With a composite score of 74.8 against a national median of 50.0, Hyde County ranks in the top 50th percentile nationally. This remote South Dakota county punches above its weight in overall livability metrics.
2 / 5
Among South Dakota's best performers
Hyde County ranks above the state average of 71.3, placing it in South Dakota's upper tier of livable counties. Its score reflects strong fundamentals across health, affordability, and risk mitigation.
3 / 5
Outstanding health and disaster resilience
Health outcomes are exceptional at 84.1, and the risk score of 93.5 indicates Hyde County is one of South Dakota's safest from environmental or economic disruption. Housing remains affordable with median home values at $134,500, supporting financial stability for residents.
4 / 5
Limited income opportunities remain
The income score of 31.9 reflects median household income of $74,279, which, while respectable, doesn't match wealthier regional peers. Renters face slightly higher costs at $921/month compared to neighboring counties, and tax rates edge above the state average at 1.227%.
5 / 5
Ideal for health-conscious rural settlers
Hyde County appeals to individuals prioritizing exceptional health care access, community resilience, and stable housing over high-income career opportunities. It's a natural fit for retirees, health professionals, or families seeking a tight-knit rural community with proven disaster preparedness.
With a composite score of 74.8 against a national median of 50.0, Hyde County ranks in the top 50th percentile nationally. This remote South Dakota county punches above its weight in overall livability metrics.
Among South Dakota's best performers
Hyde County ranks above the state average of 71.3, placing it in South Dakota's upper tier of livable counties. Its score reflects strong fundamentals across health, affordability, and risk mitigation.
Outstanding health and disaster resilience
Health outcomes are exceptional at 84.1, and the risk score of 93.5 indicates Hyde County is one of South Dakota's safest from environmental or economic disruption. Housing remains affordable with median home values at $134,500, supporting financial stability for residents.
Limited income opportunities remain
The income score of 31.9 reflects median household income of $74,279, which, while respectable, doesn't match wealthier regional peers. Renters face slightly higher costs at $921/month compared to neighboring counties, and tax rates edge above the state average at 1.227%.
Ideal for health-conscious rural settlers
Hyde County appeals to individuals prioritizing exceptional health care access, community resilience, and stable housing over high-income career opportunities. It's a natural fit for retirees, health professionals, or families seeking a tight-knit rural community with proven disaster preparedness.
Score breakdown
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🏛67.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Hyde County residents pay an effective tax rate of 1.227%, below the national median of 1.28%. With a median annual tax of $1,650 on homes valued at $134,500, Hyde ranks in the 30th percentile nationally—among the lowest-burden counties in America.
Highest rate among nearby counties
At 1.227%, Hyde's effective rate exceeds South Dakota's average of 1.094% by about 12%. This places Hyde in the upper third of South Dakota counties for tax rate, though still collecting a modest median bill of $1,650.
Higher than Jerauld, similar to Hutchinson
Hyde's 1.227% rate is notably higher than Jerauld County's 0.954% to the east, but comparable to Hutchinson County's 1.117% to the south. Kingsbury County (0.995%) and Lawrence County (0.859%) offer lower rates in the surrounding region.
Median annual tax of $1,650
A typical Hyde County home valued at $134,500 generates about $1,650 in annual property tax at the 1.227% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $1,983 due to different assessment rules.
Appeal your assessment if overvalued
Many South Dakota homeowners are assessed above fair market value and have grounds to appeal. If your home's assessed value seems inflated, filing an appeal can lower your annual tax bill.
Renters in Hyde County spend 14.9% of their income on housing—above the state average of 13.8% and significantly higher than the national norm. A median rent of $921 monthly against a $74,279 income signals tightening affordability for renters in this rural county.
Mid-pack affordability among South Dakota counties
With a 14.9% rent-to-income ratio, Hyde County sits slightly below the South Dakota average, though it faces more housing pressure than counties like Hutchinson and Jerauld. The county's above-average median rent makes it one of the pricier rural communities in the state.
Higher rents than surrounding rural counties
Hyde's $921 median rent significantly exceeds nearby Hutchinson ($714) and Kingsbury ($725), placing it among the more expensive rural areas. However, median home values of $134,500 remain moderate compared to counties with higher ownership costs.
Nearly 15% of income goes to rent
Renters here dedicate $921 of their $74,279 monthly income to housing, consuming 14.9% of earnings. Homeowners face a steeper $823 monthly mortgage cost, making ownership relatively more affordable than renting in Hyde County.
Compare carefully before relocating here
Hyde County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds state and national averages, so renters should weigh higher costs against the county's rural character and amenities. Prospective homeowners may find better value here, where monthly mortgage costs sit below the rent burden.
Hyde County's median household income of $74,279 trails the national median of $74,755 by just $476, placing it squarely in the middle class. This near-parity with national figures indicates a resilient local economy.
Above-average earner for South Dakota
Hyde County's $74,279 median income outpaces South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by 11%, making it one of the state's stronger-earning counties. Per capita income of $35,789 also surpasses the state average of $35,667.
Competitive with peers in the region
Hyde County's median income rivals Hutchinson County ($74,459) and Lake County ($73,792), though it trails Jerauld County's $75,417. This clustering suggests a stable economic corridor in central South Dakota.
Housing takes a larger share here
Hyde County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% exceeds the healthy 11.5% benchmark seen in neighboring counties, signaling tighter housing affordability. At a median home value of $134,500, homeownership remains possible but requires more careful budgeting.
Strategic planning pays off in Hyde
With income near the national median but housing costs eating into discretionary income, Hyde families benefit from disciplined savings strategies. Explore employer-sponsored retirement plans and consider energy-efficient home improvements to lower long-term living costs.
While Hyde County's life expectancy data isn't available, the 13.8% poor/fair health rate sits just below the national average of 14.3%, suggesting residents manage their health reasonably well. More comprehensive health tracking could help identify emerging wellness trends.
Hyde County health tracking needs improvement
Life expectancy figures for Hyde County aren't currently available, making state-level comparison difficult. However, the 13.8% poor/fair health rate ranks favorably against South Dakota's broader health metrics.
Provider data gaps limit clear picture
Specific primary care and mental health provider counts for Hyde County aren't publicly available. Residents may need to travel to neighboring counties or larger towns for specialized healthcare services.
Strong insurance coverage in Hyde
Hyde County's 8.7% uninsured rate beats South Dakota's 11.1% average, meaning most residents can access care when needed. This above-average coverage rate reflects strong community health engagement.
Keep coverage strong year-round
With most Hyde County residents insured, maintaining that momentum matters. Visit healthcare.gov during open enrollment or contact your employer's benefits office to ensure your coverage stays current.
With a composite risk score of 6.49, Hyde County ranks as very low and sits well below South Dakota's average of 26.84, placing it in the safest tier nationally. Residents face significantly less natural disaster exposure than the average American.
Among South Dakota's safest counties
Hyde County's composite score of 6.49 places it among the lowest-risk counties in South Dakota, where the state average is 26.84. The county's exposure to natural hazards is minimal compared to most of its peers statewide.
Safer than most surrounding counties
Hyde County (6.49) is significantly safer than neighboring Lake County (32.63) and only slightly riskier than Jackson County (10.18). This central South Dakota county enjoys one of the most favorable risk profiles in the region.
Wildfire remains the top hazard
Wildfire risk scores 83.72 in Hyde County—an anomalously high figure that reflects geographic and seasonal vulnerability despite the county's overall very low composite score. All other hazards, including tornado (17.81) and flood (11.45), pose minimal threats.
Basic homeowners coverage typically sufficient
Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most Hyde County residents, given the county's very low disaster risk profile. Verify coverage includes wildfire and consider preventive landscaping measures, though major supplemental insurance is unlikely necessary.