countyscore

Lawrence County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#54 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
43.9
County Score
Soil Quality 96Health 73.8Income & Jobs 58.5

County Report Card

About Lawrence County, South Dakota

Unique Profile with Room for Growth

Lawrence County scores 43.9, which is below the national median of 50.0. While it offers a scenic lifestyle, high housing costs and safety challenges impact its overall ranking. It remains an attractive destination, but one that requires a higher financial investment.

Below the South Dakota Median Score

With a composite score of 43.9, Lawrence County ranks below the state average of 55.9. The county's profile is more urban-adjacent in its challenges, featuring higher costs and lower safety scores than its rural neighbors. It offers a different lifestyle trade-off than the rest of the state.

Low Taxes and Good Public Health

The county's strongest suit is its tax score of 48.3, thanks to a low effective tax rate of 0.859%. Health scores are also solid at 73.8, and household incomes remain respectable at $66,766. These strengths help balance the higher cost of living in the Black Hills region.

Managing High Costs and Safety Concerns

Housing is a major challenge, with a median home value of $310,800 and a cost score of 38.5. The safety score of 28.9 is also notably lower than other South Dakota counties. These factors suggest that residents pay a premium for the area's natural beauty and amenities.

Suited for Established Lifestyle Seekers

Lawrence County is best for those who prioritize the Black Hills lifestyle and can navigate higher home prices. The low property tax rate is a significant perk for homeowners with high-value property. It is a county for those who value scenery and health above the absolute lowest cost of living.

Score breakdown

Tax48.3Cost38.5Safety28.9Health73.8Schools30.3Income58.5Risk50.7Water48.1Weather40.3
🏛48.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼58.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧48.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨96
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.6
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

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43.5
Crook County
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Weston County
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59.2
Custer County
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Meade County
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Pennington County
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Fall River County
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Deep Dives

Lawrence County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Lawrence County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Overview for Lawrence County

Lawrence County has a total crime rate of 1,708.4 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. It currently holds a safety score of 97.3.

Higher Activity Than State Average

The county's crime rate of 1,708.4 is more than double the South Dakota state average of 788.1. Its safety score of 97.3 is lower than the state's typical 98.8 mark.

An Active Regional Hub

With five reporting agencies, Lawrence County shows more crime activity than its more rural neighbors. This higher rate is often seen in counties with significant tourism and larger populations.

Property Crime Drives the Data

Property crime is the main factor here, with 1,481.9 incidents per 100K. The violent crime rate is significantly lower at 226.5 per 100K, though still above the state average.

Priority on Property Protection

Homeowners should prioritize security systems and deadbolts to deter theft and burglary. Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a property crime statistic.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Lawrence County

via SchoolsByCounty

Dynamic Town and Rural Education

Lawrence County operates 14 public schools, comprising five elementary, four middle, and five high schools. These facilities serve 3,281 students across two primary school districts, providing a centralized and efficient educational structure. The system includes four alternative schools to support diverse student needs across the region.

Strong Graduation Rates and Performance

Lawrence County achieves an 86.2% graduation rate, significantly higher than the South Dakota state average of 82.4%. While per-pupil spending is $6,737—lower than the state average—the county maintains a solid composite school score of 51.0. This indicates a high level of academic efficiency and strong student outcomes.

Spearfish and Lead-Deadwood Districts

The Spearfish School District 40-2 is the largest in the county, enrolling 2,438 students across seven schools. The Lead-Deadwood School District 40-1 serves an additional 734 students through its four local campuses. With 0% charter school presence, the educational focus remains entirely on these two established traditional districts.

Larger Schools in a Town Setting

Unlike many surrounding areas, 12 of the 14 schools are in town locales, creating a more suburban feel with an average school size of 273 students. Spearfish High School is the largest campus with 796 students, offering a robust range of activities and courses. Smaller town schools, like Lead-Deadwood Elementary with 293 students, still maintain a community-focused atmosphere.

Make Your Home in Lawrence County

Families seeking high graduation rates and larger, town-based school environments will find Lawrence County to be a premier choice. The county’s two main districts offer stable, well-performing schools that are central to the vibrant local communities. Consider making a move to Lawrence County to take advantage of these successful educational programs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Lawrence County

via WeatherByCounty

A Mountain Climate in the Black Hills

Lawrence County's average annual temperature of 46.2°F is cooler than the national median but influenced by the Black Hills' unique topography. This area experiences dramatic local variations in weather based on elevation. It is famous for its high snowfall and rapid temperature shifts.

Exceptional Snowfall and Average Temps

While its average temperature of 46.2°F is close to the state average of 45.6°F, its snowfall is legendary. Lawrence County receives a staggering 122.9 inches of snow annually, nearly triple the amount of many eastern counties. Precipitation is also high at 25.8 inches per year.

Wetter and Snowier than the Plains

Compared to the flatlands of eastern South Dakota, Lawrence County is a different world with over 122 inches of snow. Its winter average of 27.0°F is actually milder than the eastern plains due to higher elevation air dynamics. It maintains a July average of 70.1°F, keeping it cooler than the central Badlands.

Mild Summers and Epic Winter Snow

Summer in the hills is comfortable, with a July average of 70.1°F and 22 days of extreme heat. However, winter is defined by 122.9 inches of snow, even though January temperatures stay at a relatively mild 26.6°F. The high-altitude environment ensures that snow can linger long into the spring.

Serious Snow Management is Essential

Residents must own heavy-duty snow removal equipment or hire services to manage 122.9 inches of annual snow. Four-wheel drive vehicles are a necessity for navigating hilly terrain during the long winter months. Home design should prioritize roof load strength to handle the exceptional seasonal snow accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lawrence County

via SoilByCounty

Exceptional Soil Quality

Lawrence County features an elite soil score of 96.0, one of the highest in the entire state. Its 6.45 pH is nearly identical to the national median of 6.5, providing the perfect acidity for the widest range of plants.

Light and Workable Mix

This soil is uniquely light, with clay making up only 17.1% of the profile. This composition, combined with massive organic content, creates a highly workable soil that resists the compaction seen in other counties.

Unrivaled Organic Richness

The organic matter content is a staggering 19.56%, over five times the South Dakota state average. This richness is paired with an exceptional water capacity of 0.277 in/in, creating an unparalleled environment for plant growth.

Natural Sponge Hydrology

Such high organic matter ensures the soil acts like a sponge, absorbing and releasing water with incredible efficiency. This minimizes runoff and maximizes the effectiveness of every inch of rainfall for local gardeners.

Gardening Gold Mine

In Zone 5a, these world-class soils can support everything from lush flower gardens to productive berry patches. You have some of the best gardening conditions in the country right in your backyard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lawrence County

via LawnByCounty

Consistent Performance in Lawrence County

Lawrence County earns a difficulty score of 56.6, offering a more favorable environment for lawns than the South Dakota average of 51.1. This Zone 5a county benefits from a unique climate that supports healthy turf with moderate effort.

High Rainfall and Low Thermal Stress

At 25.8 inches of annual rain, the county stays well-watered compared to the state average. Combined with only 22 extreme heat days and a lower 2,220 growing degree days, the grass faces less atmospheric stress than in other regions.

Sandy Loam Advantages

The soil pH of 6.45 is squarely in the ideal zone for high-performing lawns. With a relatively low clay content of 17.1% and sand at 19.0%, the soil typically offers good drainage, though it may require organic amendments to boost water retention.

Watching the Water Levels

Lawrence County saw 23 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Focus on early morning watering to minimize evaporation and ensure your lawn stays resilient through the summer.

Navigating the Growing Season

Fine Fescues are ideal for this climate, especially in shaded areas. Be sure to seed after the late spring frost on May 18th, but act quickly to ensure maturity before the first fall frost on September 29th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lawrence County's county score?
Lawrence County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 43.9 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 Lawrence County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Lawrence County ranks #54 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 Lawrence County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Lawrence County is $2,671, with an effective tax rate of 0.86%. This earns Lawrence County a tax score of 48.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lawrence County?
The median household income in Lawrence County, South Dakota is $66,766 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lawrence County earns an income score of 58.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lawrence County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Lawrence County scores 43.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Lawrence 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 Lawrence County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.