CountyScore

Lyman County

South Dakota · SD

#40 in South Dakota
70
County Score

County Report Card

About Lyman County, South Dakota

Lyman County significantly outpaces national average

Lyman County's composite score of 70.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 40%, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for livability. This performance reflects consistent strengths across affordability and cost-of-living dimensions.

Performing near South Dakota's average

Lyman County scores 70.0, just below South Dakota's state average of 71.3, positioning it solidly among the state's mid-to-upper tier counties. The county holds its own despite lower income levels compared to some peers.

Extraordinary affordability and low taxes

Lyman County stands out for exceptional housing affordability with a cost score of 88.1 and median rent of just $603/month—among the lowest in the state. The county also boasts a 1.010% effective tax rate (73.9 tax score), providing genuine financial relief for budget-conscious households.

Lower incomes and health outcomes need attention

The county's income score (23.3) reflects a median household income of just $61,169, significantly below state and national benchmarks. Health outcomes also lag at 56.3, suggesting residents may face barriers to quality healthcare or wellness services.

Ideal for retirees and budget-first families

Lyman County is best suited for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability over high earning potential. The combination of rock-bottom housing costs and minimal tax burden creates compelling value for those who can work independently or rely on stable pensions.

Score breakdown

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

Tax73.9Cost88.1SafetyComing SoonHealth56.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.3Risk73.6WaterComing Soon
🏛73.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤56.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡73.6
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 Lyman County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

St. Clair County
Alabama
70
Median income: $78,993
Sumter County
Alabama
70
Median income: $37,981
Sitka City and Borough
Alaska
70
Median income: $101,207
Lee County
Arkansas
70
Median income: $36,860
Pike County
Georgia
70
Median income: $84,184

Deep Dives

Lyman County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lyman County

via TaxByCounty

Lyman County taxes slightly below average

Lyman County's effective tax rate of 1.010% is above the national median of 0.84%, but its median property tax of $1,581 is significantly lower than the national median of $2,690. This reflects lower median home values in the county at $156,500 versus $281,900 nationally.

Middle of the pack statewide

Lyman County ranks 33rd among South Dakota's 66 counties in effective tax rate at 1.010%, slightly below the state average of 1.094%. Its median property tax of $1,581 is below the state average of $1,785.

Moderate taxes for the region

Lyman County's 1.010% rate falls between Marshall County's lower 0.908% and McPherson County's higher 1.554%. The county's median tax of $1,581 is near the regional average, reflecting its position in the middle of neighboring tax burdens.

What $156,500 home costs annually

The median Lyman County home valued at $156,500 generates approximately $1,581 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,063, while those without mortgages pay $1,250.

Appeal could reduce your bill

Even in moderate-tax counties like Lyman, many homeowners face inflated assessments that don't match current market values. A property tax appeal is free to file and could save you hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lyman County

via CostByCounty

Rural affordability shines nationally

Lyman County's 11.8% rent-to-income ratio beats the national standard by 2+ percentage points, making it genuinely affordable by American standards. With median rent of just $603 monthly and household income of $61,169, renters here dedicate one of the smallest shares of earnings to housing in this eight-county cohort.

Best affordability in South Dakota peer group

At 11.8%, Lyman County ranks below the state average of 13.8% and represents some of the strongest housing affordability in South Dakota. Median rent of $603 sits well below the state average of $756, positioning Lyman as a budget-friendly option for cost-conscious residents.

Undercuts most surrounding counties

Lyman County's $603 rent undercuts Marshall County ($743), McCook County ($750), and even McPherson County ($580) by a narrow margin. Among the eight-county comparison, only Miner County ($563) and McPherson County rival Lyman's affordability, creating a trio of genuine bargain markets.

Rent and homeownership remain balanced

Renters spend $603 monthly while homeowners face $633 in costs, both remarkably low against Lyman's $61,169 median household income. Housing claims just under 12% of gross income either way—comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, leaving more room in household budgets.

Budget-friendly South Dakota living awaits

If affordability is your priority, Lyman County offers some of South Dakota's lowest housing costs paired with solid homeownership options at $156,500 median value. Remote workers or retirees on modest incomes will find genuine breathing room here compared to national or even state averages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lyman County

via IncomeByCounty

Lyman County trails national income standards

Lyman County's median household income of $61,169 falls 18% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting economic challenges common in rural South Dakota. Per capita income of $29,144 lags the national standard, limiting household purchasing power.

Below-average earnings within South Dakota

Lyman County's median household income ranks in the lower half of South Dakota counties, sitting 8% below the state average of $66,926. The county's per capita income of $29,144 trails the state average by 18%, indicating limited individual earning capacity.

Lyman County earns less than most regional peers

At $61,169, Lyman County's median household income falls below neighbors like Marshall ($72,500), McCook ($80,847), and Miner ($72,589), though it exceeds Mellette ($51,364). The gap reflects fewer high-wage employment opportunities in the immediate region.

Affordable housing eases income constraints

Lyman County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.8% is among the lowest in the region, meaning housing costs consume a manageable share of household earnings. The median home value of $156,500 aligns well with local incomes, providing stability despite modest wages.

Start small, build steady with Lyman County resources

Even modest incomes can grow through disciplined saving and low-cost investing; Lyman County residents should prioritize emergency funds before investing. Look into employer retirement plans and community development programs that can amplify your earning and saving potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Lyman County

via HealthByCounty

Lyman County faces serious health gaps

At 68.3 years, Lyman County's life expectancy falls 15.2 years short of the U.S. average and reflects significant health challenges. More than one in five residents (21.2%) report poor or fair health, nearly double the national rate.

South Dakota's lowest life expectancy

Lyman County's 68.3-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in South Dakota, trailing the state average by 7.1 years. The county's 21.2% poor/fair health rate is substantially higher than state averages, signaling urgent health equity concerns.

Trailing all neighboring counties

Lyman County's life expectancy of 68.3 years lags Marshall County (79.3 years) by 11 years and McCook County (76.7 years) by 8.4 years. The county's health burden is notably heavier than similar rural South Dakota communities.

Uninsured, underserved realities

With 14.2% of residents uninsured—3.1 points above the state average—and limited primary care data, Lyman County faces healthcare access barriers. The county has just 54 mental health providers per 100,000, indicating stretched mental health resources in a health-stressed community.

Coverage changes health outcomes.

Uninsured residents in Lyman County can explore subsidized plans through healthcare.gov and state programs, potentially lowering costs based on income. Getting covered opens access to preventive care that can address the health challenges driving life expectancy gaps.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lyman County

via RiskByCounty

Lyman County's risk profile mirrors South Dakota's average

Lyman County's composite risk score of 26.46 aligns closely with South Dakota's state average of 26.84, earning a "Very Low" national rating. This stability masks important pockets of hazard exposure: wildfire risk (69.53) substantially exceeds the county's overall profile. The county's low composite score reflects balanced—rather than negligible—risk across multiple hazard types.

Lyman ranks near the middle of South Dakota counties

Lyman County's composite risk score of 26.46 places it near the state average of 26.84, neither among the highest nor lowest-risk counties in South Dakota. The county's wildfire risk (69.53) stands out as notably elevated within its otherwise moderate profile. For residents, this means attention to wildfire preparedness is warranted, even as overall disaster risk remains relatively contained.

Lyman's wildfire risk outpaces similar nearby areas

Lyman County's wildfire risk (69.53) substantially exceeds that of neighboring McPherson County (70.36), though the two counties share similar composite scores. Compared to Marshall County (76.62 wildfire risk), Lyman faces somewhat lower wildfire exposure despite higher overall composite risk. Understanding these hazard-specific variations helps target your insurance and preparedness efforts.

Wildfires and tornadoes present measurable threats

Lyman County's wildfire risk (69.53) is the dominant hazard concern, substantially exceeding the county's composite score and reflecting vulnerability to grassland and structural fires. Tornado risk (27.64) ranks second, remaining below state and national averages but still present. Flood risk (29.13) adds a third consideration, particularly for properties near drainage areas.

Prioritize wildfire insurance and defensible space

Lyman County's elevated wildfire risk (69.53) makes it essential to maintain defensible space around your home and verify that your homeowners policy covers wildfire damage—some carriers exclude or limit this coverage in high-risk areas. Ensure you understand your policy's wind and hail coverage as well, given tornado exposure. A separate flood insurance policy is advisable for any property in a mapped flood zone or with drainage concerns.

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.