countyscore
58.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.7Water Quality 86Health 75.8

County Report Card

About Jones County, South Dakota

A Reliable National Contender

Jones County scores 58.8, placing it nearly 9 points above the national median of 50.0. It offers a level of stability and safety that is increasingly rare in more urbanized counties. This score highlights the county's success in maintaining a high quality of life with minimal environmental risk.

Stronger Than the State Average

With a composite score of 58.8, Jones County sits above the South Dakota average of 55.9. It benefits from lower natural disaster risks than many other parts of the state. This makes it a resilient choice for those looking to stay within South Dakota.

Minimal Natural Risk and Low Rents

The county is a national leader in environmental safety with a risk score of 98.7. It also offers significant affordability, with a cost score of 72.8 and a median gross rent of only $544. Health scores are also strong at 75.8, indicating a generally healthy and safe population.

Navigating Education and Tax Barriers

The school score of 35.5 and tax score of 27.4 are the primary areas for potential growth. A 1.159% effective tax rate is slightly higher than regional averages, which impacts overall affordability for homeowners. Improving school metrics could help attract more young families to the area.

The Ultimate Safe Haven

Jones County is perfect for those seeking a quiet life with almost zero environmental risk. Retirees or remote workers will find the $544 median rent and high safety metrics very appealing. It is a county built on resilience, health, and extreme peace of mind.

Score breakdown

Tax27.4Cost72.8Safety66Health75.8Schools35.5Income53Risk98.7Water86Weather35.7
🏛27.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡66
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓35.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨40.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.6
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

Jones County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jones County

via TaxByCounty

Jones County rates half the national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jones County

via CostByCounty

Jones County keeps rents very affordable

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jones County

via IncomeByCounty

Jones trails national income slightly

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jones County

via CrimeByCounty

Jones County Safety Trends

Jones County maintains a safety score of 98.7, which is quite high despite being slightly under the state average. Its total crime rate of 795.2 per 100K is still much lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Matching the State Average

The county's total crime rate of 795.2 is nearly identical to the South Dakota average of 788.1 per 100K. Its safety score of 98.7 is just one-tenth of a point below the state average.

Typical for Rural South Dakota

Jones County reports crime rates that are standard for the region, falling between highly safe neighbors and busier hubs. Two reporting agencies provide a consistent view of local safety levels.

Mostly Property Related Incidents

Violent crime is relatively low at 99.4 per 100K residents. Property crime makes up the bulk of local reports, totaling 695.8 incidents per 100K.

Enhance Your Home Security

Since property crime is the main contributor to the local rate, residents should focus on securing valuables. Well-lit entryways and basic alarm systems are effective deterrents in Jones County.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jones County

via HealthByCounty

Jones County data shows positive health

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jones County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Educational Foundation

Jones County features a concise education infrastructure consisting of three public schools: one elementary, one middle, and one high school. These facilities serve a total enrollment of 184 students under the management of a single school district. This model ensures that students move through their entire academic career alongside the same peer group.

Strong Investment Despite Lower Graduation Rates

Jones County spends $8,164 per pupil, which exceeds the South Dakota state average of $7,409. However, the graduation rate stands at 75.0%, trailing both the state average of 82.4% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. These factors result in a composite school score of 48.1, positioning the county near the state median for performance.

Jones County School District Focus

The Jones County School District 37-3 is the sole educational provider, enrolling 184 students across its three local campuses. Public education here is delivered exclusively through the traditional district model, as there are no charter schools in the county. This simplifies the educational landscape for parents and students alike.

The Essence of Rural Schooling

All schools in the county are classified as rural, with an average enrollment of 61 students per facility. Jones County Elementary is the largest school with 79 students, while the high school serves just 51 students. Attending school here means being part of an incredibly small community where teachers can provide highly individualized attention.

Living Near Jones County Schools

Prospective residents will find that Jones County offers an intimate, rural school experience where students are well-known by their peers and educators. With per-pupil spending above the state average, the county demonstrates a clear commitment to funding its local classrooms. Explore homes in the area to join a community that centers its identity around its unified school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jones County

via RiskByCounty

Jones County faces the lowest disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jones County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Annual Temps for the Northern Plains

Jones County averages 47.4°F annually, staying below the national median but appearing warmer than many of its northern neighbors. The climate is semi-arid and prone to significant temperature extremes. This area serves as a transition zone between the moist east and the dry west.

Warmer and Snowier than the Average

Jones County is nearly two degrees warmer than the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. Interestingly, it receives 49.1 inches of snow annually, which is significantly higher than many other central counties. Precipitation is slightly below the state average at 21.6 inches.

High Snow Totals for Mid-State

Compared to its immediate neighbors, Jones County stands out with nearly 50 inches of annual snowfall. It experiences 34 days of extreme heat, making it hotter in the summer than the eastern glacial lakes region. The winter average of 23.2°F is milder than counties in the northeast corner of the state.

A Year of Extremes in Jones County

Summer heat is frequent, with 34 days exceeding 90°F and a July average of 74.6°F. However, the 49.1 inches of annual snowfall makes for a busy winter season. January temperatures average 21.1°F, requiring consistent heating from December through March.

Balance Snow Tools with Summer AC

Residents must prepare for a heavy winter, as 49.1 inches of snow requires professional-grade removal tools. With 34 days of extreme heat, reliable air conditioning is necessary for summer comfort. Vehicle maintenance should focus on both high-heat endurance and winter traction.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jones County

via SoilByCounty

High Alkaline Clay Soils

Jones County soil is notably alkaline, with a pH of 7.33 that exceeds both the state and national averages. This chemical profile often requires specific crop selections that can tolerate higher lime content in the ground.

Dense Clay Foundations

Heavy clay at 39.2% defines the soil structure here, significantly impacting how the land breathes and drains. While this high clay content makes the ground harder to till, it provides excellent stability for heavy structures.

Managing Water Retention

Organic matter sits at 2.50%, which is better than the national baseline but trails the state average of 3.75%. The available water capacity of 0.142 in/in is also lower than the state benchmark, requiring careful moisture management.

Heavy Soil Drainage Needs

The dense clay composition typically leads to slower drainage and high water retention during heavy rains. Farmers and builders must account for this "heavy" soil when planning irrigation systems or building foundations.

Squash and Heavy Feeders

Zone 5a offers a solid window for gardening, even with the challenging soil texture. Focus on heavy feeders like squash or pumpkins that can thrive in clay-heavy environments with a little supplemental compost.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jones County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Hardship in Jones County

Jones County has a lawn difficulty score of 45.6, indicating it is tougher to maintain a lawn here than in the average American county. Residents in this Zone 5a area must contend with high clay content and lower-than-average precipitation.

Thriving in 34 Days of Heat

Lawns endure 34 days of extreme heat annually, significantly higher than the state average of 24. With only 21.6 inches of rain, the 2,917 growing degree days often lead to rapid soil drying and turf stress.

Managing Heavy Clay Soils

With a high clay content of 39.2%, soil compaction is a major concern that requires regular aeration. The pH of 7.33 is slightly alkaline, so adding sulfur or organic matter can help bring it closer to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Coping with Prolonged Dry Spells

Jones County recorded 28 weeks of drought in the past year, with 70.9% of the land still abnormally dry. To combat this, set mower blades higher to shade the soil and reduce water evaporation from the lawn surface.

Establish Your Lawn Early

Drought-tolerant Tall Fescue is recommended to handle the high clay and heat. Seed in early May after the frost on the 3rd, or during the cool period in September before the October 9th fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jones County's county score?
Jones County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 58.8 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 Jones County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Jones County ranks #33 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 Jones County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Jones County is $1,357, with an effective tax rate of 1.16%. This earns Jones County a tax score of 27.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jones County?
The median household income in Jones County, South Dakota is $64,688 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jones County earns an income score of 53/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jones County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Jones County scores 58.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Jones 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 Jones 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.