CountyScore

Jerauld County

South Dakota · SD

#3 in South Dakota
78.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Jerauld County, South Dakota

Jerauld ranks solidly above national average

Jerauld County's composite score of 78.1 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 56th percentile nationally. This South Dakota county represents strong livability fundamentals across multiple dimensions.

Top performer within South Dakota

At 78.1, Jerauld County ranks well above South Dakota's average of 71.3, placing it among the state's best-scoring counties. It consistently outperforms most rural peers across measured indicators.

Balanced excellence in affordability and health

Jerauld excels across multiple fronts: the cost score of 87.4 reflects median home values of $127,000, a tax burden of just 0.954% (lowest among these eight counties), and a health score of 79.6 indicating solid medical access. The risk score of 90.5 demonstrates strong resilience to external economic or environmental shocks.

Income levels trail state benchmarks

The income score of 32.6 indicates median household income of $75,417, respectable but not exceptional for regional comparison. While rents are among the lowest at $565/month, wage growth opportunities appear limited relative to other regions.

The balanced choice for stable families

Jerauld County appeals to families and retirees seeking the sweet spot between affordability, health care access, low taxes, and community resilience. If you value stable, predictable living with minimal financial stress and strong disaster preparedness, Jerauld delivers.

Score breakdown

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

Tax75.4Cost87.4SafetyComing SoonHealth79.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.6Risk90.5WaterComing Soon
🏛75.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡90.5
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 Jerauld County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Wilkin County
Minnesota
78.1
Median income: $69,635
Ouray County
Colorado
78
Median income: $84,556
Warren County
Indiana
78
Median income: $74,635
Jones County
South Dakota
78
Median income: $64,688
San Juan County
Colorado
78.2
Median income: $73,889

Deep Dives

Jerauld County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jerauld County

via TaxByCounty

Jerauld County offers lowest tax rate in region

Jerauld County's effective rate of 0.954% sits well below the national median of 1.28%, placing it in the 15th percentile nationally. The median annual tax of $1,212 on $127,000 homes makes Jerauld one of the most tax-friendly counties in America.

Among South Dakota's lowest rates

At 0.954%, Jerauld's rate undercuts the state average of 1.094% by 13%, ranking it in the bottom quartile of South Dakota counties. The median tax bill of $1,212 is 32% below the statewide median of $1,785.

Clear winner in central South Dakota

Jerauld's 0.954% rate beats Hyde County (1.227%), Hutchinson (1.117%), Kingsbury (0.995%), and Jones County (1.159%). Only Lawrence County (0.859%) and Lake County (1.066%) offer comparable or better rates in the broader region.

Median annual bill is just $1,212

A typical $127,000 home in Jerauld County generates approximately $1,212 in annual property tax at the 0.954% rate. With a mortgage, the bill rises to roughly $1,384.

Still worth appealing if overassessed

Even at favorable rates, some Jerauld County homeowners may be paying more than necessary if their assessments exceed fair market value. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could save you hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jerauld County

via CostByCounty

Jerauld County offers exceptional affordability

Renters in Jerauld County spend just 9.0% of their income on housing—the lowest ratio in this cohort and well below South Dakota's 13.8% average. A $565 monthly rent paired with a $75,417 median income creates one of the state's most affordable rental markets.

South Dakota's most affordable rental county

With a 9.0% rent-to-income ratio, Jerauld County outperforms every other county in this analysis and ranks among the best in the entire state. This advantage reflects both moderate rents and strong household incomes that exceed the national median.

Cheapest rents in the region by far

Jerauld's $565 median rent significantly undercuts nearby Kingsbury ($725), Lake ($868), and Hyde ($921), making it the clear value leader across surrounding counties. The combination of low rents and strong incomes creates a uniquely favorable situation.

Renters keep 91 cents of every dollar

At just $565 monthly rent against a $75,417 income, Jerauld renters dedicate only 9.0% of earnings to housing. Homeowners pay slightly more at $730 monthly, but this remains one of the most affordable ownership situations in the region.

Jerauld is South Dakota's affordability sweet spot

If housing costs are a primary concern, Jerauld County delivers exceptional value with the state's lowest rent-to-income ratio and competitive home prices. The county combines modest housing expenses with strong median incomes, making it ideal for budget-conscious relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jerauld County

via IncomeByCounty

Jerauld County exceeds national income

Jerauld County's median household income of $75,417 tops the national median of $74,755 by $662, placing it in the upper-middle class nationally. This consistent performance reflects a stable, productive workforce.

South Dakota's strongest performer

At $75,417, Jerauld County earns 13% above South Dakota's state average of $66,926, ranking it as one of the state's best-earning counties. Its per capita income of $47,339 vastly exceeds the state average of $35,667 by 33%.

Leader among surrounding counties

Jerauld County outearns all neighboring counties, including Hutchinson ($74,459), Hyde ($74,279), and Kingsbury ($70,221). This consistent outperformance indicates a particularly dynamic local economy.

Excellent housing affordability

Jerauld County's rent-to-income ratio of 9.0% is the lowest among all comparison counties, creating substantial room for savings and wealth building. With a median home value of $127,000, homeownership is highly accessible for working families.

Maximize Jerauld's economic advantages

With above-average income and below-average housing costs, Jerauld County residents are well-positioned to build substantial wealth through retirement savings and investments. Consider diversifying into rental property, stock portfolios, or small business ventures while your housing costs remain favorable.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Jerauld County

via HealthByCounty

Jerauld County enjoys exceptional longevity

At 83.0 years, Jerauld County residents live significantly longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—a remarkable 6.6-year advantage. With just 14.3% reporting poor or fair health, the county demonstrates strong population wellness.

South Dakota's longevity leader

Jerauld County's 83.0-year life expectancy ranks among the highest in South Dakota, exceeding the state average of 75.4 years by 7.6 years. This exceptional longevity suggests effective health management across the lifespan.

Mental health resources support wellness

While primary care provider data isn't available, Jerauld offers 60 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—above many South Dakota counties. This strong mental health infrastructure contributes to overall population wellbeing.

Excellent insurance coverage protects residents

Only 8.8% of Jerauld County residents lack health insurance, well below South Dakota's 11.1% average. High coverage rates ensure residents can access preventive care and treatment without financial barriers.

Maintain what's working for you

Jerauld's strong insurance coverage is a community asset worth protecting. Review your coverage annually during open enrollment and share information about healthcare options with neighbors who may still need help accessing affordable plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jerauld County

via RiskByCounty

Jerauld County faces minimal disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 9.51, Jerauld County ranks as very low and sits well below South Dakota's average of 26.84. The county's natural disaster exposure ranks among the nation's safest.

One of South Dakota's lowest-risk counties

Jerauld County's composite score of 9.51 places it among the state's safest counties, where the average is 26.84. Residents face dramatically lower natural hazard exposure than most South Dakota communities.

Safer than most central South Dakota peers

Jerauld County (9.51) matches the safety profile of nearby Jackson County (10.18) and is notably safer than Kingsbury County to the east (7.86). This central South Dakota county enjoys one of the region's most favorable risk environments.

Wildfire dominates despite low composite risk

Wildfire scores 72.71 in Jerauld County—surprisingly high given the county's overall very low composite risk of 9.51. Tornado (21.82) and flood (8.37) pose minimal, manageable threats.

Basic coverage with wildfire awareness

Standard homeowners insurance provides solid protection for Jerauld County residents in this very low-risk county. Ensure wildfire coverage is included and maintain clear zones around your property during fire season, though major supplemental policies are unlikely necessary.

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.