CountyScore

McPherson County

South Dakota · SD

#19 in South Dakota
74
County Score

County Report Card

About McPherson County, South Dakota

McPherson County well above national norm

McPherson County's composite score of 74.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 48%, placing it among the top-performing counties nationwide. This impressive standing reflects particular strength in cost and resilience metrics.

Among South Dakota's top-tier counties

At 74.0, McPherson County outperforms South Dakota's state average of 71.3 and ranks in the state's upper echelon of livability. The county delivers above-expectations results on key affordability and stability measures.

Exceptional affordability and risk resilience

McPherson County leads with a cost score of 90.0, featuring the state's lowest median home value ($78,400) and rent ($580/month). The risk score of 88.9 indicates strong economic resilience and environmental stability despite modest incomes.

Tax burden and income growth lag behind

The county's tax score (58.6) reflects a 1.554% effective tax rate—highest among these eight counties—while the income score (23.9) shows a median household income of $62,024. These factors create trade-offs that limit overall prosperity.

Ideal for frugal families prioritizing resilience

McPherson County suits budget-conscious families and retirees who want maximum housing value and economic stability, even with higher-than-average tax rates. The extraordinary affordability and strong risk profile make it exceptional for those with modest incomes seeking security.

Score breakdown

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

Tax58.6Cost90SafetyComing SoonHealth79.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.9Risk88.9WaterComing Soon
🏛58.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡88.9
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 McPherson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Bibb County
Alabama
74
Median income: $51,215
Crenshaw County
Alabama
74
Median income: $49,040
Fremont County
Idaho
74
Median income: $72,767
Metcalfe County
Kentucky
74
Median income: $48,572
Trimble County
Kentucky
74
Median income: $67,813

Deep Dives

McPherson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in McPherson County

via TaxByCounty

McPherson County has highest tax rate

McPherson County's effective tax rate of 1.554% is nearly double the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the top 5% of U.S. counties for tax burden. Despite the high rate, the median property tax of $1,218 remains modest due to a median home value of just $78,400.

Second-highest rate in South Dakota

McPherson County ranks 2nd among South Dakota's 66 counties with an effective tax rate of 1.554%, significantly above the state average of 1.094%. Only Lincoln County (1.181%) comes closer to this extreme rate, though McPherson's is even higher.

Dramatically higher rate than peers

McPherson County's 1.554% rate far exceeds all regional neighbors—Mellette County (1.529%) comes closest, but Marshall County sits at just 0.908%. This county has one of the most punitive tax rates in the eight-county region.

What $78,400 home costs annually

The median McPherson County home valued at just $78,400 generates approximately $1,218 in annual property taxes due to the high 1.554% rate. With mortgage, residents pay $1,425; without, $1,166.

Appeal your assessment urgently

McPherson County's exceptionally high tax rate makes assessment appeals critical for residents seeking relief. Verifying that your home's assessment truly reflects its $78,400 market value could unlock significant annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McPherson County

via CostByCounty

Extreme affordability in rural South Dakota

McPherson County's 11.2% rent-to-income ratio and $580 median rent represent some of America's most affordable housing, achieved despite a median household income of $62,024 below the national average. This rural county delivers genuine economic accessibility, where renters dedicate minimal income shares to shelter.

Second-lowest rent burden statewide

McPherson County's 11.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-best in this eight-county group and well below South Dakota's 13.8% state average. At $580 median rent—23% cheaper than the state average of $756—McPherson is a haven for budget-conscious renters across rural South Dakota.

Cheapest option for renters

McPherson County's $580 rent ties with Miner County for the lowest in this analysis and significantly undercuts neighbors like Marshall ($743) and Lyman ($603). Its combination of minimal rent and lowest median home value ($78,400) makes it the region's most extreme affordability case.

Ownership costs less than renting

McPherson County's $580 rent is nearly matched by $537 monthly owner costs, both extraordinarily low against the $62,024 median household income. Housing claims roughly 11% of gross income as a renter and just 10% as an owner—among the nation's most favorable ratios.

Extreme affordability, minimal income needed

McPherson County welcomes those seeking maximum affordability, with rents at $580 and homes at $78,400 median value requiring the least housing commitment in this cohort. However, lower incomes reflect limited employment diversity, so relocating professionals should verify job availability before committing to this deep-rural option.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McPherson County

via IncomeByCounty

McPherson County income lags national average

McPherson County's median household income of $62,024 trails the national median of $74,755 by 17%, reflecting below-average earning capacity compared to the broader United States. Per capita income of $40,645 falls short of national standards, limiting purchasing power.

Below state average in household earnings

McPherson County's median household income of $62,024 ranks below the South Dakota state average of $66,926 by 7%, positioning it among the lower-earning counties statewide. The county's per capita income of $40,645 exceeds the state average of $35,667, however, suggesting some pockets of individual wealth.

McPherson County near bottom of regional earnings

At $62,024, McPherson County's median household income exceeds only Mellette County ($51,364) among regional peers, falling notably behind McCook ($80,847), Marshall ($72,500), and Miner ($72,589). The county faces economic headwinds compared to surrounding areas.

Low housing costs ease income pressure

McPherson County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.2% is among the most favorable in the region, keeping housing costs manageable despite modest household earnings. The median home value of just $78,400 is highly affordable, providing significant financial relief.

Maximize savings despite modest McPherson earnings

Low housing costs in McPherson County create opportunity to save aggressively; prioritize building an emergency fund covering 6 months of expenses first. Then pursue employer retirement plans and explore income-boosting opportunities like skill training or side ventures.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in McPherson County

via HealthByCounty

McPherson County's health advantage

McPherson County's 81.7-year life expectancy is about 4.6 years above the U.S. average, with only 13.8% of residents reporting poor or fair health. The county demonstrates strong health outcomes that exceed national benchmarks.

A leader in South Dakota health

McPherson County's life expectancy of 81.7 years outpaces the state average by 6.3 years, ranking it among South Dakota's healthiest counties. The county consistently performs above statewide health metrics.

Strong performer in its region

McPherson County's 81.7-year life expectancy trails only Lincoln County (83.8 years) among its peers and substantially outpaces Lyman County (68.3 years). The county ranks among the region's healthiest communities.

Well-insured, adequate primary care

With just 8.0% uninsured—more than 3 percentage points below the state average—McPherson County residents have strong coverage. The county offers 41 primary care providers per 100,000, providing reasonable access to preventive and routine care.

Maintain your coverage advantage.

McPherson County's high insurance rate reflects community health awareness; protecting that coverage ensures sustained access to care. Review your plan annually at healthcare.gov to stay current and take advantage of any eligible subsidies.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in McPherson County

via RiskByCounty

McPherson County ranks among America's safest areas

McPherson County's composite risk score of 11.13 places it well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating that reflects exceptional resilience to most natural disasters. Wildfire risk (70.36) stands as a notable exception, but even this outlier hazard is insufficient to elevate the county's overall profile significantly. Residents enjoy natural disaster exposure levels lower than the vast majority of U.S. counties.

McPherson is among South Dakota's lowest-risk counties

McPherson County's composite risk score of 11.13 falls well below South Dakota's state average of 26.84, placing it among the state's safest areas for natural disasters. The county's very low flood (7.98) and earthquake (8.08) risks anchor this advantage, though wildfire risk (70.36) deserves attention. Residents experience less overall natural disaster exposure than nearly all other South Dakota counties.

McPherson's exceptional safety outpaces the region

McPherson County's composite risk of 11.13 is among the lowest in South Dakota, trailing only Miner County (3.44) and exceeding Lyman County (26.46) by a substantial margin. However, McPherson's wildfire risk (70.36) slightly exceeds Lyman's (69.53), revealing a localized vulnerability within an otherwise protected profile. The region shows dramatic variation in overall risk despite geographic proximity.

Wildfire is the lone significant hazard exposure

McPherson County's wildfire risk (70.36) is its dominant natural disaster concern, markedly higher than the county's composite score and reflecting grassland fire vulnerability. All other hazards—tornado (23.95), flood (7.98), and earthquake (8.08)—rank well below regional and state averages. Wildfire preparedness should be your primary focus, while other hazards require minimal special attention.

Verify wildfire coverage amid otherwise low risk

McPherson County's elevated wildfire risk (70.36) requires that you confirm your homeowners policy covers wildfire damage and that your property maintains defensible space standards. Given the county's exceptionally low flood and earthquake risks, separate coverage for those hazards is unnecessary unless your property sits in a designated flood zone. A basic homeowners policy with wildfire inclusion provides adequate protection for most residents.

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.