countyscore
51
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 80.1Income & Jobs 75.1

County Report Card

About Lake County, South Dakota

Right in the National Sweet Spot

Lake County scores a 51.0, placing it just slightly above the national median of 50.0. It provides a standard of living that mirrors the typical American experience but with better health outcomes. It is a stable, middle-ground county for overall livability.

Trailing the South Dakota Average

The county's composite score of 51.0 falls below the South Dakota state average of 55.9. This is primarily due to lower-than-average school and cost scores compared to other rural counties in the state. However, it maintains high income and health marks that keep it competitive.

High Health and Strong Local Incomes

Lake County excels in health with an 80.1 score and income with a 75.1 score. A median household income of $73,792 supports a high quality of life for many residents. Additionally, its water score of 86.0 is excellent, ensuring high-quality local resources.

Addressing Educational and Cost Gaps

A school score of 8.6 is a significant challenge for the county's future growth. Housing is also more expensive here than in neighboring areas, with a $231,000 median home value and a cost score of 43.4. These factors may present hurdles for young families moving into the area.

Perfect for Health-Conscious Professionals

Lake County suits high-earning individuals who prioritize wellness and clean water. While the schools need improvement, the high income and health scores offer a strong personal environment. It is a good fit for those who work in higher-paying sectors and value physical well-being.

Score breakdown

Tax33.3Cost43.4Safety68Health80.1Schools8.6Income75.1Risk67.4Water86Weather46.3
🏛33.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼75.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡68
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤80.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓8.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡67.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨72.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.2
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

Lake County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Lake County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Safety Scores in Lake County

Lake County reports a safety score of 98.8, aligning it perfectly with the South Dakota average. Its total crime rate of 749.5 per 100K is less than a third of the national average.

Aligning with South Dakota Norms

The county's total crime rate of 749.5 per 100K is slightly better than the state average of 788.1. Lake County matches the state average safety score of 98.8 exactly.

Middle Ground for the Region

Lake County sits in a middle bracket compared to its neighbors, with more activity than Hutchinson but less than Lawrence. Two reporting agencies track these local public safety trends.

Focus on Property Crime

Violent crime rates are recorded at 116.0 per 100K, while property crime is higher at 633.5 per 100K. This indicates that roughly 85% of reported crimes are non-violent in nature.

Safeguard Your Property

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should secure outbuildings and vehicles. Installing a doorbell camera is a simple way to increase home security in Lake County.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Lake County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Scaling School System

Lake County manages 17 public schools, including seven elementary, four middle, and six high schools. The system supports 2,034 students across four different school districts, including one alternative school. This infrastructure provides a mix of traditional and specialized learning pathways for a growing student population.

Growth and Educational Investment Levels

The county reports a graduation rate of 68.8%, which is below the South Dakota state average of 82.4%. Per-pupil expenditure currently sits at $6,096, which is lower than the state average and the national benchmark of $13,000. These figures result in a composite school score of 40.4 as the county works to balance growth with performance.

Spotlight on Lake County Districts

The Chester Area School District 39-1 is the largest by school count, though Madison Central schools host the most students. There are no charter schools in the county, but the presence of an alternative school and cyber programs provides variety within the traditional district framework. These districts serve a combined total of over 2,000 students.

From Town Centers to Rural Outposts

The county features a mix of 14 rural schools and 3 town-based schools, with an average school size of 120 students. Madison Elementary is the largest facility with 508 students, while smaller rural elementary schools offer much smaller cohorts. This allows families to choose between a larger town school experience and a more intimate rural setting.

Finding the Right School Fit in Lake County

Lake County offers a broad spectrum of educational environments, from the larger town schools in Madison to quiet rural campuses. For families researching homes, the variety of districts and school sizes provides many options to match their child's learning style. Explore local real estate to find the perfect home near Lake County’s diverse public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Lake County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool, Moist Continental Climate

Lake County averages 44.9°F annually, which is significantly cooler than the U.S. national median of 55°F. The county features a humid continental climate with four distinct and powerful seasons. Its proximity to numerous glacial lakes provides a slight local moderating effect on temperatures.

Wet and Cool Relative to South Dakota

Lake County receives 26.6 inches of precipitation annually, far exceeding the state average of 22.7 inches. Its annual average temperature of 44.9°F is slightly cooler than the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. This makes it one of the lushest and most moisture-rich counties in the state.

Higher Precipitation than Western Neighbors

Lake County is notably wetter than the central and western parts of the state, receiving about 7 more inches of rain/snow than Jackson County. Its summer is mild, with only 11 days of extreme heat compared to the state's hotter regions. Winter temperatures are chilly, with a December-February average of 18.0°F.

Moderate Summers and Snowy Winters

The county enjoys mild summers where July temperatures average 71.9°F with only 11 days over 90°F. Winter brings a steady cold, with January averaging 14.8°F and 39.1 inches of snow falling annually. This balance supports the region's vibrant aquatic and agricultural ecosystems.

Prepare for Moisture and Winter Frost

With 26.6 inches of precipitation, residents should ensure proper basement waterproofing and drainage systems. Heating systems need to be robust to handle the 14.8°F January average. Summer is the ideal time for outdoor work, as extreme heat rarely persists for more than 11 days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lake County

via SoilByCounty

Premium Agricultural Grounds

Lake County boasts a high soil score of 72.7, reflecting its superior value compared to the state average of 61.2. The 6.86 pH level is closer to the national ideal of 6.5 than the typical state average.

Dominant Silt Texture

Silt is the dominant player here at 49.2%, giving the soil a smooth, flour-like texture. With 26.0% clay, the soil provides a robust structure for nutrient storage without becoming overly difficult to plow.

Elite Organic Matter

The organic matter content is a healthy 3.86%, surpassing the 3.75% state average and nearly doubling the national average. Available water capacity is also high at 0.199 in/in, marking this as some of the most resilient soil in the region.

Excellent Water Retention

The high silt and organic matter percentages indicate excellent water-holding capabilities for the county. These soils are primed for high-yield farming and gardening due to their superior nutrient and moisture profiles.

Root Vegetable Paradise

Gardeners in Zone 4b can take advantage of this high-quality soil to grow highly productive vegetable gardens. The fertile ground is particularly well-suited for root vegetables like beets and potatoes.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lake County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth Potential in Lake County

Lake County’s lawn difficulty score of 52.2 is slightly better than both the state and national averages. Situated in Zone 4b, the county offers a relatively stable environment for those looking to establish a long-term landscape.

Abundant Rain and Mild Heat

The county receives 26.6 inches of rain annually, the highest in this group and well above the state average. Only 11 extreme heat days occur each year, significantly reducing the risk of mid-summer turf dormancy.

Near-Perfect pH for Root Health

The soil pH of 6.86 is within the ideal range for professional-grade turf. With a texture containing 26.0% clay and 24.8% sand, the soil holds water effectively while allowing for healthy root respiration.

Managing 39 Weeks of Drought

Despite good rainfall totals, Lake County endured 39 weeks of drought last year, and the entire county remains abnormally dry. Consistent mulching and using drought-resistant seed varieties can help protect your investment during these dry cycles.

Your Lake County Planting Guide

Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue and Bluegrass perform exceptionally well here. Plan your planting for the window between the May 5th spring frost and the October 3rd fall frost for the best establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake County's county score?
Lake County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 51 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 Lake County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Lake County ranks #43 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 Lake County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Lake County is $2,463, with an effective tax rate of 1.07%. This earns Lake County a tax score of 33.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lake County?
The median household income in Lake County, South Dakota is $73,792 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lake County earns an income score of 75.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lake County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Lake County scores 51/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Lake 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 Lake 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.