota's pricier but economically robust communities.

Highest rents in the region, strong earning power

Hughes County's $930 median rent is the highest among these eight counties, with only a 14.1% rent-to-income ratio thanks to above-average earnings of $78,981. The county reflects South Dakota's most economically dynamic markets, with housing costs and incomes both elevated.

Premium rents, premium community amenities

Hughes County's $930 median rent significantly exceeds all peer counties, with the next-highest being Hamlin at $769—a $161 monthly gap. Higher rents correlate with greater amenities and economic opportunity that justify the premium for residents choosing Hughes.

Elevated costs balanced by elevated incomes

Hughes County renters spend $930 monthly while homeowners pay $1,131—the highest ownership costs in this set—yet the $78,981 median income sustains both. At 14.1% of income dedicated to rent, households manage considerable housing costs through robust earnings.

Premium housing for affluent, opportunity-seeking movers

Hughes County commands higher rents because it offers greater economic opportunity and community amenities than rural peers. If your income approaches or exceeds the county median of $78,981, the premium housing costs unlock access to South Dakota's most dynamic regional economy.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hughes County

via IncomeByCounty

Hughes County exceeds national average

Hughes County's median household income of $78,981 ranks 5.7% above the national median of $74,755, placing it solidly in the upper portion of American counties. Per capita income of $38,880 closely mirrors national trends, suggesting balanced wealth distribution.

Top tier South Dakota county

Hughes County's median household income of $78,981 exceeds South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by 18.0%, ranking it among the highest-earning counties statewide. The county consistently outperforms state peers in household earning power.

Upper-middle income regionally

Hughes County's $78,981 median household income ranks behind only Hanson ($86,375) and Hamlin ($83,194) counties regionally, outpacing Hand ($72,054), Grant ($73,818), Haakon ($59,231), and Gregory ($52,432). This positions it as a strong earner among its peers.

Housing costs strain higher incomes

Hughes County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% exceeds the national affordability standard, consuming a larger share of household income than peers with similar earnings. This likely reflects higher housing costs, particularly in the Pierre area where the county seat commands premium prices.

Plan strategically despite housing costs

Hughes County's above-average income provides opportunity for wealth building despite elevated housing costs. Work with a financial advisor to optimize your budget, explore homeownership benefits versus renting, and identify tax-efficient investment strategies that accelerate long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Hughes County

via HealthByCounty

Hughes County slightly below U.S. average

At 75.7 years, Hughes County's life expectancy falls 0.7 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. However, its 11.7% poor/fair health rate beats the national average of 17%.

Near South Dakota's state average

Hughes County's 75.7-year life expectancy sits within 0.3 years of South Dakota's 75.4-year average. The county ranks solidly within state health outcomes.

Mixed health performance regionally

Hughes County's 75.7-year life expectancy trails Haakon County (80.1 years) and Hanson County (78.1 years), but exceeds Gregory County (73.7 years). The county represents middle-tier regional performance.

Excellent mental health resources

Hughes County boasts exceptional mental health infrastructure with 295 providers per 100,000 residents—far exceeding regional norms. The county's 7.6% uninsured rate ranks among the state's best, and 79 primary care providers per 100,000 residents support comprehensive care.

Build on Hughes County's access strength

With top-tier mental health and solid primary care resources, Hughes County's strong uninsured rate reflects community health commitment. Ensure coverage to maximize your access to these excellent resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hughes County

via RiskByCounty

Hughes County risks remain below national average

Hughes County's composite risk score of 16.48 falls below the national average, earning a Very Low risk designation. The county faces relatively modest exposure to compounded natural disaster threats.

Hughes County ranks below South Dakota state average

At 16.48, Hughes County scores well below South Dakota's state average of 26.84, indicating below-average natural disaster risk for the region. The county experiences less overall hazard pressure than many parts of the state.

Moderate risk within its region

Hughes County's 16.48 score falls between Hamlin County (9.99) and Gregory County (16.16) nearby. The county occupies a middle position within its local risk context, higher than most immediate neighbors.

Wildfire and flood are primary concerns

Wildfire risk (77.00) and flood risk (32.63) are Hughes County's two significant hazard exposures, substantially outpacing tornado risk (26.75) and earthquake risk (15.90). Residents should prioritize protection against these two threats.

Prioritize wildfire and flood coverage

Hughes County homeowners should ensure policies include both wildfire coverage and flood protection, given the county's elevated scores for these hazards. Verify your policy's wildfire and flood riders, and consider supplemental flood insurance if needed.

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.