countyscore
58.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 84.7Safety 80

County Report Card

About McCook County, South Dakota

Beating the National Livability Benchmark

McCook County earns a composite score of 58.8, which is nearly nine points higher than the national median. This reflects a solid quality of life across several key metrics.

Ranking Above the State Average

The county's score of 58.8 puts it ahead of the 55.9 South Dakota average. It maintains a healthy balance between high income levels and community safety.

Robust Incomes and High Safety

McCook delivers an income score of 84.7 with a median household income of $80,847. Residents also enjoy a high safety score of 80.0 and exceptional water quality at 86.0.

Strengthening the School System

A school score of 37.1 suggests that local education is the primary area for growth. While taxes are moderate, the school infrastructure does not yet match the county's high income levels.

Perfect for Commuting Professionals

This county is ideal for professionals seeking a high-earning, safe environment with clean water. It provides a reliable lifestyle for those focused on financial stability and personal security.

Score breakdown

Tax39.4Cost54.9Safety80Health66.6Schools37.1Income84.7Risk56.6Water86Weather41.4
🏛39.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠54.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼84.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡56.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨70.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.7
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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Nearby counties

Hanson County
South Dakota
62.2
Miner County
South Dakota
68
Lake County
South Dakota
51
Turner County
South Dakota
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Minnehaha County
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Hutchinson County
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Davison County
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Sanborn County
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Deep Dives

McCook County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in McCook County

via TaxByCounty

McCook County near national average

McCook County's effective tax rate of 0.982% sits above the national median of 0.84%, and its median property tax of $2,133 is nearly at the national median of $2,690. The county's home values of $217,300 are close to the national average of $281,900.

Slightly below state average rate

McCook County ranks 23rd among South Dakota's 66 counties with an effective tax rate of 0.982%, below the state average of 1.094%. Its median property tax of $2,133 exceeds the state average of $1,785.

Mid-range taxes for the region

McCook County's 0.982% rate falls between Marshall County's lower 0.908% and Lyman County's 1.010%, making it a moderate option regionally. Its $2,133 median tax is higher than most neighbors, reflecting mid-range home values.

What $217,300 home costs annually

The median McCook County home valued at $217,300 generates approximately $2,133 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes rise to $2,232; without, they fall to $2,034.

Review your assessment today

McCook County homeowners paying above $2,100 annually should verify their assessments match current market conditions. Filing an appeal costs nothing and often results in measurable tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McCook County

via CostByCounty

McCook leads affordability metrics

McCook County's 11.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable, well below typical American standards, while its median household income of $80,847 exceeds the national average. This combination—above-average earnings paired with below-average housing burden—creates genuine purchasing power for renters and homebuyers alike.

Best rent-to-income ratio in group

At 11.1%, McCook County leads all eight counties in this analysis and sits well below South Dakota's state average of 13.8%. With median rent of $750—barely above the state average of $756—McCook delivers strong affordability without cutting corners on wages or community services.

Premium wages, affordable rents

McCook County's $750 rent matches most neighbors but pairs it with the second-highest household income ($80,847) after Lincoln County, creating the region's best affordability-to-income ratio. This makes McCook an overlooked gem for workers seeking both opportunity and housing relief.

Housing claims minimal income share

Renters spend $750 monthly while homeowners face $963 against McCook's $80,847 income, meaning housing claims just 11% for renters and 14% for owners. This leaves substantial income for other necessities and discretionary spending compared to national or state averages.

Premium affordability, solid economy

McCook County offers an underrated combination: above-average incomes ($80,847), manageable rents ($750), and homes at $217,300 median value. Families and professionals relocating will find genuine affordability relief here, particularly compared to premium markets like Lincoln and Meade counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McCook County

via IncomeByCounty

McCook County outearns much of the nation

McCook County's median household income of $80,847 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 8%, placing it above average in the national earnings landscape. This strong showing reflects robust local economic activity and competitive wage opportunities.

Top-tier earner in South Dakota

At $80,847, McCook County ranks among South Dakota's highest-earning counties, surpassing the state average of $66,926 by 21%. The county's per capita income of $37,131 also outperforms the state average of $35,667, demonstrating consistent earning power.

McCook County leads regional income competition

McCook County's $80,847 median household income ranks second in the immediate region, trailing only Lincoln County ($96,552) while significantly outpacing Marshall ($72,500), Miner ($72,589), and Lyman ($61,169). The county offers competitive earning opportunities compared to neighbors.

High earners, low housing burden in McCook

McCook County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.1% is among the lowest in the region, meaning residents spend minimal income on housing relative to earnings. With a median home value of $217,300, the county provides strong affordability and wealth-building potential.

McCook County's earnings fuel long-term wealth

Above-average incomes combined with low housing burdens create ideal conditions for aggressive wealth-building through investment portfolios and retirement accounts. McCook residents should capitalize on this advantage by maximizing contributions to 401(k)s, IRAs, and diversified stock holdings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McCook County

via CrimeByCounty

McCook County Outperforms National Averages

McCook County reports a total crime rate of 472.5 per 100K, which is less than a quarter of the national rate. It maintains an impressive safety score of 99.3.

A High Rank for State Safety

The county's crime rate of 472.5 sits well below the state average of 788.1 per 100K. It reflects the generally quiet nature of South Dakota's rural communities.

Much Safer Than Urban Neighbors

McCook is significantly more secure than Lincoln County, which faces much higher crime volumes. The local rate of 472.5 remains low, though data comes from a single reporting agency.

Violent Crime Remains Exceptionally Rare

The violent crime rate is only 87.5 per 100K, while property crime is slightly higher at 385.0. Practically speaking, most law enforcement calls relate to property rather than personal safety.

Simple Security for Peace of Mind

Installing deadbolts and ensuring windows are secure are effective ways to maintain this county's high safety level. Neighborhood watch efforts help keep property crime rates at these low levels.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in McCook County

via HealthByCounty

McCook County near national norms

McCook County's 76.7-year life expectancy is about 6.6 years below the U.S. average, with 12.9% of residents in poor or fair health. The county's health metrics closely mirror national trends without standing out as either exceptional or severely challenged.

Slightly above South Dakota baseline

McCook County's life expectancy of 76.7 years edges out the state average of 75.4 years by 1.3 years, placing it in the middle of South Dakota's health rankings. The county's poor/fair health rate matches statewide patterns.

Better off than some peers

McCook County's 76.7-year life expectancy exceeds Lyman County (68.3 years) but trails Marshall County (79.3 years) and Lincoln County (83.8 years). The county performs solidly within its region but has room to improve.

Near-average coverage, thin provider network

McCook County's 11.0% uninsured rate is essentially in line with the state average, but the county has just 18 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest in the sample. Mental health provider data is not available, raising questions about behavioral health capacity.

Insurance is your healthcare anchor.

In a county with limited primary care availability, having insurance ensures you can access and pay for the care you find. Visit healthcare.gov to verify your coverage and explore options if you're uninsured or underinsured.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in McCook County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network of Rural Schools

McCook County features 12 public schools, including six elementary, three middle, and three high schools. Three separate districts manage the education of ,148 students across the county. The entire system is built to serve a widely distributed rural population.

Strong Graduation Rates and Value Spending

McCook County achieves an 88.2% graduation rate, exceeding both state and national averages. The county spends $6,839 per pupil, which is lower than the state average but produces a solid school score of 52.2. This indicates high efficiency, as results outperform the national median score of 50.0.

Three Districts Leading the Way

McCook Central School District 43-7 is the largest, serving 434 students, followed by Canistota and Montrose districts. None of the 12 schools in the county are charter schools. These traditional districts remain the bedrock of the local educational landscape.

Small-Town Feel in Every Classroom

All schools operate in rural settings with an average enrollment of 96 students per school. McCook Central Elementary is the county's largest school with 184 students, while Montrose Elementary is a smaller alternative with 107. The rural locale ensures that every student is part of a tight-knit peer group.

Discover Homes Near Top-Tier Rural Schools

High graduation rates make McCook County an attractive destination for families moving to South Dakota. The diverse range of small districts offers homebuyers flexibility in choosing the right fit for their children. Consider local real estate to access a high-performing, efficient school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in McCook County

via RiskByCounty

McCook County faces above-average national disaster risk

McCook County's composite risk score of 43.45 exceeds the national baseline, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category with above-average exposure to multiple hazards. Tornado risk (67.46) and flood risk (58.37) both substantially exceed national norms, while wildfire risk (62.31) adds another significant concern. This balanced mix of moderate-to-high hazard exposure requires comprehensive preparedness.

McCook ranks in the middle-high tier statewide

McCook County's composite risk score of 43.45 significantly exceeds South Dakota's state average of 26.84, making it one of the more hazard-exposed counties in the state. The county's tornado risk (67.46) is particularly notable, reflecting the region's vulnerability to severe spring and summer storms. Residents face more natural disaster exposure than most South Dakota neighbors.

McCook's risks run moderate compared to peers

McCook County's composite risk of 43.45 falls between neighboring Lincoln County (62.98) and Lyman County (26.46), positioning it as a moderate-risk area within the region. McCook's tornado risk (67.46) exceeds Lyman's (27.64) but trails Lincoln's (93.32), while its flood risk (58.37) exceeds both neighbors. Regional risk profiles vary substantially, making local comparison valuable for preparedness planning.

Tornadoes, floods, and wildfires pose triple threat

McCook County faces three significant hazards: tornado risk (67.46) poses the greatest acute danger during severe weather season, flood risk (58.37) threatens low-lying areas and those near watercourses, and wildfire risk (62.31) adds structural and grassland fire exposure. This combination of hazards demands attention across multiple seasons and preparation strategies. Understanding the timing and geography of each threat helps focus your household planning.

Secure multi-hazard protection and safe spaces

McCook County's elevated tornado (67.46) and wildfire (62.31) risks require that your homeowners policy explicitly covers wind, hail, and wildfire damage—standard policies often exclude or limit these. A separate flood insurance policy is essential if your property is in a mapped flood zone or experiences drainage issues. Review your coverage annually and invest in a home safe room or shelter plan for tornado season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in McCook County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Relative to the Cold North

McCook County features an annual average temperature of 45.4°F, typical for the Great Plains but cool compared to the national average. It receives 27.6 inches of precipitation annually, which is higher than many counties in the western US. This moisture supports a lush but seasonally volatile environment.

Average Temperature with Above-Average Rain

McCook's 45.4°F annual average is nearly identical to the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. However, it receives nearly five inches more precipitation than the state average of 22.7 inches. This makes it a relatively wet and productive agricultural zone for the state.

Milder Winters Than Its Northern Peers

Compared to counties further north, McCook enjoys a slightly more manageable 31 inches of annual snowfall. It experiences 18 days of extreme heat, which is moderate for the region. The county's January average of 15.6°F keeps it firmly in the cold category, though it avoids the deepest freezes of the border counties.

Warm Summers and Predictable Snowfall

Summer averages of 70.5°F make for comfortable outdoor conditions, though the mercury peaks over 90°F for about 18 days. Winter temperatures drop to a 18.8°F average, accompanied by 31 inches of snow. This balance of seasons provides a traditional four-season experience without the extreme snow totals seen elsewhere.

Preparing for Variable Plains Weather

Homeowners should prioritize drainage and moisture protection due to the 27.6 inches of annual precipitation. Moderate winter gear is necessary to handle the 31 inches of snow and January lows of 15.6°F. A reliable HVAC system is recommended to bridge the gap between cold winters and the 18 days of summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McCook County

via SoilByCounty

Top-Tier Soil in McCook County

McCook County boasts a near-perfect neutral pH of 6.97, fostering an ideal environment for nutrient uptake. This contributes to an impressive soil score of 70.8, one of the highest in the region.

Easy-to-Cultivate Silty Texture

The soil is composed of 45.5% silt and 28.8% sand, creating a texture that is generally easy to till and cultivate. The 25.7% clay content acts as a natural binder, helping to prevent erosion while holding vital moisture.

Excellent Fertility and Water Storage

With organic matter at 3.91%, the county exceeds the state average of 3.75%. The available water capacity is also high at 0.200 in/in, offering a reliable water reservoir for thirsty crops throughout the growing season.

Effective Natural Water Cycling

The significant silt and sand portions indicate that this soil manages water cycles effectively. This makes McCook an attractive location for both intensive agricultural production and new residential development.

Abundant Gardening in Zone 5a

Gardeners in zone 5a can grow everything from tomatoes to fruit trees in this high-scoring soil. The combination of rich organic matter and water capacity makes McCook a standout for any agricultural project.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McCook County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth in McCook County

McCook County’s lawn difficulty score of 52.7 is slightly better than both the state and national averages. Located in Hardiness Zone 5a, the county offers a reliable environment for homeowners looking to establish a permanent green space.

Predictable Weather Patterns

Annual precipitation of 27.6 inches supports healthy growth, sitting well above the South Dakota average of 22.8 inches. With 18 extreme heat days, the summer stress is manageable, allowing for 2,692 growing degree days to fuel your lawn's development.

Near-Perfect Soil Chemistry

The soil pH of 6.97 is almost perfectly centered in the ideal range for grass. A balanced texture of 25.7% clay and 28.8% sand provides good nutrient retention without the severe drainage issues found in heavier clay soils.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Conditions

The county is currently 100% abnormally dry and weathered 31 weeks of drought over the last year. Utilizing mulch-mowing and smart irrigation can help your lawn withstand these periods of lower-than-average rainfall.

Planting for Success

Standard cool-season mixes thrive here when planted after the May 3 spring frost. Your lawn has until the first frost on October 4 to harden off, providing a solid five-month growing window for new seedlings.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McCook County's county score?
McCook County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 58.8 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 McCook County rank among counties in South Dakota?
McCook County ranks #34 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 McCook County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in McCook County is $2,133, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns McCook County a tax score of 39.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McCook County?
The median household income in McCook County, South Dakota is $80,847 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McCook County earns an income score of 84.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is McCook County, South Dakota a good place to live?
McCook County scores 58.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate McCook 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 McCook 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.