CountyScore

Lincoln County

South Dakota · SD

#59 in South Dakota
66.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, South Dakota

Lincoln County ranks well above national median

Lincoln County's composite score of 66.5 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects a county that outperforms typical American communities across multiple dimensions of livability.

Slightly below South Dakota's county average

At 66.5, Lincoln County scores slightly below South Dakota's state average of 71.3, ranking it in the middle-to-lower tier among the state's 66 counties. The county still performs solidly compared to most of the nation, despite this in-state positioning.

Health and tax benefits anchor the county

Lincoln County excels in health (86.3) and maintains reasonable taxes with a 1.181% effective tax rate and a 69.0 tax score. A median household income of $96,552 significantly exceeds state and national averages, offering strong earning potential for residents.

Income gains haven't driven affordability

Despite high household incomes, the county's risk score (37.0) and cost score (62.1) lag behind peers, suggesting housing affordability and environmental or economic resilience concerns. Median home values of $323,500 and rents of $1,237/month reflect a costlier market than many South Dakota alternatives.

Best for affluent professionals seeking health focus

Lincoln County suits established professionals and families with above-average incomes who prioritize health outcomes and can absorb higher housing costs. The county's strong earning environment and health infrastructure make it ideal for those willing to pay a premium for stability and medical access.

Score breakdown

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

Tax69Cost62.1SafetyComing SoonHealth86.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome46.4Risk37WaterComing Soon
🏛69
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤86.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡37
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 Lincoln County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Seminole County
Georgia
66.5
Median income: $49,559
Monroe County
Illinois
66.5
Median income: $101,635
White County
Illinois
66.5
Median income: $53,097
Cass County
Iowa
66.5
Median income: $61,657
Crawford County
Iowa
66.5
Median income: $65,039

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln County rents strain higher earners

At 15.4%, Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national benchmark of affordability by about 2 percentage points—meaning renters here dedicate more of their paychecks to housing than typical Americans. However, median household income of $96,552 significantly outpaces the national median of $74,755, giving residents more purchasing power despite the higher cost burden.

Above average rent burden for South Dakota

Lincoln County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks above South Dakota's state average of 13.8%, placing it among the less affordable counties in the state. With median rent at $1,237 monthly—63% higher than the state average of $756—Lincoln is the most expensive rental market in this eight-county comparison.

Priciest rents in a rural region

Lincoln County's $1,237 median rent nearly doubles that of neighboring Marshall County ($743) and McCook County ($750), reflecting its stronger economy and likely proximity to employment centers. Among all eight counties analyzed, only Meade County ($1,150) approaches Lincoln's rental costs, making both outliers in South Dakota's rural housing market.

Balancing rent and homeownership costs

Renters in Lincoln County spend $1,237 monthly, while homeowners face $1,555 in monthly costs against a median income of $96,552. This means housing consumes roughly 15-19% of gross household income—manageable for this county's above-average earners, though still elevated compared to state peers.

High income, high cost tradeoff

Lincoln County attracts professionals with its strong incomes and higher home values ($323,500 median), but prospective renters should weigh the premium rent burden against nearby options like McCook County. If you're relocating for work, Lincoln's affordability gap shrinks considerably once household income exceeds $96,000.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Lincoln County lives longer than most

At 83.8 years, Lincoln County's life expectancy outpaces the U.S. average by more than 5 years, reflecting strong overall health outcomes. Just 9.8% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national benchmark of roughly 18%.

A health leader in South Dakota

Lincoln County ranks among the healthiest in South Dakota, with a life expectancy 8.4 years higher than the state average of 75.4 years. This county significantly outperforms statewide health metrics across multiple indicators.

Outpacing regional peers by years

Lincoln County's 83.8-year life expectancy dwarfs neighboring Lyman County (68.3 years) and Marshall County (79.3 years). The county's 9.8% poor/fair health rate is notably lower than regional averages, suggesting concentrated healthcare access and economic stability.

Strong access, low uninsured rate

Only 6.6% of Lincoln County residents lack health insurance—nearly 5 percentage points below the state average—and the county boasts 133 primary care providers per 100,000 people. Mental health providers are also readily available at 313 per 100,000, ensuring comprehensive care.

Already insured? Stay covered.

While Lincoln County leads the state in coverage, keeping insurance current protects your family's health and finances. Visit healthcare.gov or your local health department to review your plan and explore assistance programs if needed.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln County's risk ranks above average nationally

With a composite risk score of 62.98, Lincoln County faces above-average natural disaster exposure compared to the national baseline. This "Relatively Low" rating masks significant variation: while the county sits well below the state average of 26.84, individual hazards like tornadoes (93.32) pose outsized threats. Understanding your specific exposures—not just the overall score—helps you prepare appropriately.

Lincoln ranks among South Dakota's highest-risk counties

Lincoln County's composite risk score of 62.98 significantly exceeds South Dakota's state average of 26.84, making it one of the state's more hazard-exposed areas. The county's tornado risk score of 93.32 is particularly acute, reflecting historical patterns in the region. This elevated profile means residents should prioritize hazard awareness and preparedness more than many neighbors statewide.

Lincoln faces higher risks than surrounding counties

Among its neighbors, Lincoln County's composite risk of 62.98 substantially exceeds McCook County (43.45) and Meade County (49.46). Lincoln's tornado risk score of 93.32 dwarfs that of McCook (67.46), signaling a regional hot spot for severe weather. If you're relocating within the region, risk profiles vary considerably over short distances.

Tornadoes and wildfires dominate local hazards

Lincoln County's tornado risk (93.32) represents the county's most acute natural disaster threat, far exceeding state and national norms and warranting safe-room planning and early-warning awareness. Wildfire risk (65.11) ranks as the second major concern, while flood risk (56.62) also exceeds state averages. These three hazards should anchor your household preparedness strategy.

Secure comprehensive coverage for tornado exposure

Lincoln County's exceptional tornado risk demands that homeowners verify their policies explicitly cover wind and hail damage—standard homeowners policies often exclude or limit these coverages. Given the county's elevated wildfire (65.11) and flood (56.62) risks, bundling homeowners, auto, and separate flood insurance provides fuller protection. Review and update your coverage annually, especially after severe weather seasons.

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.