countyscore

Marshall County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#14 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
65.2
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.

2040608010045.472.588.375.424.578.985.68644.5Tax45.4Cost72.5Safety88.3Health75.4Schools24.5Income78.9Risk85.6Water86Weather44.565.2/100
This county
National avg
6 above average2 below average

Marshall County DNA

D+overall

How Marshall County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Marshall County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (85.6/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
45.4
Cost
72.5+24.5
Safety
88.3+33.3
Health
75.4+25.400000000000006
Schools
24.5-29.5
Income
78.9+27.900000000000006
Risk
85.6+38.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
44.5-11.5
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Many homeowners in Marshall County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$156,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$752/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$156,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $78,156/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Sargent County
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61.3
Day County
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59.9
Brown County
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43
Roberts County
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Dickey County
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Traverse County
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Ransom County
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Richland County
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Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 65.2 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 #14 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 $1,359, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Marshall County a tax score of 45.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marshall County?
The median household income in Marshall County, South Dakota is $78,156 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marshall County earns an income score of 78.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marshall County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Marshall County scores 65.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.