CountyScore

Meade County

South Dakota · SD

#55 in South Dakota
67.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Meade County, South Dakota

Meade County ranks above national median

Meade County's composite score of 67.4 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 35%, positioning it solidly in the top half of U.S. counties. This performance reflects above-average livability compared to typical American communities.

Below South Dakota's average performance

At 67.4, Meade County falls below South Dakota's state average of 71.3, ranking it in the lower-to-middle tier among the state's 66 counties. The county still delivers respectable results compared to national baselines.

Good health outcomes and tax efficiency

Meade County shines with a health score of 78.0 and a 73.2 tax score (1.034% effective tax rate), ensuring residents enjoy good medical access and reasonable tax burden. These strengths provide a solid foundation for quality of life.

Affordability and income growth present concerns

The cost score (68.3) reflects median home values of $274,800 and rents of $1,150/month—among the highest in this group—while the income score (31.8) shows limited earning potential. The risk score of 50.6 suggests moderate economic vulnerability.

Suits health-conscious families with savings

Meade County is best for health-focused families with existing wealth or savings who can absorb higher housing costs without relying on local income growth. The strong health infrastructure and tax efficiency appeal to those prioritizing wellness over rapid wealth building.

Score breakdown

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

Tax73.2Cost68.3SafetyComing SoonHealth78SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.8Risk50.6WaterComing Soon
🏛73.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡50.6
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 Meade County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Faulkner County
Arkansas
67.4
Median income: $65,071
Randolph County
Georgia
67.4
Median income: $25,425
Talbot County
Georgia
67.4
Median income: $45,098
Fayette County
Illinois
67.4
Median income: $57,113
Hancock County
Illinois
67.4
Median income: $65,044

Deep Dives

Meade County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Meade County

via TaxByCounty

Meade County near national levels

Meade County's effective tax rate of 1.034% slightly exceeds the national median of 0.84%, and its median property tax of $2,840 tops the national median of $2,690. The county's home values of $274,800 closely mirror the national average of $281,900.

Moderate taxes among South Dakota counties

Meade County ranks 42nd among South Dakota's 66 counties with an effective tax rate of 1.034%, slightly below the state average of 1.094%. Its median property tax of $2,840 exceeds the state average of $1,785 due to higher home values.

Second-highest in region by rate

Meade County's 1.034% rate ranks second in the eight-county region, trailing only Lincoln County's 1.181% and ahead of most other neighbors. Its $2,840 median tax is the highest among regional peers, reflecting both rate and home values.

What $274,800 home costs annually

The median Meade County home valued at $274,800 generates approximately $2,840 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $3,085, while those without pay $2,543.

Challenge your home's valuation

Meade County residents paying nearly $2,840 annually should verify their assessments reflect current market rates. Even modest reductions through appeal can result in hundreds of dollars in annual tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Meade County

via CostByCounty

Meade County: premium costs, tight budgets

Meade County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's least affordable, with renters dedicating significantly more to housing than most Americans. Against a median household income of $74,161—nearly matching the national average—this elevated burden reflects housing costs that outpace local earning power.

South Dakota's least affordable option

Meade County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds South Dakota's state average of 13.8%, making it the least affordable county in this eight-county comparison. With median rent of $1,150—52% above the state average of $756—Meade mirrors affordability pressures seen in tighter regional markets.

Second priciest, tightest burden

Meade County's $1,150 rent trails only Lincoln County's $1,237 but demands a far higher income share (18.6% vs. 15.4%), indicating that local wages haven't kept pace with housing costs. This gap between rent and income is the region's most concerning affordability challenge.

Housing dominates household budgets

Renters spend $1,150 monthly while homeowners face $1,261 against Meade's $74,161 median income, consuming 18-20% of gross earnings. This leaves less discretionary income than any peer county and approaches the dangerous 30% affordability threshold.

Premium location, premium price tag

Meade County's elevated costs likely reflect proximity to employment or recreational amenities, with median homes at $274,800—the second-highest in the group. Relocating renters should weigh whether higher rents deliver access worth the budget squeeze compared to more affordable options like McCook or Miner counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Meade County

via IncomeByCounty

Meade County income matches national baseline

Meade County's median household income of $74,161 falls just 1% below the national median of $74,755, demonstrating near-perfect alignment with typical American earning levels. The county's per capita income of $36,301 slightly trails the national average, reflecting modest individual earning capacity.

Modest earnings above South Dakota average

Meade County's median household income of $74,161 exceeds the South Dakota state average of $66,926 by 11%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. Per capita income of $36,301 also outperforms the state average of $35,667, indicating consistent earning strength.

Meade County earns solidly in regional context

At $74,161, Meade County's median household income ranks in the middle-to-upper range of regional counties, exceeding Marshall ($72,500), Lyman ($61,169), and Mellette ($51,364). The county offers reasonable earning opportunities compared to most neighbors.

Housing costs challenge Meade County affordability

Meade County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% is among the highest in the region, meaning residents spend a notably larger share of earnings on housing than peers. The median home value of $274,800 may strain budgets despite respectable household income levels.

Plan carefully to build Meade County wealth

Higher housing costs in Meade County require disciplined budgeting to maximize wealth-building capacity; start by creating a detailed household budget tracking all expenses. After controlling housing costs, direct discretionary income toward emergency savings and retirement contributions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Meade County

via HealthByCounty

Meade County above the U.S. average

Meade County's 78.5-year life expectancy is about 2.4 years below the U.S. average, with 12.1% of residents in poor or fair health. The county's health profile is solidly within national norms and better than many U.S. rural areas.

Well above South Dakota average

Meade County's life expectancy of 78.5 years surpasses the state average of 75.4 years by 3.1 years, reflecting stronger-than-typical South Dakota health outcomes. The county's 12.1% poor/fair health rate is slightly below the statewide pattern.

A healthy county in its region

Meade County's 78.5-year life expectancy ranks above McCook County (76.7 years) and Miner County (77.9 years), though below Lincoln County (83.8 years). The county demonstrates solid regional health performance.

Good coverage and provider access

Meade County's 8.6% uninsured rate is below the state average, and the county provides 60 primary care providers per 100,000 residents. Mental health providers are well-represented at 359 per 100,000, offering comprehensive behavioral health access.

Keep health insurance current.

Meade County's strong insurance and provider infrastructure means coverage directly translates to healthcare access. Visit healthcare.gov to ensure your plan meets your family's needs and explore subsidies if applicable.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Meade County

via RiskByCounty

Meade County faces above-average national disaster risk

Meade County's composite risk score of 49.46 exceeds the national average, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category but with notably elevated exposure to specific hazards. Wildfire risk (96.02) is exceptional, earthquake risk (37.88) exceeds national norms, and flood risk (51.94) adds additional concern. This hazard mix reflects the county's western South Dakota location and geological characteristics.

Meade ranks in the higher-risk tier statewide

Meade County's composite risk score of 49.46 substantially exceeds South Dakota's state average of 26.84, placing it among the state's more hazard-exposed counties. The county's wildfire risk (96.02) is exceptionally high—among the state's worst—while its earthquake risk (37.88) is the highest in this eight-county sample. Residents face considerably more natural disaster exposure than most state neighbors.

Meade's wildfire risk stands out regionally

Meade County's composite risk of 49.46 compares to neighboring Lincoln County (62.98) and falls between Marshall County (14.47) and Lyman County (26.46), but its wildfire risk (96.02) vastly exceeds all sampled neighbors. Meade's earthquake risk (37.88) also ranks highest in the region, reflecting its western Black Hills location. These localized hazards demand targeted preparedness attention.

Wildfire and earthquake risks define local threats

Meade County's wildfire risk (96.02) is extraordinary, ranking among the state's highest and reflecting the county's proximity to grassland and forested areas vulnerable to large fires. Earthquake risk (37.88) is also notably elevated, reflecting the county's western location near the Black Hills and regional seismic zones. Flood risk (51.94) adds a third concern for low-lying areas and watercourses.

Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage together

Meade County's exceptional wildfire risk (96.02) makes wildfire coverage non-negotiable—verify your homeowners policy includes this protection and that your home meets defensible space standards. The county's elevated earthquake risk (37.88) may also warrant a separate earthquake insurance policy, particularly for older structures or those in high-risk zones. Review both policies annually and ensure coverage limits match replacement costs.

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.