Jones County's composite score of 78.0 places it in the top 56th percentile nationally, well above the national median of 50.0. This small South Dakota county demonstrates exceptional livability for its size and location.
2 / 5
Leading South Dakota's livability rankings
At 78.0, Jones County exceeds South Dakota's average of 71.3 and ranks among the state's top performers. It stands alongside the strongest counties in South Dakota for overall livability.
3 / 5
Health and disaster resilience shine
Jones County boasts the highest health score of 86.3 among these eight counties and an exceptional risk score of 98.7, indicating minimal vulnerability to economic or environmental disruption. Housing affordability is strong with median home values at $117,100 and rents at just $544/month.
4 / 5
Income growth remains constrained
The income score of 25.6 reflects median household income of $64,688, the lowest among these eight counties despite strong health and stability metrics. Limited local employment diversity suggests wage growth may be slower than in more diversified regional economies.
5 / 5
Perfect for health-focused rural retreats
Jones County suits retirees, medical professionals, and families prioritizing exceptional health outcomes, community disaster resilience, and ultra-low housing costs over high wages. It's an ideal choice for those seeking a resilient, tight-knit rural community with outstanding health care infrastructure.
Jones County's composite score of 78.0 places it in the top 56th percentile nationally, well above the national median of 50.0. This small South Dakota county demonstrates exceptional livability for its size and location.
Leading South Dakota's livability rankings
At 78.0, Jones County exceeds South Dakota's average of 71.3 and ranks among the state's top performers. It stands alongside the strongest counties in South Dakota for overall livability.
Health and disaster resilience shine
Jones County boasts the highest health score of 86.3 among these eight counties and an exceptional risk score of 98.7, indicating minimal vulnerability to economic or environmental disruption. Housing affordability is strong with median home values at $117,100 and rents at just $544/month.
Income growth remains constrained
The income score of 25.6 reflects median household income of $64,688, the lowest among these eight counties despite strong health and stability metrics. Limited local employment diversity suggests wage growth may be slower than in more diversified regional economies.
Perfect for health-focused rural retreats
Jones County suits retirees, medical professionals, and families prioritizing exceptional health outcomes, community disaster resilience, and ultra-low housing costs over high wages. It's an ideal choice for those seeking a resilient, tight-knit rural community with outstanding health care infrastructure.
Score breakdown
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🏛69.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Jones County's effective rate of 1.159% falls below the national median of 1.28%, placing it in the 35th percentile nationally. The median annual tax of $1,357 on homes valued at $117,100 is 50% lower than the national median of $2,690.
Slightly above state average
Jones County's 1.159% rate edges above South Dakota's average of 1.094%, ranking it in the middle tier of the state's 66 counties. The median tax payment of $1,357 is 24% below the state median of $1,785.
Mid-range rates in central region
Jones County's 1.159% rate sits between Jerauld County's lower 0.954% and Hyde County's higher 1.227%. Jackson County to the west ($117,100 median home) offers similar affordability, while Lawrence County ($310,800 median home) is significantly pricier.
Median home taxes just $1,357 annually
A typical $117,100 home in Jones County generates approximately $1,357 in annual property tax at the 1.159% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $1,607.
Review your assessment for savings
Many South Dakota homeowners find their properties overassessed relative to comparable sales. If your home's assessed value seems high, an appeal can reduce your tax burden at no cost.
Renters in Jones County spend 10.1% of their income on housing, beating both the national average and South Dakota's 13.8% state benchmark. At $544 monthly rent against a $64,688 median income, the county delivers solid affordability despite lower household earnings.
Top-tier affordability in South Dakota
Jones County's 10.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in South Dakota, outperformed only by Jerauld and Hutchinson counties. Strong affordability here reflects both low rents and reasonable household income levels relative to state standards.
Lowest rents in the county comparison
At $544 monthly, Jones offers the cheapest median rent across all eight counties analyzed, beating Jerauld ($565) and significantly undercutting regional peers. This rental advantage makes Jones particularly attractive for cost-conscious renters.
Rent claims just one-tenth of income
Renters dedicate $544 of their $64,688 annual income to housing, consuming only 10.1% of earnings and freeing substantial resources for other needs. Homeowners face a higher $854 monthly cost, representing 15.8% of income—still well within acceptable limits.
Jones County rewards value-seeking renters
Jones County combines the region's lowest rents with above-average affordability metrics, making it an excellent choice for renters prioritizing housing costs. While homeownership costs are slightly steeper, the county's overall affordability profile remains competitive across South Dakota.
Jones County's median household income of $64,688 sits 14% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle class range. This gap suggests limited high-wage employment opportunities compared to national averages.
Below state average, but stable
Jones County's $64,688 median income runs 3% below South Dakota's state average of $66,926, positioning it as a slightly weaker performer statewide. Per capita income of $29,059 trails the state average of $35,667 by 18%.
Middle performer in the region
Jones County ranks between lower-earning Jackson ($26,686) and higher-earning peers like Hutchinson ($74,459) and Jerauld ($75,417). Its position reflects a typical rural South Dakota economic profile with agricultural and light industrial bases.
Reasonable housing affordability
Jones County's rent-to-income ratio of 10.1% indicates healthy housing affordability, with families spending just over 10% of income on rent or mortgage. At a median home value of $117,100, homeownership remains accessible for most households.
Build stability through smart planning
With median income slightly below state average but housing costs manageable, Jones County families should focus on increasing household income through skill development or secondary earners. Prioritize emergency savings accounts before investing in longer-term wealth vehicles like retirement accounts and real estate.
While life expectancy data isn't available for Jones County, the 11.9% poor/fair health rate sits below the national average of 14.3%, indicating residents manage their health well. More complete data collection could provide fuller insight into population wellness.
Strong health status relative to state
Jones County's 11.9% poor/fair health rate ranks favorably against South Dakota's broader health metrics. Though life expectancy figures aren't available, this positive health indicator suggests good population wellness.
Provider access data currently unavailable
Specific counts for primary care and mental health providers in Jones County aren't publicly available. Residents seeking specialized care may need to access services in nearby larger communities.
Jones County maintains strong insurance rates
Jones County's 9.0% uninsured rate outperforms South Dakota's 11.1% average, meaning most residents can access care when needed. This strong coverage supports preventive care and early treatment.
Strengthen your family's coverage
With 9 in 100 Jones County residents still uninsured, there's room to improve. If you lack coverage, visit healthcare.gov or call your county health office to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or sliding-scale community health services.
With a composite risk score of 1.34, Jones County ranks as very low and sits far below South Dakota's average of 26.84, making it one of the nation's safest counties. Residents experience minimal natural disaster exposure compared to virtually all Americans.
South Dakota's safest county
Jones County's composite score of 1.34 is the lowest in South Dakota, where the state average is 26.84. The county's natural hazard exposure is negligible compared to all other statewide counties.
Exceptionally safer than peers
Jones County (1.34) is dramatically safer than every neighboring county, including Jerauld (9.51), Jackson (10.18), and Kingsbury (7.86). This central South Dakota county represents one of the nation's safest natural disaster zones.
Wildfire remains the only notable hazard
Wildfire risk scores 70.74 in Jones County—an anomaly in an otherwise extraordinarily safe county. All other hazards—tornado (11.93), flood (4.90), and earthquake (9.35)—pose negligible threats.
Minimal coverage needs in safest county
Jones County homeowners need only standard homeowners insurance, as natural disaster risk is exceptionally low statewide. Verify wildfire coverage is included and clear vegetation near structures, though supplemental policies are unnecessary.