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Kingsbury County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#9 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
66.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.2Water Quality 86Safety 85.5

County Report Card

About Kingsbury County, South Dakota

A High-Performing Midwest Hub

Kingsbury County achieves an impressive composite score of 66.5, far outstripping the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a highly functional community with strong scores across almost every category. It represents the best of rural American living standards.

One of South Dakota's Top Counties

At 66.5, Kingsbury County ranks well above the state average of 55.9. It maintains a healthy balance between economic success and resident safety, making it a model for the region. It is a consistently strong performer compared to its neighbors.

Superior Resilience and Public Safety

The county shines with a risk score of 92.2 and a safety score of 85.5, ensuring a protected community. Financial health is also strong, with a $70,221 median household income and a solid income score of 67.1. These metrics indicate a well-rounded and stable local economy.

Average Schools and Moderate Tax Rates

While not low, the school score of 50.4 is middle-of-the-road compared to its other high marks. The tax score of 38.4 reflects a manageable but present 0.995% effective tax rate. Strengthening these areas could push the county into an even higher tier of national livability.

Great for Balanced Family Living

Kingsbury County is an excellent choice for families who want a mix of safety, high income, and environmental stability. With a median home value of $159,600 and high health scores (76.7), it offers a premium quality of life at a reasonable price. It is one of the most reliable counties in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax38.4Cost67.7Safety85.5Health76.7Schools50.4Income67.1Risk92.2Water86Weather46.8
🏛38.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼67.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡92.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.6
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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Nearby counties

Miner County
South Dakota
68
Hamlin County
South Dakota
57.1
Lake County
South Dakota
51
Clark County
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Beadle County
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Sanborn County
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Brookings County
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Hanson County
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Deep Dives

Kingsbury County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Kingsbury County

via TaxByCounty

Kingsbury's rate runs 20% below national median

Kingsbury County's effective rate of 0.995% sits well below the national median of 1.28%, placing it in the 20th percentile nationally. The median annual tax of $1,588 on $159,600 homes is 41% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Near state average with moderate tax burden

At 0.995%, Kingsbury's rate is just below South Dakota's average of 1.094%, making it a balanced option statewide. The median tax bill of $1,588 sits 11% below the state median of $1,785.

Competitive rates in east-central region

Kingsbury's 0.995% falls between Jerauld County's lower 0.954% and Hutchinson County's higher 1.117%. Lake County to the east (1.066%) and Lawrence County further north (0.859%) offer comparable alternatives in the region.

Median annual tax is $1,588

A typical $159,600 home in Kingsbury County generates about $1,588 in annual property tax at the 0.995% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $1,642.

Appeal if your assessment feels high

Kingsbury County homeowners should verify their properties aren't overassessed compared to recent sales. A successful appeal can reduce your tax burden significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kingsbury County

via CostByCounty

Kingsbury rents sit slightly below average

Renters in Kingsbury County spend 12.4% of their income on housing, below South Dakota's 13.8% average and closer to national norms. With a $725 median rent and $70,221 household income, the county offers solid affordability for both renters and homebuyers.

Above-average affordability statewide

Kingsbury County's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks well among South Dakota counties, beating the state average by 1.4 percentage points. The county strikes a healthy balance between moderate rents and stable household incomes.

Mid-range rents with solid value

At $725 monthly, Kingsbury's median rent sits between affordable peers like Jones ($544) and pricier counties like Lake ($868) and Hyde ($921). Home values of $159,600 keep ownership costs competitive, with monthly payments of $805.

Balanced housing burden for renters

Renters allocate $725 of their $70,221 income to housing, claiming 12.4% of monthly earnings and leaving healthy room for other expenses. Homeowners pay slightly more at $805 monthly, but both groups benefit from the county's affordability advantages.

Kingsbury offers reliable middle-ground value

Kingsbury County delivers above-average affordability without sacrificing the characteristics of larger, more developed South Dakota communities. Renters and homeowners alike will find balanced housing costs paired with reasonable incomes, making it a sensible relocation target.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kingsbury County

via IncomeByCounty

Kingsbury falls short of national median

Kingsbury County's median household income of $70,221 runs 6% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting a solidly middle-class but not affluent economy. This performance places it in the lower-middle tier of American counties.

Above-average earner for the state

Kingsbury County's $70,221 median income surpasses South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by 5%, ranking it as a moderate-performing county statewide. Per capita income of $37,976 slightly exceeds the state average of $35,667.

Mid-range performer in the region

Kingsbury County's income sits between the lower-earning Jones County ($64,688) and higher-earning Hutchinson ($74,459) and Lake ($73,792) counties. This positioning reflects a typical South Dakota rural county profile.

Good housing affordability balance

Kingsbury County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% indicates solid housing affordability, with costs consuming just over one-eighth of household income. At a median home value of $159,600, homeownership is realistically accessible for most working families.

Build on Kingsbury's solid foundation

With above-state-average income and moderate housing costs, Kingsbury County residents have room to invest in long-term wealth building. Focus on maximizing employer retirement benefits, establishing education savings accounts, and exploring opportunities to increase household income through career advancement.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kingsbury County

via CrimeByCounty

Kingsbury County Outperforms Nationally

Kingsbury County's total crime rate of 328.7 per 100K is far below the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a strong safety score of 99.5 for the region.

Highly Rated for State Safety

The county’s safety score of 99.5 beats the South Dakota average of 98.8. Its total crime rate is less than half of the state average of 788.1 per 100K.

Consistent Safety Among Neighbors

Kingsbury reports lower crime rates than many neighboring counties with more urban centers. A single reporting agency provides this data, which suggests a quiet rural environment.

Violent Crime is Minimal

The county sees a violent crime rate of only 38.7 per 100K residents. Property crime is more common but still low, at 290.0 incidents per 100K.

Stay Vigilant but Relaxed

Low violent crime rates make Kingsbury very safe, but property awareness remains important. Consider joining a local neighborhood watch to help maintain these impressive safety stats.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kingsbury County

via HealthByCounty

Kingsbury residents outlive the nation

At 79.4 years, Kingsbury County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 3 full years. With just 13.3% reporting poor or fair health, residents show strong overall wellness management.

Well above South Dakota average

Kingsbury County's 79.4-year life expectancy outpaces South Dakota's state average of 75.4 years by 4 years. The county ranks among the state's healthier communities by longevity measures.

Moderate primary care capacity

Kingsbury offers 39 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, reflecting a rural healthcare landscape with room for expansion. Mental health provider data isn't available, but the county continues investing in healthcare infrastructure.

Strong insurance coverage in Kingsbury

Just 10.0% of Kingsbury County residents lack health insurance, below South Dakota's 11.1% average. This solid coverage means most residents can access preventive care and treatment without insurance barriers.

Help uninsured neighbors access coverage

While Kingsbury's insurance rate is strong, 1 in 10 residents still go without coverage. Share information about healthcare.gov and your county's health department with anyone who needs help finding affordable insurance options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kingsbury County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network of Rural Schools

Kingsbury County maintains an extensive educational network of 15 public schools, including five elementary, four middle, and five high schools. These schools serve 1,082 students and are distributed across four distinct school districts. This variety of districts and school levels offers a wide range of local options for families.

Competitive Graduation Rates and Funding

Kingsbury County boasts an 87.7% graduation rate, which exceeds both the South Dakota state average of 82.4% and the national average. The county spends $7,991 per pupil, placing its investment level above the state average of $7,409. These strong metrics result in an above-average composite school score of 54.5.

Exploring the Four Local Districts

Public education is split between four districts, with the Arlington School District 38-1 and De Smet School District 38-2 being the largest. There are no charter schools in the county, so the 1,082 students are entirely served by these traditional public districts. This multi-district setup allows for specialized focus and local control within different parts of the county.

Classic Rural Learning across the County

All 15 schools in the county are in rural settings, maintaining a comfortable average size of 72 students per school. Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary in De Smet is the largest campus with 163 students, while several smaller high schools anchor their respective towns. The school experience here is characterized by strong town identity and small class sizes.

Settling into a Kingsbury County Community

With graduation rates that beat state and national benchmarks, Kingsbury County is an attractive destination for families prioritizing education. The presence of four different districts allows homebuyers to choose a specific community that fits their values while enjoying high levels of per-pupil investment. Browse local listings to find a home near these high-performing rural schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kingsbury County

via RiskByCounty

Kingsbury County has very low risk

With a composite risk score of 7.86, Kingsbury County ranks as very low and sits well below South Dakota's average of 26.84. The county experiences natural disaster exposure significantly lower than the typical American community.

Among South Dakota's safest counties

Kingsbury County's composite score of 7.86 places it among the state's lowest-risk counties, where the average is 26.84. The county's natural hazard exposure is minimal compared to most statewide peers.

Comparable safety to central South Dakota

Kingsbury County (7.86) is slightly safer than Jerauld County (9.51) and Jackson County (10.18), and notably safer than Lake County to the northeast (32.63). This eastern South Dakota county enjoys a favorable risk profile relative to its region.

Tornado risk outpaces other hazards

Tornado risk scores 34.38 in Kingsbury County—higher than the county's already-low flood (9.45) and wildfire (54.71) hazards. Despite this, the county's overall composite score of 7.86 remains very low statewide.

Standard coverage with storm awareness

Kingsbury County homeowners should ensure homeowners insurance covers wind and hail damage, given the relatively elevated tornado risk score. Basic policies provide adequate protection for most residents in this very low-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kingsbury County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool and Continental in Eastern SD

Kingsbury County's annual average temperature of 44.4°F is more than ten degrees cooler than the national median. This climate is characterized by its distance from moderating oceans, resulting in very cold winters. The summers are pleasant but shorter than those in the southern United States.

Colder and Wetter than the State Average

Kingsbury County is over a degree cooler than the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. It is also wetter than much of the state, receiving 25.1 inches of annual precipitation. This moisture supports the local agriculture but contributes to significant humidity in the summer.

Fewer Heat Waves than Western Counties

With only 10 days of extreme heat per year, Kingsbury is much cooler in the summer than western South Dakota. However, its winter average of 17.5°F is among the coldest in the region. Annual snowfall of 40.2 inches is standard for this part of the eastern plains.

Brief Summers and Long Frosty Winters

Winter dominates the calendar with January temperatures averaging just 14.3°F. Summer is relatively mild, with a July average of 71.5°F and very few days topping 90°F. The county receives a healthy 40.2 inches of snow, creating a consistently white winter landscape.

Winterize for Significant Cold and Snow

Given the 14.3°F January average, home weatherization and high-quality insulation are the best investments. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities in the summer with less heat stress, as extreme heat days are rare. Snow tires and reliable shovels are essential for the 40.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kingsbury County

via SoilByCounty

Ideal South Dakota Standard

Kingsbury County soil aligns perfectly with state norms, showing a pH of 7.06. This is slightly more alkaline than the national 6.5 median but remains within a very productive range for local agriculture.

Balanced Silt and Sand

A balanced mix of 47.4% silt and 28.4% sand creates a versatile medium for root development. This texture allows for efficient water movement while providing enough clay at 24.3% to lock in essential minerals.

High Nutrient Capacity

Organic matter matches the state average at 3.77%, which is nearly double the national average of 2.0%. A high available water capacity of 0.196 in/in ensures that crops have access to water deep into the growing season.

High Potential Landscape

The soil quality score of 68.0 reflects a landscape with high agricultural potential and reliable hydrology. The silt-heavy profile generally supports good drainage, though it remains prone to surface crusting if soil is left bare.

Cold Tolerant Bounty

Within Hardiness Zone 4b, you must choose varieties that can handle a shorter summer. Cold-tolerant crops like kale and Brussels sprouts are excellent choices for these nutrient-rich eastern South Dakota soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kingsbury County

via LawnByCounty

Kingsbury County: A Lawn Care Leader

Kingsbury County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 59.6, making it one of the easiest places in the region to maintain a healthy lawn. This Zone 4b county benefits from moderate temperatures and better-than-average growing conditions.

Cool Summers Benefit Turf

With only 10 extreme heat days per year, lawns here avoid the intense scorching seen elsewhere in South Dakota. Annual precipitation of 25.1 inches provides a healthy baseline for growth throughout the 2,523 growing degree days.

Solid Soil for Lush Lawns

The soil pH sits at 7.06, which is nearly perfect for nutrient absorption and grass vigor. A balanced mix of 24.3% clay and 28.4% sand ensures the ground stays moist without becoming waterlogged or overly compacted.

Resilience in Abnormally Dry Times

Despite 100% of the county being abnormally dry right now, it only saw 17 weeks of drought over the last year. This relative stability makes it easier to keep lawns green with moderate, supplemental watering.

Timing for the Best Results

Kentucky Bluegrass blends thrive in this cooler 4b climate. Aim to seed your lawn after the May 5th spring frost or during the gentle transition into fall before the October 4th freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kingsbury County's county score?
Kingsbury County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 66.5 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 Kingsbury County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Kingsbury County ranks #9 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 Kingsbury County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Kingsbury County is $1,588, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Kingsbury County a tax score of 38.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kingsbury County?
The median household income in Kingsbury County, South Dakota is $70,221 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kingsbury County earns an income score of 67.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kingsbury County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Kingsbury County scores 66.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Kingsbury 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 Kingsbury County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.