CountyScore

Lake County

South Dakota · SD

#29 in South Dakota
72.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Lake County, South Dakota

Lake County solidly outperforms nationally

Lake County's composite score of 72.4 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 45th percentile nationally. This South Dakota county demonstrates reliable livability metrics that compare favorably to much of the country.

Just above state average

At 72.4, Lake County ranks slightly above South Dakota's county average of 71.3, positioning it securely in the middle-to-upper tier of state livability. It maintains steady competitive standing among South Dakota's counties.

Health outcomes and tax efficiency excel

Lake County scores well on health at 78.9 and maintains reasonable tax rates at 1.066%, supporting household financial stability. The cost score of 79.0 reflects affordable housing relative to incomes, with median home values at $231,000 serving a broader income range.

Higher housing costs and modest incomes

The income score of 31.6 with median household income of $73,792 reflects limited wage growth relative to cost of living pressures. Renters face the highest costs among these eight counties at $868/month, and home values suggest less affordability cushion than rural peers.

For professionals seeking suburban-rural balance

Lake County appeals to professionals and families with moderate-to-solid incomes seeking health care access and balanced rural-suburban living. It's ideal for those comfortable with higher housing costs in exchange for better infrastructure, health outcomes, and proximity to regional amenities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax72.3Cost79SafetyComing SoonHealth78.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.6Risk67.4WaterComing Soon
🏛72.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡67.4
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 Lake County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Heard County
Georgia
72.4
Median income: $62,907
Minidoka County
Idaho
72.4
Median income: $70,060
Pocahontas County
Iowa
72.4
Median income: $63,423
Hickman County
Kentucky
72.4
Median income: $63,750
Baraga County
Michigan
72.4
Median income: $55,117

Deep Dives

Lake County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lake County

via TaxByCounty

Lake County meets national tax average

Lake County's effective rate of 1.066% sits just below the national median of 1.28%, placing it around the 45th percentile nationally. The median annual tax of $2,463 on $231,000 homes nearly matches the national median of $2,690, reflecting Lake's higher property values.

Slightly below state average

At 1.066%, Lake County's rate undercuts South Dakota's average of 1.094% by 3%, ranking it in the lower-middle tier statewide. The median tax bill of $2,463 is 38% higher than the state median of $1,785, driven by higher home values.

Higher values, comparable rates

Lake County's $231,000 median home value substantially exceeds most neighbors like Jerauld ($127,000) and Jones ($117,100), but its 1.066% rate remains moderate. Lawrence County to the north ($310,800 median) has lower rates at 0.859% despite pricier homes.

Higher home values mean $2,463 annually

A typical $231,000 home in Lake County generates approximately $2,463 in annual property tax at the 1.066% rate. With a mortgage, the bill rises to roughly $2,683.

Higher values make appeals worthwhile

At Lake County's higher home prices, even a small percentage reduction from an assessment appeal translates to meaningful annual savings. Review your assessed value against comparable recent sales in your neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lake County

via CostByCounty

Lake County rents exceed state average

Renters in Lake County spend 14.1% of their income on housing, slightly above South Dakota's 13.8% average and notably higher than national benchmarks. A $868 median rent reflects the county's relatively higher housing costs, though the $73,792 median income provides decent support.

Mid-tier affordability with higher home values

Lake County's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks slightly above the state average, driven partly by above-average rents and more expensive home values at $231,000. Despite this, the county maintains reasonable affordability relative to other South Dakota communities.

Premium rents reflect higher property values

Lake's $868 median rent ranks third-highest in the region, between Kingsbury ($725) and Lawrence ($923), reflecting the county's status as a more developed community. Median home values of $231,000 are among the highest in the comparison, justifying elevated ownership costs.

Homeownership costs nearly match rent

Renters pay $868 monthly against a $73,792 income, consuming 14.1% of earnings, while homeowners face a $908 monthly payment representing 14.8% of income. This near-parity suggests homeownership may offer modest long-term value in Lake County.

Lake County suits those seeking stability

Lake County's higher home values and slightly-above-average rents reflect a more developed community with additional services and amenities. Relocators willing to pay a modest affordability premium will find solid income levels and property values that support long-term equity building.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lake County

via IncomeByCounty

Lake nearly matches national income

Lake County's median household income of $73,792 sits just 1% below the national median of $74,755, placing it squarely in the American middle class. This near-perfect alignment suggests a balanced, nationally-competitive economy.

Strong performer within South Dakota

Lake County's $73,792 median income exceeds South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by 10%, ranking it among the state's better-earning counties. Per capita income of $43,820 outpaces the state average of $35,667 by 23%.

Competitive with peers regionally

Lake County's income clusters with Hutchinson ($74,459), Hyde ($74,279), and Jerauld ($75,417), indicating a prosperous corridor in central South Dakota. This peer group significantly outearns more rural counties like Jones and Jackson.

Higher home values challenge affordability

Lake County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% is manageable but elevated compared to county leaders, reflecting a median home value of $231,000—the highest among these counties. This suggests homeownership requires substantial down payments and stable employment.

Leverage Lake County's prosperity

With national-level income and strong per capita earnings, Lake County residents are positioned for substantial wealth accumulation despite higher housing costs. Consider real estate appreciation as a long-term investment strategy, and explore tax-advantaged investment accounts to offset property-heavy portfolios.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Lake County

via HealthByCounty

Lake County residents live longer

At 79.8 years, Lake County exceeds the U.S. life expectancy average of 76.4 years by 3.4 years. Just 11.4% report poor or fair health—notably below the national 14.3% average—showing strong population wellness.

Among South Dakota's healthiest

Lake County's 79.8-year life expectancy surpasses South Dakota's 75.4-year state average by 4.4 years. The county ranks in the top tier statewide for longevity and overall health outcomes.

Excellent mental health provider access

Lake County boasts 154 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in this region—ensuring accessible behavioral health services. With 65 primary care providers per 100,000, the county supports comprehensive healthcare access.

High insurance coverage supports care access

Only 9.5% of Lake County residents lack health insurance, well below South Dakota's 11.1% average. This strong coverage combined with robust provider availability creates real healthcare access for the community.

Make sure your family stays covered

Lake County's excellent healthcare infrastructure works best when everyone's insured. If you're among the 9.5% without coverage, visit healthcare.gov or contact your county health department to find an affordable plan.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lake County

via RiskByCounty

Lake County faces moderate disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 32.63, Lake County ranks as very low but exceeds South Dakota's average of 26.84, placing it in the moderate risk tier. The county experiences more natural disaster exposure than many American communities.

Higher-risk than most South Dakota counties

Lake County's composite score of 32.63 places it above the South Dakota average of 26.84, ranking it among the state's riskier counties. Most South Dakota communities face less natural hazard exposure than Lake County residents.

Lawrence County faces similar threats

Lake County (32.63) sits between lower-risk central counties like Kingsbury (7.86) and higher-risk Lawrence County to the northwest (49.27). The northeastern location puts it in a distinct risk profile relative to peers.

Tornado threat stands out prominently

Lake County faces a tornado risk score of 73.00—the highest threat the county experiences. Wildfire (53.88) and flood (34.10) risks also merit attention from residents and property owners.

Prioritize wind and flood coverage

Lake County homeowners should verify homeowners insurance covers tornado, wind, and hail damage given the county's elevated tornado risk of 73.00. Consider flood insurance for properties near water bodies, as flood risk (34.10) is also elevated.

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.