CountyScore

Marshall County

South Dakota · SD

#11 in South Dakota
75.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Marshall County, South Dakota

Marshall County ranks among nation's best

Marshall County's composite score of 75.9 towers 52% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 20% of U.S. counties. This exceptional standing reflects balanced strength across multiple livability dimensions.

South Dakota's standout livability leader

At 75.9, Marshall County ranks among the top performers in South Dakota, exceeding the state average of 71.3. It consistently delivers above-benchmark results across the dimensions measured.

Low taxes, affordability, and resilience shine

Marshall County excels with a 0.908% effective tax rate (76.7 tax score)—the lowest among these eight counties—and a cost score of 84.0 reflecting median home values of $147,200. The risk score of 85.6 indicates strong economic and environmental stability.

Income levels remain modest for the region

The county's income score (30.7) reflects a median household income of $72,500, which lags behind national and some state benchmarks. This moderation tempers overall prosperity even as affordability remains excellent.

Perfect for value-seekers valuing stability

Marshall County suits families and individuals who prioritize tax efficiency, housing affordability, and economic resilience over maximum earning potential. The county offers rare balance: cheap living costs combined with low risk and strong community stability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76.7Cost84SafetyComing SoonHealth76.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.7Risk85.6WaterComing Soon
🏛76.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡85.6
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 Marshall County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Skagway Municipality
Alaska
75.9
Median income: $78,594
Newton County
Arkansas
75.9
Median income: $47,395
Bent County
Colorado
75.9
Median income: $49,194
Pulaski County
Indiana
75.9
Median income: $59,956
Worth County
Iowa
75.9
Median income: $76,875

Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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