CountyScore

Lawrence County

South Dakota · SD

#37 in South Dakota
70.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Lawrence County, South Dakota

Lawrence County meets national standards

Lawrence County's composite score of 70.8 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 41st percentile nationally. While not exceptional, it maintains livability fundamentals that keep it competitive across the country.

Slightly below South Dakota average

At 70.8, Lawrence County falls just below the state average of 71.3, ranking it in the middle range of South Dakota's counties. It holds steady as a viable option despite trailing higher performers.

Outstanding tax efficiency and affordability

Lawrence County boasts the lowest effective tax rate of 0.859% among these eight counties and a tax score of 78.1, providing significant household budget relief. The cost score of 77.8 offers reasonable affordability, while health scores of 75.4 indicate accessible medical care.

Highest housing costs and income constraints

Median home values of $310,800 are by far the highest among these counties, creating affordability challenges even with favorable tax rates. The income score of 27.0 with median household income of $66,766 suggests limited wage capacity to support these elevated housing costs, and renters pay $923/month.

For affluent retirees or remote workers

Lawrence County best suits affluent retirees or remote workers with external income sources seeking premium housing and exceptional tax efficiency. Without strong local high-wage employment, it's less suitable for families expecting local income growth to support housing investments.

Score breakdown

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

Tax78.1Cost77.8SafetyComing SoonHealth75.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome27Risk50.7WaterComing Soon
🏛78.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡50.7
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 Lawrence County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Covington County
Alabama
70.8
Median income: $50,886
Conway County
Arkansas
70.8
Median income: $51,212
Chaffee County
Colorado
70.8
Median income: $70,909
Union County
Georgia
70.8
Median income: $65,697
Warren County
Georgia
70.8
Median income: $46,776

Deep Dives

Lawrence County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lawrence County

via TaxByCounty

Lawrence County has lowest tax rate in state

Lawrence County's effective rate of 0.859% is the lowest among South Dakota's 66 counties and sits well below the national median of 1.28%, placing it in the 5th percentile nationally. The median annual tax of $2,671 on $310,800 homes reflects higher property values, not higher tax burden.

South Dakota's most tax-friendly county

At 0.859%, Lawrence County's rate substantially undercuts the state average of 1.094% by 21%, making it the champion for low tax rates statewide. Despite higher median home values, the median tax bill of $2,671 is just 50% above the state median.

Unbeaten rates despite priciest homes

Lawrence County's 0.859% rate beats all nearby counties: Jerauld (0.954%), Kingsbury (0.995%), Lake (1.066%), and Hyde (1.227%). Its $310,800 median home is the highest in the region, yet the tax rate remains the lowest.

Premium homes, exceptional tax rates

A typical $310,800 home in Lawrence County generates approximately $2,671 in annual property tax at the 0.859% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $2,929.

Even here, appeals can add value

Lawrence County's favorable rate doesn't mean every property is fairly assessed. If your home's assessed value exceeds comparable sales in your area, an appeal can provide additional savings on an already-low tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lawrence County

via CostByCounty

Lawrence County rents stretch budgets significantly

Renters in Lawrence County spend 16.6% of their income on housing—nearly double the national average and well above South Dakota's 13.8% benchmark. A $923 median rent paired with a $66,766 income signals tight affordability challenges for renters in this county.

Least affordable for renters in this cohort

Lawrence County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the worst in South Dakota, exceeded only by Jackson County's crisis situation. The county's above-average rents combined with below-average household incomes create significant housing pressure for renters.

Most expensive rents in the region

Lawrence's $923 median rent ranks second-highest regionally after nearby Jackson's lower incomes, reflecting the county's status as a more developed market. However, median home values of $310,800—the highest in the comparison—suggest renters face elevated costs in an expensive market.

Renters shoulder nearly 17% income burden

Renters allocate $923 of their $66,766 income to housing, consuming 16.6% of monthly earnings and straining household budgets. Homeowners face an even steeper $913 monthly payment, which represents 16.4% of income—an affordability threshold many households struggle with.

Lawrence County demands careful budget planning

Lawrence County's elevated rents and home values require prospective residents to have solid incomes and savings cushions before relocating. The county's affordability challenges suggest it's best suited for relocators with above-median earnings or significant financial reserves.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lawrence County

via IncomeByCounty

Lawrence below national average

Lawrence County's median household income of $66,766 trails the national median of $74,755 by 11%, placing it in the lower-middle class tier. This gap reflects limited access to higher-wage employment compared to national averages.

Slightly below state average

Lawrence County's $66,766 median income slightly underperforms South Dakota's state average of $66,926, ranking it near the middle of state counties. Per capita income of $42,663 exceeds the state average of $35,667 by 20%, suggesting more equal wealth distribution.

Lower performer regionally

Lawrence County earns less than most peer counties, trailing Jerauld ($75,417), Hutchinson ($74,459), and Lake ($73,792), though it outearns Jackson County ($26,686). Its position reflects mixed economic drivers in the Black Hills region.

Housing costs strain budgets significantly

Lawrence County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% is the highest among all comparison counties, signaling tight housing affordability, with a median home value of $310,800—by far the most expensive in the group. Homeownership requires substantial financial commitment and stable dual-income households.

Navigate Lawrence's high housing costs

Lawrence County residents must prioritize income growth and cost management to build wealth amid elevated property values. Focus on increasing household income through career development, consider co-buying opportunities, and explore housing assistance programs available in the county.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Lawrence County

via HealthByCounty

Lawrence County exceeds national health benchmarks

At 79.4 years, Lawrence County residents outlive the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 3 years. Only 13.2% report poor or fair health, well below the national 14.3%, indicating effective health management.

Top-tier South Dakota health outcomes

Lawrence County's 79.4-year life expectancy exceeds South Dakota's 75.4-year state average by 4 years. The county consistently ranks among the state's healthiest communities by longevity measures.

Exceptional healthcare provider availability

Lawrence County leads the region with 264 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—nearly double the state average—and 96 primary care providers per 100,000. This robust healthcare infrastructure ensures comprehensive access to both physical and behavioral health services.

Nearly all Lawrence residents have insurance

At 11.2%, Lawrence County's uninsured rate essentially matches South Dakota's 11.1% state average, meaning nearly 9 in 10 residents can access care without insurance barriers. Strong coverage combined with exceptional provider availability creates ideal healthcare conditions.

Ensure complete community coverage

Lawrence County's strong healthcare system works best when everyone participates. If you're part of the 11% without insurance, visit healthcare.gov or contact Lawrence County Health to explore coverage options that work for your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lawrence County

via RiskByCounty

Lawrence County faces elevated disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 49.27, Lawrence County ranks as relatively low but sits significantly above South Dakota's average of 26.84. The county experiences more natural disaster exposure than most American communities.

Among South Dakota's highest-risk counties

Lawrence County's composite score of 49.27 places it among the state's riskier counties, where the average is 26.84. Only a handful of South Dakota counties experience comparable natural disaster exposure.

Hutchinson County faces similar challenges

Lawrence County (49.27) closely parallels Hutchinson County to the south (47.93), both substantially exceeding their state and regional peers. These western South Dakota counties share elevated wildfire and seismic risks that distinguish them statewide.

Wildfire and earthquake threats peak here

Lawrence County faces a wildfire risk score of 93.23—the highest in the county profile—alongside an earthquake risk of 38.14. Tornado risk (37.82) and flood risk (57.12) complete a complex hazard picture.

Comprehensive coverage strongly recommended

Lawrence County homeowners should secure robust wildfire and wind coverage, given the county's 93.23 wildfire risk and 37.82 tornado risk. Consider earthquake insurance and verify flood coverage for properties near waterways, as this county faces South Dakota's most diverse hazard profile.

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.