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Marshall County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#17 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
64.5
County Score
Safety 88.3Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 85.6

County Report Card

About Marshall County, South Dakota

Strong National Standing for Marshall

Marshall County scores a 64.5, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places it among the more desirable rural counties in the country.

A Top Performer in South Dakota

With a score of 64.5, Marshall performs significantly better than the state average of 55.9. It stands out as a regional leader in both safety and environmental stability.

Safety and Environmental Resilience

The county shines with a safety score of 88.3 and a risk score of 85.6. Residents also benefit from a high water quality score of 86.0 and an effective tax rate under 1%.

Improving Local Educational Resources

The school score of 24.5 indicates that educational infrastructure is lagging behind other dimensions. Enhancing local school systems could make the county more attractive to young families.

Best for Peace and Security

Marshall County is a premier choice for retirees or remote workers who prioritize safety and low environmental risk. It offers a stable, low-tax environment for those seeking a secure rural retreat.

Score breakdown

Tax44.7Cost70.9Safety88.3Health75.4Schools24.5Income72.5Risk85.6Water86Weather44.5
🏛44.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼72.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡88.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓24.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡85.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.9
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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Sargent County
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Roberts County
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Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Marshall County

via TaxByCounty

Marshall County has lowest regional taxes

Marshall County's effective tax rate of 0.908% sits below the national median of 0.84%, making it among the most affordable counties in America for property taxes. The median property tax of just $1,336 is half the national median of $2,690.

Lowest rate in South Dakota

Marshall County's 0.908% effective tax rate ranks first (lowest) among South Dakota's 66 counties, well below the state average of 1.094%. Its median property tax of $1,336 is the lowest in the state relative to home values.

Region's most affordable tax county

Marshall County's 0.908% rate beats all regional neighbors, including Lyman County (1.010%), McCook County (0.982%), and Lincoln County (1.181%). Residents here enjoy the lowest property tax burden in the surrounding eight-county region.

What $147,200 home costs annually

The median Marshall County home valued at $147,200 generates approximately $1,336 in annual property taxes. This translates to $1,485 with mortgage or $1,213 without—among the lowest costs in the region.

Even favorable rates deserve review

While Marshall County offers competitive property tax rates, homeowners should still verify their assessments reflect true market value. An appeal is worth pursuing if you believe your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marshall County

via CostByCounty

Marshall County beats national affordability

Marshall County's 12.3% rent-to-income ratio falls comfortably below the national affordability threshold, offering genuine housing relief compared to most American counties. Against a national median household income of $74,755, Marshall's $72,500 income is nearly identical, yet renters dedicate less to housing than the national norm.

South Dakota's middle-ground housing market

Marshall County's 12.3% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly below South Dakota's state average of 13.8%, placing it in the affordability sweet spot. With median rent of $743—just below the state average of $756—Marshall offers stability without the premium costs found in Lincoln or Meade counties.

Affordable option amid varied peers

Marshall County's $743 rent positions it midway between budget markets like Lyman ($603) and pricier Lincoln County ($1,237), making it accessible while maintaining rural character. Its 12.3% rent burden beats McCook County (11.1%) slightly but offers more social amenities typical of county-seat communities.

Rent and homeownership costs align

Renters pay $743 monthly while homeowners spend $730 against a $72,500 household income—a rare case where ownership costs less than renting. Housing claims roughly 12% of gross income either way, leaving room for savings and other expenses.

Balanced affordability for families

Marshall County appeals to families seeking affordable ownership with a $147,200 median home price and rental options around $743. Its position as a middle-ground option—not the cheapest, but well below premium markets—makes it ideal for those prioritizing stability over bargain hunting.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marshall County

via IncomeByCounty

Marshall County nearly matches national income levels

At $72,500, Marshall County's median household income sits just 3% below the national median of $74,755, demonstrating solid economic parity with the broader U.S. The county's per capita income of $42,601 also surpasses the national average, reflecting broad-based earning strength.

Above average earner within South Dakota

Marshall County's median household income of $72,500 exceeds the South Dakota state average of $66,926 by 8%, positioning it among the stronger county economies in the state. Per capita income of $42,601 also outpaces the state's $35,667 average by 19%.

Marshall County holds steady in regional earnings

Marshall County's $72,500 median household income ranks solidly among regional peers, falling between McCook ($80,847) and Miner ($72,589), while significantly exceeding Mellette ($51,364) and Lyman ($61,169). The county offers middle-of-the-road economic stability for the region.

Balanced income supports affordable living standards

With a rent-to-income ratio of 12.3%, Marshall County residents allocate a reasonable share of earnings to housing, leaving room for savings and discretionary spending. The median home value of $147,200 remains well within reach for typical households.

Leverage stability to build Marshall County wealth

Marshall County's stable, near-national-average income provides a solid platform for wealth accumulation through retirement accounts and long-term investments. Focus on maximizing employer benefits and contributing consistently to tax-advantaged savings vehicles.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marshall County

via CrimeByCounty

Marshall County Boasts Elite Safety

With a total crime rate of only 252.1 per 100K, Marshall County is significantly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a near-perfect safety score of 99.6.

Among South Dakota's Safest Counties

The county's crime rate is roughly one-third of the state average of 788.1 per 100K. This makes Marshall County one of the standout performers for public safety in the region.

Outpacing Neighbors in Security

Marshall's rate of 252.1 is much lower than McPherson County's rate of 755.2 per 100K. While only one agency reports data here, the numbers suggest a very peaceful environment.

Violent Crime is Nearly Non-Existent

The violent crime rate is just 22.9 per 100K, while property crime is reported at 229.2. Residents face very low statistical risks for both categories compared to national benchmarks.

Secure Your Property and Equipment

Protect against property crime by keeping farm equipment and vehicles locked when not in use. Even in very safe areas, marking personal property can deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Marshall County

via HealthByCounty

Marshall County's moderate health standing

Marshall County's 79.3-year life expectancy sits about 4 years below the U.S. average, with 12.9% of residents reporting poor or fair health. The county faces health challenges slightly above national norms but manages better outcomes than many rural peers.

Slightly above South Dakota average

Marshall County's life expectancy of 79.3 years exceeds the state average of 75.4 years by 3.9 years, placing it in the upper-middle tier of South Dakota counties. The county's 12.9% poor/fair health rate aligns closely with statewide patterns.

Midfield among rural neighbors

Marshall County's 79.3-year life expectancy outpaces Lyman County (68.3 years) by 11 years but trails Lincoln County (83.8 years) by 4.5 years. The county represents a healthy middle ground within its region.

Moderate coverage, limited primary care

Marshall County's 10.5% uninsured rate is slightly below the state average, but the county has just 23 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, suggesting geographic or supply constraints. Mental health provider data is limited, indicating potential gaps in behavioral health services.

Strengthen your family's coverage.

Nearly 1 in 10 Marshall County residents lack insurance; exploring healthcare.gov options can identify affordable plans and subsidies. Securing coverage ensures access to the primary care that's critical in counties with limited provider availability.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Marshall County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Education Across Marshall County

Marshall County supports 13 public schools, including six elementary, three middle, and four high schools. These facilities serve 718 students across two distinct school districts. The infrastructure is entirely rural, catering to small communities throughout the region.

Steady Results on a Lean Budget

The county maintains a graduation rate of 84.3%, which sits above the state average of 82.4% but slightly below the national 87.0% mark. Schools operate on $6,573 per pupil, a figure lower than both the state and national averages. Despite lean spending, the county's school score of 49.6 remains competitive with the state average of 50.4.

Britton-Hecla and Langford Area Districts

The Britton-Hecla School District 45-4 is the larger provider, enrolling 476 students across six schools. Langford Area 45-5 serves another 242 students through seven different facilities. There are no charter schools in the county, with all students attending traditional public districts.

Micro-Schools Define the Marshall Experience

Every school in Marshall County is classified as rural, with an exceptionally small average school size of just 55 students. Britton-Hecla Elementary is the largest with 174 students, while Langford Area High School serves only 47 students. This environment offers a rare level of individual student visibility.

Find Your Home in a Dedicated Community

For families seeking an intimate, small-town school experience, Marshall County provides unique opportunities. Homebuyers often find that the small school sizes foster a deep sense of community and safety. Explore the local housing market to join these specialized rural districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marshall County

via RiskByCounty

Marshall County ranks among the nation's lowest-risk areas

Marshall County's composite risk score of 14.47 places it well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating that reflects genuine resilience to most natural disasters. Wildfire risk (76.62) is the notable exception, standing high relative to the county's overall profile. For most residents, this low composite score means fewer disaster-related disruptions than in neighboring regions.

Marshall is South Dakota's safest county overall

Marshall County's composite risk score of 14.47 is among the lowest in South Dakota, falling well short of the state average of 26.84 and reflecting the county's fortunate geography and hazard exposure. The county's very low flood (10.37) and earthquake (8.08) risks anchor this advantage, though wildfire risk (76.62) remains an outlier. Residents enjoy overall natural disaster resilience that exceeds most of the state.

Marshall's low risk stands out in a moderate region

Marshall County's composite risk of 14.47 is substantially lower than neighboring Lyman County (26.46) and McPherson County (11.13), making it one of the safest areas in the region. However, Marshall's wildfire risk (76.62) actually exceeds both neighbors, revealing a hazard-specific vulnerability within an otherwise protected profile. Adjacent counties show significant risk variation despite geographic proximity.

Wildfire remains the primary local concern

Marshall County's wildfire risk (76.62) dominates the hazard landscape, far exceeding other local threats and warranting baseline preparedness and defensible space planning. Tornado risk (32.12) ranks second but remains below state averages, while flood and earthquake risks are minimal. Wildfire preparedness should anchor your household planning, even as overall disaster risk remains low.

Focus wildfire coverage despite low overall risk

Marshall County's exceptional wildfire risk (76.62) means you should verify that your homeowners policy explicitly covers wildfire damage and that your home meets defensible space standards. Given the county's very low flood and earthquake risks, you likely don't need separate policies for those hazards unless you're in a special flood zone. Review your policy annually and confirm coverage limits align with replacement costs.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marshall County

via WeatherByCounty

A Truly Cold Northern Frontier

Marshall County is one of the cooler locations in the lower 48, with an annual average temperature of only 42.9°F. This is more than 10 degrees cooler than the national median, reflecting its position in the far north. The climate is defined by long, snowy winters and brief, mild summers.

Well Below the State Temperature Average

While South Dakota averages 45.6°F, Marshall County stays much colder at 42.9°F. It is one of the state's snowier regions, recording 46.8 inches of snow compared to a state average that typically sees far less. Its January average of 11.3°F marks it as one of the coldest spots in the region.

High Snow and Low Heat Days

Marshall County sees only 10 days of extreme heat per year, significantly fewer than its southern neighbors. Its 46.8 inches of snowfall is among the highest in the area, creating a long-lasting winter season. Total precipitation of 24.4 inches exceeds the state average, contributing to the heavy winter totals.

Short Summers and Deep Freezes

Winters are intense, with temperatures averaging just 14.6°F from December through February. Summer is pleasant and mild, with a July average of 71.2°F and very few days of oppressive heat. Snow dominates the calendar here, with nearly 47 inches falling annually.

Essential Gear for Extreme Winters

Sub-zero rated parkas and industrial snow blowers are standard equipment for surviving the 11.3°F January average. High-grade home insulation and winter-ready plumbing are critical to prevent pipes from freezing during the deep winter months. Residents enjoy a low need for air conditioning, given the county only hits 90°F about 10 times a year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marshall County

via SoilByCounty

Rich, Slightly Alkaline Marshall Soil

Marshall County maintains a pH of 7.11, which is just above the South Dakota state average. This healthy chemical balance helps drive a high soil score of 64.7, indicating great potential for diverse plant life.

Balanced Texture for Better Drainage

The soil features a versatile blend of 33.8% sand, 42.8% silt, and 23.4% clay. This combination balances drainage with nutrient retention, making it less prone to ponding than heavier clay soils.

Superior Organic Matter Content

Fertility is a major strength here, as organic matter hits 4.35%, well above the state average of 3.75%. The available water capacity of 0.187 in/in ensures that moisture remains accessible to roots during critical growth phases.

Efficient Water Movement

The 33.8% sand content suggests relatively efficient water movement through the soil profile. This characteristic helps the ground dry out faster in the spring, which is vital for early planting in northern climates.

Cold-Hardy Growth in Zone 4a

In hardiness zone 4a, Marshall County is perfect for small grains and cool-season vegetables like kale and carrots. The rich organic matter supports robust yields for both farmers and backyard enthusiasts.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marshall County

via LawnByCounty

Ideal Growing Conditions in Marshall

Marshall County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 59.9, making it one of the easiest places in South Dakota to maintain a lawn. Although it sits in the colder Hardiness Zone 4a, the lack of extreme heat and stable moisture make for a very friendly growing environment.

Mild Summers and Cool Days

The county experiences only 10 extreme heat days per year, well below the state average of 24. This mild climate, paired with 24.4 inches of rain, reduces the risk of summer dormancy and keeps mowing schedules consistent throughout the season.

Sandy Loam for Easy Drainage

With a sand content of 33.8%, the soil here offers better drainage than many neighboring counties. The pH of 7.11 is very close to the ideal range, meaning most lawns will thrive with standard fertilization and minimal chemical adjustment.

Low Drought Pressure

Marshall County enjoyed a relatively wet year with only 12 weeks spent in drought conditions. Currently, none of the county is classified as abnormally dry, providing a rare opportunity to maintain a lush lawn with minimal supplemental watering.

Success in a Short Season

Select cold-hardy species like Kentucky Bluegrass to survive the Zone 4a winters. With a frost-free window between May 13 and October 9, the summer months are the perfect time to focus on thickening your turf.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marshall County's county score?
Marshall County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 64.5 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 Marshall County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Marshall County ranks #17 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 Marshall County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Marshall County is $1,336, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Marshall County a tax score of 44.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marshall County?
The median household income in Marshall County, South Dakota is $72,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marshall County earns an income score of 72.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marshall County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Marshall County scores 64.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Marshall 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 Marshall 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.