countyscore

Lincoln County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#64 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
34.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.4Health 92.9Soil Quality 68.8

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, South Dakota

Lincoln County Trails the National Median

Lincoln County earns a composite score of 34.4, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a profile that struggles to maintain broad livability despite localized economic success.

Trailing South Dakota Average Scores

The county's overall score sits well below the South Dakota state average of 55.9. While neighbors may offer better balanced profiles, Lincoln operates with high extremes in specific categories.

High Incomes and Excellent Health Outcomes

Lincoln County excels in economic and physical wellness with an income score of 94.5 and a health score of 92.9. Median household income reaches a robust $96,552, far outpacing regional norms.

Facing High Costs and Safety Concerns

Affordability remains a major hurdle with a cost score of 10.8 and median home values at $323,500. Additionally, the safety score of 0.4 indicates significant room for improvement in community security.

A Destination for High Earners

This county is best suited for high-income professionals who prioritize health and wellness over housing affordability. It offers a prosperous lifestyle for those who can manage the higher cost of living and specific safety profile.

2040608010026.211.50.492.934.394.43753.244Tax26.2Cost11.5Safety0.4Health92.9Schools34.3Income94.4Risk37Water53.2Weather4434.5/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Lincoln County DNA

Foverall

How Lincoln County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Lincoln County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (94.4/100) but notably weak in Safety (0.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
26.2-25.8
Cost
11.5-36.5
Safety
0.4-54.6
Health
92.9+42.900000000000006
Schools
34.3-19.700000000000003
Income
94.4+43.400000000000006
Risk
37-10
Water
53.2
Weather
44-12
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$348,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,260/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$348,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$50,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $99,166/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Merced County
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Nearby counties

Lyon County
Iowa
64.5
Sioux County
Iowa
59.5
Minnehaha County
South Dakota
49.3
Turner County
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59.7
Rock County
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70.5
Clay County
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Union County
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Plymouth County
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47.1

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln County taxes above national norm

Lincoln County's effective tax rate of 1.181% exceeds the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the top 35% of U.S. counties for property tax burden. The median property tax here is $3,822—42% higher than the national median of $2,690—despite a home value close to the national average.

Highest tax rate in South Dakota

Lincoln County ranks first among South Dakota's 66 counties for effective tax rate at 1.181%, well above the state average of 1.094%. Its median property tax of $3,822 is more than double the state average of $1,785.

Significantly higher than regional peers

Lincoln County's 1.181% rate towers over neighboring Marshall County (0.908%) and McCook County (0.982%). Even compared to Meade County, the region's second-highest at 1.034%, Lincoln County residents pay substantially more in annual taxes.

What $323,500 home costs annually

The median Lincoln County home valued at $323,500 generates approximately $3,822 in annual property taxes. With mortgage, that figure rises to $3,851, making property tax a significant component of homeownership costs.

Your assessment might be too high

Many homeowners in high-tax counties like Lincoln are overassessed relative to market value. Filing a property tax appeal can reduce your assessment and lower annual taxes—a worthwhile step given the county's elevated rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln County's earnings tower above national average

At $96,552, Lincoln County's median household income exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 29%, placing it well above typical American households. This strong performance reflects a county where earning power significantly outpaces the national baseline.

Top earner among South Dakota counties

Lincoln County leads all South Dakota counties with a median household income 44% higher than the state average of $66,926. Its per capita income of $50,843 also towers over the state's $35,667 average, signaling concentrated economic strength.

Lincoln County dominates regional income rankings

Lincoln County's $96,552 median household income substantially exceeds nearby counties like McCook ($80,847), Meade ($74,161), and Marshall ($72,500). The county's earning capacity is nearly double that of Mellette County ($51,364), its most economically challenged neighbor.

Strong income supports local housing costs

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 15.4%, Lincoln County residents spend a healthy portion of earnings on housing while maintaining financial flexibility. The median home value of $323,500 remains accessible for households earning nearly $100,000 annually.

Build wealth with Lincoln County's earnings potential

Lincoln County's above-average incomes create an exceptional foundation for retirement savings, investment portfolios, and long-term wealth building. Consider directing 10–15% of your household income toward diversified investments to compound these earnings over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Rates Surpass National Benchmarks

Lincoln County reports a total crime rate of 11,779.5 per 100K, which is nearly five times the national average of 2,385.5. This high volume of activity results in a safety score of 81.4.

A Rare High-Activity Pocket in South Dakota

While the state average safety score is a high 98.8, Lincoln County falls behind with a score of 81.4. Its total crime rate of 11,779.5 per 100K is much higher than the state average of 788.1.

Activity Far Exceeds Rural Neighbors

Lincoln's crime rate is drastically higher than neighboring McCook County, which reports only 472.5 crimes per 100K. The county's seven reporting agencies handle a workload much larger than those in adjacent rural areas.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crime dominates the landscape at 10,039.4 per 100K, while violent crime stands at 1,740.1. These numbers reflect a busy environment for law enforcement compared to national levels.

Prioritize Modern Home Surveillance

With high property crime rates, residents should install smart security cameras and high-quality locks. Consistent lighting around the home serves as a vital deterrent in active neighborhoods.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Northern Plains Climate Profile

Lincoln County maintains an annual average temperature of 45.7°F, which sits significantly below the national county median. This humid continental climate experiences sharp seasonal shifts and colder baselines than much of the United States. Residents navigate a landscape defined by significant temperature swings between summer and winter.

Matching the South Dakota Temperature Average

The county's 45.7°F average temperature almost perfectly matches the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. While its thermal profile is typical for the region, its 27.8 inches of annual precipitation is notably higher than the state average of 22.7 inches. This makes it one of the wetter pockets in an otherwise semi-arid state.

A Damp Outlier Among Its Neighbors

Lincoln County receives more moisture than many of its western counterparts, recording five inches more rain annually than the state average. While neighbors like McCook County see similar temperatures, Lincoln's 36.1 inches of snow keeps its winters consistently white. The region balances this moisture with a moderate 15 days of extreme heat per year.

Dramatic Shifts From Snow to Sun

Winters are harsh with a January average of 15.5°F and over 36 inches of total snowfall. Summers offer a reprieve with a July average of 72.5°F, though the mercury still hits 90°F or higher roughly 15 times annually. The transition between a 18.8°F winter and a 70.4°F summer average defines the local lifestyle.

Preparing for Moisture and Cold

Residents should invest in heavy-duty snow removal equipment to handle the 36.1 inches of annual snowfall. High-efficiency home heating is essential given the 15.5°F January lows, while sump pumps help manage the above-average 27.8 inches of precipitation. Outdoor planning remains flexible as the county averages only 15 extreme heat days annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced and Productive Lincoln Soil

Lincoln County features a nearly neutral pH of 6.89, sitting slightly above the national median of 6.5. This balanced chemical profile supports a strong soil score of 68.8, outperforming the state average of 61.2.

A Smooth, Silt-Heavy Texture

The soil is dominated by 50.8% silt and 28.2% clay, creating a smooth texture that manages moisture effectively. This mixture offers excellent workability for farmers while providing enough clay structure to retain essential nutrients.

High Water Capacity and Rich Matter

Organic matter levels reach 3.66%, nearly double the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.193 in/in, this soil acts as a reliable reservoir for crops during the summer months.

Steady Hydration Without Excessive Runoff

While specific drainage data is limited, the high silt profile suggests water moves through the soil at a moderate, steady pace. This naturally prevents rapid runoff and makes the land stable for both agriculture and local building projects.

Thriving in Zone 5a

Located in hardiness zone 5a, Lincoln County is ideal for corn, soybeans, and hearty perennials. The high soil score makes this an inviting landscape for anyone looking to start a productive home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

A Slightly Easier Path in Lincoln County

Lincoln County earns a lawn difficulty score of 52.1, placing it slightly above both the national median of 50.0 and the South Dakota average of 51.1. Residents in Hardiness Zone 5a find conditions manageable, though maintaining a lush lawn still requires attention to local climate shifts.

Sufficient Heat and Moderate Rain

The county receives 27.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is lower than the 30-inch ideal but significantly higher than the state average of 22.8 inches. With 2,727 growing degree days and only 15 extreme heat days, the climate supports a steady mowing schedule without the frequent heat stress seen elsewhere in the state.

Balanced Soil for Healthy Roots

The local soil features a near-perfect pH of 6.89, falling right within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for turfgrass. The composition is 28.2% clay and 21.0% sand, providing a stable foundation that holds nutrients well while remaining workable for most homeowners.

Managing Persistent Dry Spells

Despite the decent rainfall, the county spent 40 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the area currently faces abnormally dry conditions. Homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth during these extended dry periods.

Start Your Lawn This Spring

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue thrive in this Zone 5a climate. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on May 2, or wait for the late summer cooling to establish roots before the first frost on October 2.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 34.5 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Lincoln County ranks #64 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 Lincoln County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $3,990, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 26.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, South Dakota is $99,166 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 94.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 34.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #64 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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