countyscore
53.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 85.6Safety 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.

2040608010031.235.78066.637.185.656.68641.4Tax31.2Cost35.7Safety80Health66.6Schools37.1Income85.6Risk56.6Water86Weather41.453.7/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

McCook County DNA

Foverall

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

McCook County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (85.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (31.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
31.2-20.8
Cost
35.7-12.299999999999997
Safety
80+25
Health
66.6+16.599999999999994
Schools
37.1-16.9
Income
85.6+34.599999999999994
Risk
56.6+9.600000000000001
Water
86+28
Weather
41.4-14.600000000000001
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in McCook County?

Many homeowners in McCook County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$230,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$945/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$230,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $83,852/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.4

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Hanson County
South Dakota
60
Miner County
South Dakota
68.4
Lake County
South Dakota
49.7
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 9 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

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

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 53.7 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 #39 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 $2,444, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns McCook County a tax score of 31.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McCook County?
The median household income in McCook County, South Dakota is $83,852 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McCook County earns an income score of 85.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is McCook County, South Dakota a good place to live?
McCook County scores 53.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 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.
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.