Jerauld County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#13 in South Dakota
65.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 90.5Safety 89.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Jerauld County, South Dakota

Solidly Above the National Average

Jerauld County earns a composite score of 65.9, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high standard of living across most quality-of-life dimensions. The county ranks in the top tier of American counties for overall livability.

Exceeding the South Dakota Benchmark

At 65.9, Jerauld County comfortably beats the state average composite score of 55.9. It excels by providing a more balanced profile of income and safety than many of its regional peers. The county remains a high-performing standout in the South Dakota heartland.

Exceptional Safety and Environmental Resilience

The county features a high risk score of 90.5 and a safety score of 89.5, indicating a very secure environment. Residents also enjoy high health outcomes (80.7) and strong household incomes of $75,417. These factors make it one of the most stable and prosperous areas in the region.

Strengthening the Local School System

The school score of 13.9 stands out as the primary area where the county could improve. While most other metrics are high, the educational data suggests a need for more investment in local learning outcomes. The tax score of 41.4 is moderate but indicates a relatively fair effective rate of 0.954%.

A Top Choice for Healthy Living

Jerauld County is ideal for health-conscious professionals and families who prioritize low-risk environments. The combination of high incomes and an 80.7 health score creates an excellent foundation for a long, prosperous life. It offers high-value living with a median rent of just $565.

Score breakdown

Tax41.4Cost81.6Safety89.5Health80.7Schools13.9Income77.9Risk90.5Water86Weather38.4
🏛41.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠81.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼77.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡89.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
80.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓13.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
90.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤38.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨69.3
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
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Deep Dives

Jerauld County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

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.

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.

Safety in Jerauld County

via CrimeByCounty

Low Crime for Jerauld County

Jerauld County's total crime rate of 217.9 per 100K is roughly 90% lower than the national average. This performance results in a very high safety score of 99.7.

Beating State Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 99.7 exceeds the South Dakota average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 217.9 is significantly lower than the state's average of 788.1 per 100K.

Safe Relative to South Dakota

Data from a single reporting agency shows Jerauld is safer than many of its regional neighbors. While its rate is higher than Hutchinson, it remains well below the state average.

Property Crime is the Majority

Violent crime is rare at 54.5 per 100K, while property crime accounts for 163.4 incidents per 100K. Most incidents in the county involve property rather than physical threats.

Secure Your Property

With property crime being the primary local concern, using smart locks or cameras can be effective. These measures help deter the few opportunistic thefts that occur in the area.

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.

Schools in Jerauld County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Rural School Network

Jerauld County hosts seven public schools, providing a robust mix of three elementary, two middle, and two high schools. Total enrollment reaches 422 students, all of whom are served by a single, unified school district. This diverse landscape of small schools ensures that students have access to various grade-level facilities within their rural community.

Academic Metrics and Spending Levels

The graduation rate in Jerauld County is 69.0%, which sits below the South Dakota state average of 82.4%. Per-pupil expenditure is currently $6,541, lower than both the state average and the national average of $13,000. These data points contribute to a composite school score of 41.5 for the county's educational system.

Wessington Springs Centralized District

The Wessington Springs School District 36-2 manages all seven schools and 422 students in Jerauld County. There are no charter schools in the region, keeping the public education system entirely under the direction of the local traditional district. The district also manages unique facilities like the Wessington Springs High School Cyber School to offer flexible learning options.

Diverse Locales and Intimate Sizes

All schools in the county are rural, with an average enrollment of just 60 students per school. Wessington Springs Elementary is the largest hub with 152 students, while the Spring Valley Colony Elementary serves only 24 students. The presence of specialized cyber and colony schools adds a unique character to this small-scale rural system.

Joining the Jerauld County Community

For families moving to Jerauld County, the Wessington Springs School District offers a variety of specialized learning environments in a rural setting. Homebuyers often consider school access as a primary factor, and this county provides a stable, single-district framework for all residents. Discover how these local schools can support your family's educational needs.

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.

Weather & Climate in Jerauld County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Continental Patterns in Central SD

Jerauld County's annual average temperature of 45.4°F sits nearly ten degrees below the national median of 55°F. The climate is typical of the Great Plains, featuring cold winters and warm, moist summers. It is a region defined by clear seasonal boundaries and variable weather.

Aligning Closely with State Climate Norms

Jerauld County's average of 45.4°F is almost identical to the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. It receives 25.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is roughly three inches more than the state average. This makes it slightly wetter and more lush than the counties further west.

A Snowier Profile than Western Peers

Jerauld County receives 44.5 inches of snow annually, which is higher than several neighboring counties to the west. Its summer average of 70.3°F is slightly cooler than the more arid sections of the state. With 23 extreme heat days, it avoids the most intense heat found in the southern Badlands.

Icy Winters and Moderate Summer Heat

January is particularly cold, with temperatures averaging just 16.2°F amidst 44.5 inches of annual snow. July brings relief with a warm average of 73.0°F and roughly 23 days reaching 90°F or higher. The seasonal swing of nearly 57 degrees between January and July defines the local experience.

Winter Preparedness is Top Priority

With 44.5 inches of snow, high-capacity snow blowers are a standard requirement for Jerauld County residents. Home heating systems must be resilient enough to handle January averages of 16.2°F. Summer planning should include humidity management to complement the 25.7 inches of annual precipitation.

Soil Quality in Jerauld County

via SoilByCounty

Superior Quality Scores

Jerauld County achieves a soil score of 69.3, placing it well above the South Dakota average of 61.2. Its 6.89 pH level is remarkably close to the neutral point, proving more balanced than the typical 7.05 state average.

Versatile Silty Textures

The soil consists of 44.6% silt and 30.6% sand, creating a textured environment that balances water retention with aeration. This mix makes the land relatively easy to work while keeping nutrient leaching to a minimum.

Rich Organic Reservoirs

With 3.48% organic matter, these soils are significantly richer than the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity of 0.196 in/in also beats the state average, providing a reliable reservoir for thirsty crops.

Productive Agricultural Landscape

The overall soil quality score indicates a landscape highly suited for diverse agricultural uses and stable hydrology. High silt levels suggest that while the soil holds moisture effectively, it remains vulnerable to erosion if not managed carefully.

Thriving in Zone 5a

The Zone 5a climate in Jerauld County is perfect for established orchards or vegetable patches. Try planting snap peas or leafy greens early in the spring to take advantage of the county’s productive soil.

Lawn Care in Jerauld County

via LawnByCounty

Predictable Growth in Jerauld County

Jerauld County scores a 55.3 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it above both the state and national averages for ease of maintenance. This Zone 5a county provides a reliable environment for those willing to manage the seasonal transitions.

Wet Summers and Moderate Heat

The county receives 25.7 inches of rain annually, which is higher than the state average of 22.8 inches. With 23 days of extreme heat, the climate is relatively mild compared to neighboring counties, easing the stress on cool-season grasses.

Ideal pH for Nutrient Uptake

A soil pH of 6.89 is ideal for most turfgrasses, ensuring that nutrients remain available to the roots. The soil contains 30.6% sand and 24.8% clay, offering a texture that supports both moisture retention and oxygen flow.

Managing 24 Weeks of Drought

The county experienced 24 weeks of drought over the past year, and the entire area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Implementing rain sensors on irrigation systems can help manage water use efficiently during these dry periods.

Planting for Success in Jerauld

Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass are well-suited for these conditions. The best window for seeding begins after the May 2nd frost, aiming to establish a strong root system before the October 8th fall frost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jerauld County's county score?
Jerauld County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 65.9 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 Jerauld County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Jerauld County ranks #13 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 Jerauld County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Jerauld County is $1,212, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Jerauld County a tax score of 41.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jerauld County?
The median household income in Jerauld County, South Dakota is $75,417 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jerauld County earns an income score of 77.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jerauld County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Jerauld County scores 65.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Jerauld 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 Jerauld County with other counties side by side.