countyscore
59.4
County Score
Cost of Living 87.7Water Quality 86Safety 74

County Report Card

About Lyman County, South Dakota

Outperforming the National Median

Lyman County achieves a composite score of 59.4, beating the national median of 50.0. This suggests a higher-than-average quality of life compared to the rest of the United States.

Ahead of the State Average

The county ranks above the South Dakota state average composite score of 55.9. It maintains a competitive position among its peers by balancing low costs with environmental reliability.

Exceptional Housing Affordability and Water Quality

Lyman boasts a cost score of 87.7, driven by a median gross rent of only $603. Environmental factors are also a highlight, with a water score of 86.0 and a risk score of 73.6.

Addressing Healthcare Access Gaps

The health score of 18.4 represents the county's primary challenge in providing accessible medical care. Efforts to bolster health services would significantly enhance the local livability profile.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Small Families

Lyman County is a great fit for individuals or small families seeking low-cost living and high environmental safety. It rewards those who value affordability and a quiet, secure rural atmosphere.

2040608010037.587.77418.466.842.773.68633.3Tax37.5Cost87.7Safety74Health18.4Schools66.8Income42.7Risk73.6Water86Weather33.359.4/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Lyman County DNA

Foverall

How Lyman County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lyman County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (87.7/100) but notably weak in Health (18.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
37.5-14.5
Cost
87.7+39.7
Safety
74+19
Health
18.4-31.6
Schools
66.8+12.799999999999997
Income
42.7-8.299999999999997
Risk
73.6+26.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
33.3-22.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$156,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$603/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$156,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,169/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

26.9

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Buffalo County
South Dakota
65.9
Tripp County
South Dakota
50.7
Brule County
South Dakota
46.4
Hughes County
South Dakota
42.3
Mellette County
South Dakota
51.9
Jones County
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58.8
Hyde County
South Dakota
57.4
Jerauld County
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65.9

Deep Dives

Lyman County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Lyman County

via CrimeByCounty

Lyman County Remains Exceptionally Safe

Lyman County maintains a total crime rate of 618.5 per 100K, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a robust safety score of 99.0.

Below the State Crime Average

The county's crime rate of 618.5 per 100K is lower than the South Dakota average of 788.1. It ranks as a very safe jurisdiction within a state already known for low crime.

Strong Safety Performance vs Neighbors

Lyman County is significantly safer than Lincoln County, which reports a crime rate over 11,000 per 100K. However, users should note that Lyman relies on a single reporting agency for its data.

Low Risk of Violent Incidents

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of only 80.7 per 100K. Property crime accounts for 537.8 incidents per 100K, making up the bulk of local law enforcement activity.

Maintain Safety with Basic Vigilance

Locking doors and securing outbuildings effectively prevents most property-related incidents in Lyman County. Simple motion-sensor lighting provides an extra layer of protection for rural homes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lyman County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Streamlined Educational System in Lyman

Lyman County operates a unified educational system consisting of one elementary, one middle, and one high school. This single-district infrastructure serves a total of 370 students across the county. The entire network is centralized within the Lyman School District 42-1.

High Graduation Rates and Competitive Funding

The county boasts a 90.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average of 82.4% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Local investment reaches $9,444 per pupil, which is well above the South Dakota average of $7,409. These resources contribute to a school score of 58.8, surpassing the national median of 50.0.

One District Serves All Lyman Students

Lyman School District 42-1 manages all three public schools in the county, enrolling 370 students in a cohesive K-12 environment. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county. This consolidated structure allows for a direct focus on the small student population.

Small Rural Schools Offer Personalized Attention

All three schools in the county are situated in rural settings, maintaining an average school size of 123 students. Lyman Elementary is the largest facility with 200 students, while Lyman Middle School is the smallest with 83. The rural atmosphere ensures a close-knit learning environment for every grade level.

Relocate for High-Performing Rural Schools

Families looking for a high graduation rate and personalized rural settings should explore homes in Lyman County. The district's strong academic metrics make it a compelling choice for buyers prioritizing education. Secure a home here to benefit from a system that consistently beats state performance averages.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Lyman County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Record in Lyman

Lyman County achieves a Grade A rating with zero health violations recorded over the past five years. This performance significantly exceeds the state average violation rate of 47.6 per 100,000 residents.

Awaiting Federal Watershed Assessment

This county's water bodies are not yet covered under the federal Section 303(d) assessment reporting cycle. Current data regarding watershed health and impairment status is unavailable through the EPA ATTAINS program.

Robust Monitoring with Thousands of Data points

Lyman County features a dense monitoring footprint with 15 sites providing 4,993 measurements over the last five years. Researchers focus primarily on physical, nutrient, and microbiological characteristics to track local water quality.

White River Flows Below Average

The White River near Oacoma currently flows at 141 cfs, which is only 23% of its long-term mean. This significantly low discharge indicates dry conditions that may impact local water availability.

Monitor Water Supplies During Low Flow

While drinking water compliance is excellent, the extremely low streamflow on the White River suggests residents should monitor for changes in source water characteristics. Conserving water during these dry periods helps maintain supply stability.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lyman County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Drier Than the National Average

Lyman County averages 46.9°F annually, placing it well below the national median temperature but higher than many northern peers. The local climate is characterized by low annual precipitation of just 20.2 inches. This creates a semi-arid environment with intense summer exposure.

Outpacing the State in Summer Heat

With an annual average of 46.9°F, Lyman is warmer than the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. It records a staggering 36 days of extreme heat over 90°F, more than double the count of many eastern counties. Meanwhile, its precipitation levels trail the state average by over two inches.

Central South Dakota's Heat Hub

Lyman County stands out for its high volume of extreme heat days compared to the more moderate eastern counties. Its 39.6 inches of snowfall is significant, even as its total annual precipitation remains a low 20.2 inches. This combination of dry air and heavy winter accumulation creates a rugged climate profile.

Intense Summers and Snowy Winters

July averages reach 74.2°F, fueled by 36 days of extreme heat that push the local climate to its limits. Winter brings a sharp contrast, with a December-to-February average of 21.8°F and nearly 40 inches of snow. These extremes require residents to prepare for both heat waves and heavy drifts.

Managing High Heat and Heavy Snow

Central air conditioning is a necessity in Lyman County to navigate the 36 days of temperatures above 90°F. Reliable winter vehicles are also a must, as the county sees nearly 40 inches of snow and January lows of 19.6°F. Water conservation is often important given the low 20.2-inch annual precipitation total.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lyman County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of the Semi-Arid Plains

Lyman County features alkaline soil with a pH of 7.21, which is higher than the national median of 6.5. This reflects the region's semi-arid nature and contributes to a modest soil score of 46.0.

Dense Clay and Silt Mix

The soil contains 34.6% clay and 45.7% silt, resulting in a dense mixture that can be difficult to work when wet. This composition provides a very strong foundation for the native grasses that define the local landscape.

Resilient Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter sits at 2.60%, exceeding the national average of 2.0% but falling behind the state's 3.75% benchmark. A lower available water capacity of 0.152 in/in means plants may need extra care during dry spells.

Slow Filtration in Clay-Rich Ground

With a high clay percentage, the soil naturally filters water more slowly than sandier regions. Builders and farmers should plan for potential water retention in low-lying areas following heavy South Dakota rainstorms.

Hardy Crops for Zone 5a

Lyman County thrives with drought-resistant crops like winter wheat and resilient forage grasses. While the soil score is lower than neighbors, careful moisture management allows dedicated gardeners to cultivate successful vegetable beds.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lyman County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions in Lyman County

With a lawn difficulty score of 41.1, Lyman County is significantly more challenging for turf than the state average of 51.1. High heat and low moisture levels in Hardiness Zone 5a create a demanding environment for traditional green lawns.

Beating the Intense Summer Heat

The county endures 36 extreme heat days per year, which is 50% more than the South Dakota average of 24 days. Combined with just 20.2 inches of annual precipitation, lawns here face high evaporation rates that require diligent irrigation planning.

Tackling Alkaline Clay Soils

The soil pH of 7.21 is slightly alkaline, and a high clay content of 34.6% can lead to compaction and slow drainage. Homeowners may need to incorporate organic matter or sulfur to lower the pH and improve soil structure for better grass health.

Facing Frequent Water Shortages

Lawns survived 37 weeks of drought in the past year, and nearly the entire county remains abnormally dry today. To conserve water, mow at a higher setting to shade the soil and reduce moisture loss during the hot summer months.

Resilient Varieties for Lyman

Heat-tolerant blends like Turf-Type Tall Fescue are recommended to withstand the 36 days of 90-degree temperatures. Plan your major lawn projects around the May 12 last frost date to ensure new growth is established before the September 29 autumn chill.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lyman County's county score?
Lyman County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 59.4 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 Lyman County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Lyman County ranks #31 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 Lyman County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Lyman County is $1,581, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Lyman County a tax score of 37.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lyman County?
The median household income in Lyman County, South Dakota is $61,169 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lyman County earns an income score of 42.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lyman County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Lyman County scores 59.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Lyman 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 Lyman County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.