CountyScore

McCook County

South Dakota · SD

#34 in South Dakota
71.6
County Score

County Report Card

About McCook County, South Dakota

McCook County outshines typical American counties

McCook County's composite score of 71.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 43%, solidly placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This strong performance indicates above-average livability across key dimensions.

Performing right at South Dakota's level

McCook County scores 71.6, just above South Dakota's state average of 71.3, positioning it firmly in the state's competitive middle-to-upper tier. The county matches typical South Dakota livability expectations.

Balanced affordability with decent incomes

McCook County offers solid value with a cost score of 80.4, median home values of $217,300, and rents of $750/month. A median household income of $80,847 and 74.7 tax score provide reasonable earning potential and manageable tax burden.

Risk exposure and health outcomes could improve

The county's risk score (56.6) suggests moderate vulnerability to economic or environmental challenges, while the health score (73.5) lags behind several peer counties. These gaps indicate room for improvement in resilience and healthcare accessibility.

Good fit for middle-class families seeking stability

McCook County suits middle-income families seeking reasonable housing costs, modest taxes, and a stable community environment. The county provides solid, unpretentious livability without exceptional standouts or serious concerns.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.7Cost80.4SafetyComing SoonHealth73.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome36.2Risk56.6WaterComing Soon
🏛74.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡56.6
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 McCook County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Monroe County
Alabama
71.6
Median income: $40,225
Bradford County
Florida
71.6
Median income: $59,740
Banks County
Georgia
71.6
Median income: $68,830
Warrick County
Indiana
71.6
Median income: $95,027
Mason County
Kentucky
71.6
Median income: $51,473

Deep Dives

McCook County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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