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McPherson County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#29 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
60.5
County Score
Cost of Living 94.4Disaster Risk 88.9Health 83.3

County Report Card

About McPherson County, South Dakota

Superior Value on a National Scale

McPherson County scores 60.5, outperforming the national median of 50.0 by a wide margin. This indicates a high level of livability, particularly regarding affordability.

Outpacing the South Dakota Average

McPherson's 60.5 composite score sits above the state average of 55.9. It differentiates itself through its remarkable housing value and low environmental risks.

Unmatched Affordability and Low Risk

The county features an incredible cost score of 94.4, with median home values at just $78,400. Safety is also a high point, complemented by a risk score of 88.9.

High Tax Burden and Water Needs

The tax score of 10.7 is a challenge, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.554%. Water infrastructure also scores lower at 26.9, suggesting a need for utility improvements.

The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Retreat

McPherson County is the best choice for those seeking maximum housing value and a low-risk environment. It is an excellent fit for retirees or anyone looking to minimize their housing expenses.

Score breakdown

Tax10.7Cost94.4Safety67.7Health83.3Schools40.8Income45.4Risk88.9Water26.9Weather40.8
🏛10.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠94.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡67.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤83.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓40.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡88.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧26.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.4
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

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Deep Dives

McPherson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in McPherson County

via CrimeByCounty

McPherson Stays Safe and Quiet

McPherson County's total crime rate of 755.2 per 100K is far below the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a strong safety score of 98.8 for the county.

Matching the South Dakota Average

The county's crime rate of 755.2 per 100K is very close to the state average of 788.1. McPherson represents the typical safety profile for a South Dakota county.

Comparing Rural Crime Rates

McPherson's crime rate is higher than neighboring Marshall County's 252.1 per 100K. This difference suggests slightly more property activity despite having only one reporting agency.

Zero Reported Violent Crimes

Remarkably, the county reported 0 violent crimes per 100K in 2022. All reported incidents fall under property crime, which sits at a rate of 755.2.

Focus on Deterring Property Theft

Since property crime is the only recorded category, residents should focus on driveway alarms and shed locks. Good lighting and visible security measures are your best defense.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in McPherson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Educational Settings in McPherson

McPherson County maintains 10 public schools, including five elementary and three high schools. These facilities, including one alternative school, serve a total enrollment of 373 students. Two school districts manage this highly distributed rural network.

Investing Heavily in Individual Student Success

The county invests $8,902 per pupil, surpassing the South Dakota state average of $7,409. While the 75.0% graduation rate trails the national average, the school score of 49.7 remains nearly identical to the state average. This level of funding supports extremely small class sizes across the county.

Leola and Eureka District Leaders

Leola School District 44-2 is the county's largest, managing seven schools for 210 students. Eureka School District 44-1 serves the remaining 163 students through three specialized facilities. The county lacks charter schools, focusing instead on traditional district management.

The State's Smallest Average School Sizes

Schools here are remarkably intimate, with an average of only 37 students per school. Eureka Elementary is the largest site with 105 students, while Spring Creek Colony Elementary serves just 32. This rural landscape provides a level of one-on-one instruction that is rare in larger counties.

Find Your Place in a Micro-School Community

McPherson County is ideal for families who value ultra-small school environments and higher-than-average per-pupil spending. Real estate in Leola or Eureka places you within districts where every student receives focused attention. Explore local listings to find a home where your child won't just be a number.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in McPherson County

via WeatherByCounty

Colder Than Most of the Nation

McPherson County is one of the colder jurisdictions in the country, with an annual average temperature of just 42.0°F. This is significantly lower than the national median, driven by long, frigid winters. The county experiences a continental climate with distinct, sharp seasonal transitions.

Trailing the State in Average Warmth

At 42.0°F, McPherson County is considerably colder than the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. It faces a tough winter season with a December-February average of only 14.6°F. Precipitation levels are slightly below the state average, coming in at 21.2 inches annually.

A Northern Tier Snow Belt

McPherson County records 41.8 inches of snow annually, making it one of the more winter-intensive counties in the area. It only sees 13 days of extreme heat, keeping summers much milder than counties in central South Dakota. The January average of 11.5°F is among the lowest in the region.

Mild Summers and Brutal Winters

Summer temperatures average 67.6°F, providing a cool haven compared to the rest of the state. However, winter is dominant, with nearly 42 inches of snow and average temperatures well below freezing for months. The July high of 70.1°F reflects a climate where heat is rarely an issue.

Winter Survival is the Top Priority

Residents must invest in high-quality heating systems and vehicle winterization for the 14.6°F winter average. Heavy-duty snow removal tools are essential for the 41.8 inches of annual snowfall. Because there are only 13 days of extreme heat, cooling costs are generally lower than the state average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McPherson County

via SoilByCounty

Healthy, Standardized Northern Soil

McPherson County has a pH of 7.10, aligning almost perfectly with South Dakota’s state average of 7.05. This slightly alkaline environment supports a healthy soil score of 66.6.

Sandier Mix for Better Aeration

A notable 37.6% sand content is paired with 40.1% silt and 22.3% clay. This sandier mix allows for better root aeration and easier tilling compared to the heavier clay soils found in the southern part of the state.

High Water Capacity and Strong Matter

The organic matter content is robust at 3.83%, beating the state average of 3.75%. Plants here benefit from an available water capacity of 0.195 in/in, providing excellent drought resilience.

Quick Spring Drying for Early Planting

The high sand percentage generally points toward a well-drained profile that avoids long-term waterlogging. This helps the ground warm up and dry out faster in the spring, allowing for earlier planting dates.

Cool-Season Success in Zone 4b

In hardiness zone 4b, McPherson County is ideal for cold-hardy crops and grains. The superior water capacity and organic matter levels provide a great foundation for a thriving home vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McPherson County

via LawnByCounty

Healthy Lawns in a Cooler Climate

McPherson County earns a respectable 55.4 lawn difficulty score, outperforming the state average of 51.1. Though it sits in the colder Hardiness Zone 4b, the lack of extreme heat simplifies care for cool-season grasses.

Short Growing Season, Less Stress

The county sees only 13 extreme heat days per year, which prevents the grass from burning out in mid-summer. However, with only 21.2 inches of annual rainfall, you will need to supplement water to keep the lawn green through the 2,209 growing degree days.

Sandy Soil Requires Nutrition

A high sand content of 37.6% means your soil drains quickly, which can wash away nutrients. Maintaining a pH of 7.10 is easy, but you may need to fertilize more frequently than in counties with heavier, clay-rich soil.

Resilient and Currently Hydrated

With only 12 weeks of drought in the past year and zero percent of the county currently in dry status, conditions are prime for growth. This is an ideal time to repair any thin spots while the natural moisture levels are high.

Beating the Early Frost

The growing window is tight here, with the first fall frost arriving as early as September 28. Plan to have all seeding completed shortly after the May 10 spring frost to give your grass enough time to mature before the winter freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McPherson County's county score?
McPherson County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 60.5 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 McPherson County rank among counties in South Dakota?
McPherson County ranks #29 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 McPherson County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in McPherson County is $1,218, with an effective tax rate of 1.55%. This earns McPherson County a tax score of 10.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McPherson County?
The median household income in McPherson County, South Dakota is $62,024 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McPherson County earns an income score of 45.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is McPherson County, South Dakota a good place to live?
McPherson County scores 60.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate McPherson 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 McPherson 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.