countyscore
57.4
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 93.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Hyde County, South Dakota

Exceeding National Livability Standards

Hyde County carries a composite score of 57.4, comfortably surpassing the national median of 50.0. This ranking reflects a stable environment where natural safety and economic health align. The county provides a solid baseline for residents compared to the national average.

Staying Ahead of the State Curve

The county's overall score of 57.4 sits slightly above the South Dakota state average of 55.9. While it faces some educational challenges, its environmental and safety metrics keep it competitive within the region. It offers a unique profile of high resilience and income potential.

Top-Tier Safety and Low Environmental Risk

Hyde County excels in safety with a remarkable score of 97.5 and a risk score of 93.5. Residents enjoy a high median household income of $74,279, supported by a strong income score of 76.2. These figures represent one of the safest and most resilient areas in the High Plains.

Improving Schools and Tax Burdens

The school score of 20.2 indicates significant room for improvement in local educational metrics. A tax score of 24.2, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.227%, also represents a higher burden on local homeowners. Addressing these specific sectors would enhance the county's appeal to young families.

A Haven for High-Income Professionals

Hyde County is best suited for established professionals or retirees who prioritize safety and low natural disaster risk. The high median income and exceptional safety scores provide a protective bubble for residents. It is a premier choice for those seeking a secure, high-earning lifestyle in a rural setting.

Score breakdown

Tax24.2Cost45.1Safety97.5Health73.2Schools20.2Income76.2Risk93.5Water86Weather35.8
🏛24.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼76.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓20.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡93.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨61.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.3
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Hyde County?

Many homeowners in Hyde County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Hyde County with Archuleta County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Archuleta County
Colorado
Median income: $76,524
57.4
Cass County
Illinois
Median income: $64,907
57.4
Coles County
Illinois
Median income: $56,040
57.4
Union County
Illinois
Median income: $56,420
57.4
Sullivan County
Indiana
Median income: $54,985
57.4
Ottawa County
Kansas
Median income: $76,755
57.4
Renville County
Minnesota
Median income: $69,086
57.4
Granite County
Montana
Median income: $54,646
57.4

Nearby counties

Hand County
South Dakota
72.3
Hughes County
South Dakota
42.3
Buffalo County
South Dakota
65.9
Faulk County
South Dakota
68.8
Potter County
South Dakota
66.2
Sully County
South Dakota
70
Lyman County
South Dakota
59.4
Jerauld County
South Dakota
65.9

Deep Dives

Hyde County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hyde County

via TaxByCounty

Hyde County's 1.227% rate beats national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hyde County

via CostByCounty

Hyde County rents stretch household budgets

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hyde County

via IncomeByCounty

Hyde slightly below the national average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hyde County

via CrimeByCounty

A Perfect Safety Score

Hyde County reports a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100K, earning it a perfect safety score of 100. This is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5 per 100K.

Leading the State in Safety

With no reported crimes in 2022, Hyde County ranks at the very top of South Dakota for safety. It maintains a perfect 100 score compared to the state average of 98.8.

Quiet Streets in Central South Dakota

Hyde County shows less activity than almost all its neighbors, though data comes from a single reporting agency. This quiet profile is common among South Dakota's most rural jurisdictions.

No Reported Incidents in 2022

The county reports zero violent and zero property crimes per 100K residents. While this reflects an incredibly safe area, residents should note this data relies on a single agency's report.

Preserving a Safe Community

In a county with zero reported crime, community vigilance remains the best defense. Standard locks and knowing your neighbors help maintain this perfect safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hyde County

via HealthByCounty

Limited data shows mixed health picture

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hyde County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Rural Education Network

Hyde County operates a streamlined educational system with just three public schools serving a total of 222 students. The infrastructure is consolidated into a single school district that manages one elementary, one middle, and one high school. This centralized approach ensures all local students remain within the same community network throughout their K-12 experience.

Investment and Outcomes in Hyde County

The county reports a graduation rate of 69.0%, which trails the South Dakota state average of 82.4%. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $7,034, nearly matching the state average but falling significantly below the national benchmark of $13,000. These figures result in a composite school score of 42.5, reflecting specific challenges in academic performance metrics.

Focusing on the Highmore-Harrold District

The Highmore-Harrold 34-2 school district manages all three public schools in the county for its 222 students. There are currently no charter schools in the area, meaning 100% of the public education is delivered through this traditional single-district model. This creates a cohesive academic environment where every student is part of the same localized system.

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

All three schools in the county are classified as rural, offering very small class sizes with an average of just 74 students per school. Highmore Elementary is the largest campus with 130 students, while Highmore Jr. High provides an intimate setting for only 35 students. Attending school here feels like being part of a tight-knit community where every face is familiar.

Establishing Roots in Hyde County

For families who value a small-town atmosphere, Hyde County offers a unified school district that serves as the heart of the community. Exploring homes here means joining a dedicated rural network where education and local identity are deeply intertwined. Consider how these small-scale learning environments might fit your family’s lifestyle when searching for a new home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hyde County

via RiskByCounty

Hyde County has minimal disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hyde County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Continental Breezes on the Prairie

Hyde County's average annual temperature of 44.8°F is significantly cooler than the national median of 55°F. The local climate is defined by its wide temperature swings and semi-arid tendencies. This region experiences the full force of northern interior weather patterns.

Mirroring the South Dakota State Average

At 44.8°F, Hyde County sits just below the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. Its annual precipitation of 21.6 inches is slightly lower than the state benchmark of 22.7 inches. This makes it a representative example of the state's central plains environment.

Drier and Cooler Than Eastern Neighbors

Hyde County is generally drier than counties to the east, receiving 21.6 inches of rain compared to higher totals in the Missouri River valley. Its winter average of 18.6°F is notably colder than the more temperate southern counties. July remains warm with an average of 72.3°F, consistent with central South Dakota norms.

Harsh Winters and Hot Summer Peaks

Winter is rigorous here, with January temperatures averaging just 15.6°F and 38.3 inches of annual snow. Conversely, summer brings 25 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F or higher. This creates a high-contrast environment where temperatures fluctuate drastically between July and January.

Winter Reliability and Summer Cooling

Heavy-duty winter gear and vehicle winterization are critical for the 15.6°F January cold. Residents should plan for 25 days of extreme heat by ensuring air conditioning units are serviced by June. Water conservation techniques are helpful given the county's lower-than-average 21.6 inches of rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hyde County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH for Prairie Crops

Hyde County soils maintain a pH of 6.97, resting comfortably between the national median and the slightly more alkaline state average of 7.05. This neutral balance supports a wide variety of crop types without requiring intensive chemical adjustments.

Silty-Clay Soil Structure

A silty-clay mix dominates the landscape, featuring 43.6% silt and 27.1% clay. This combination provides a solid foundation for holding onto essential nutrients while maintaining a manageable texture for mechanical tilling.

Strong Water Storage Capacity

Organic matter levels reach 3.02%, which beats the national average but falls short of the robust 3.75% found across the state. However, the available water capacity of 0.185 in/in stays above the state benchmark, ensuring crops stay hydrated during dry spells.

Monitoring Moisture and Compaction

The high silt and clay content suggests a landscape that holds moisture well, even though specific drainage classes are not recorded. Producers should monitor for potential soil compaction to maintain healthy root growth and water movement.

Short Seasons in Zone 4b

Situated in Hardiness Zone 4b, Hyde County presents a short but intense growing season. You can find success with short-season corn or hardy perennials like peonies that withstand the chilly prairie winters.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hyde County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growing Conditions in Hyde County

Hyde County earns a lawn difficulty score of 55.3, making it easier to maintain turf here than in much of the state. This Hardiness Zone 4b region offers a slightly more hospitable environment for cool-season grasses compared to the national average of 50.0.

Dry Air and Intense Sun

Annual precipitation of 21.6 inches is lower than the state average of 22.8 inches, requiring careful irrigation planning. With 25 days over 90°F, grass often goes dormant in mid-summer unless consistent moisture is provided to offset the 2,569 growing degree days.

Balanced Soils Support Turf Health

The soil pH of 6.97 is nearly perfect for lawn health, sitting right at the top of the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. A balanced texture of 27.1% clay and 28.7% sand provides a solid foundation for root development with decent natural drainage.

Resilient Performance During Dry Spells

The county has seen only 14 weeks of drought in the last year, a significantly better record than many neighbors. Currently, only 12.0% of the county is abnormally dry, though water conservation remain vital given the low annual rainfall totals.

Success in Zone 4b Landscapes

Hardy species like Tall Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass thrive here when seeded in late August or early September. Be mindful of the short window between the May 12th spring frost and the September 29th fall frost for establishing new growth.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hyde County's county score?
Hyde County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 57.4 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 Hyde County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Hyde County ranks #36 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 Hyde County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Hyde County is $1,650, with an effective tax rate of 1.23%. This earns Hyde County a tax score of 24.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hyde County?
The median household income in Hyde County, South Dakota is $74,279 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hyde County earns an income score of 76.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hyde County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Hyde County scores 57.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Hyde 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 Hyde 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.