countyscore
34.5
County Score
Health 79.3Income & Jobs 75.9Disaster Risk 50.6

County Report Card

About Meade County, South Dakota

Meade County Faces Livability Challenges

With a composite score of 34.5, Meade County sits well below the national median of 50.0. The data suggests hurdles in community services that impact the overall ranking.

Trailing South Dakota's State Average

The county's 34.5 score is significantly lower than the South Dakota average of 55.9. It ranks among the lower-scoring counties in the state due to specific social infrastructure gaps.

Strong Health and Solid Income

Meade excels in health with a score of 79.3 and income with a score of 75.9. The median household income is a healthy $74,161, supporting a wellness-focused population.

Low Safety and School Ratings

The county struggles with a safety score of 20.0 and a school score of 12.5. Additionally, the cost score of 16.8 indicates that housing affordability is a pressing concern.

A Fit for Health-Conscious Individuals

Meade County suits established individuals who value personal health and solid earnings above local school quality. It offers a specific lifestyle for those less dependent on public community services.

Score breakdown

Tax35.6Cost16.8Safety20Health79.3Schools12.5Income75.9Risk50.6Water38.9Weather34.1
🏛35.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠16.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼75.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡20
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤79.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓12.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧38.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.9
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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Haakon County
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Deep Dives

Meade County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Meade County

via CrimeByCounty

Meade County Tracks Near National Norms

Meade County reports 2,082.1 crimes per 100K, placing it just under the national average of 2,385.5. It retains a respectable safety score of 96.7.

More Active Than the State Average

Meade's crime rate of 2,082.1 is significantly higher than the South Dakota average of 788.1 per 100K. Five reporting agencies contribute to this more comprehensive data profile.

Higher Activity Levels Than Neighbors

Meade's crime rate is more than triple that of Lyman County, reflecting its larger population and higher reporting. This indicates a busier public safety landscape compared to its rural neighbors.

Violent and Property Crime Mix

Property crime accounts for 1,751.8 per 100K, while the violent crime rate is 330.3. Residents are primarily affected by property-related incidents rather than personal safety threats.

Comprehensive Security is Recommended

With over 1,700 property crimes per 100K, home alarm systems and cameras are worthwhile investments. Staying connected with local law enforcement across the five agencies can help residents track trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Meade County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Robust School Infrastructure

Meade County supports 16 public schools, including 10 elementary and three middle schools, serving 3,513 students. The county features a mix of traditional, special education, and various locale settings. Three districts, including a specialized cooperative, manage this large-scale system.

Scaling Education for a Growing Population

Meade County achieves an 82.9% graduation rate, which is slightly above the state average. The county operates on a lean $5,697 per-pupil expenditure, well below the national average of $13,000. Despite the lower spending, the system manages thousands of students with a composite score of 47.0.

Meade School District 46-1 Leads

Meade School District 46-1 is the dominant provider, enrolling 3,068 students across 11 schools. Faith School District 46-2 and Black Hills Special Services also serve the county's diverse needs. No charter schools exist here, as the public districts handle all student enrollment.

A Blend of Town and Rural Environments

Unlike many neighbors, Meade features a mix of rural, town, and suburban locales, with an average school size of 234 students. Sturgis Brown High School is the largest with 842 students, while specialized rural sites remain much smaller. This variety allows families to choose between larger town facilities or quiet rural schools.

Diverse Living Options Near Sturgis Schools

Whether you prefer suburban neighborhoods or rural acreage, Meade County has a school setting to match. The large district size ensures a wide range of extracurricular and academic programs for students. Look for homes in the Piedmont Valley or Sturgis areas to join this active educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Meade County

via WeatherByCounty

Dry Air and Wide Temperature Swings

Meade County averages 46.1°F annually, which is cool by national standards but warm for the northern plains. With just 18.5 inches of annual precipitation, it is significantly drier than the national county median. This creates a high-plains environment where moisture is a scarce and valuable resource.

Warmer and Drier Than the State Average

The county's 46.1°F average temperature sits slightly above the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. However, it is much drier than the rest of the state, receiving only 18.5 inches of precipitation compared to the 22.7-inch state average. This dryness contributes to 32 days of extreme heat annually.

High Snowfall in a Semi-Arid Zone

Despite its low total precipitation, Meade County receives a surprisingly high 46.9 inches of snowfall annually. This is significantly more snow than its neighbors to the east, often due to elevation changes and winter storm patterns. The county also endures 32 days of heat over 90°F, creating a climate of extremes.

Hot Summers Meet Snowy Plains

July averages 72.8°F, but the dry heat often spikes during the 32 days of 90°F-plus weather. Winters are surprisingly temperate compared to the east, with a 21.1°F January average, though the 46.9 inches of snow is substantial. This mix of heat and snow defines the local agricultural and residential rhythm.

Preparing for Heat and Heavy Snow

Living in Meade County requires a powerful snow blower for the 46.9 inches of annual snowfall. Residents should also prioritize home cooling and hydration for the 32 days of extreme summer heat. Dry-land landscaping is recommended to manage the low 18.5 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Meade County

via SoilByCounty

Resilient Soils of Meade County

Meade County soil data is currently undergoing further classification for pH and taxonomic order. Despite limited data, the region remains a vital part of the state's agricultural landscape within its zone 5a climate.

Understanding Local Soil Texture

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently specified in this dataset. Local gardeners can perform a simple jar test at home to determine if their specific plot leans more toward clay or sand.

Building Health in Prairie Soils

While specific organic matter figures are not recorded here, the region typically follows the hardy trends of western prairie soils. Growers can enhance fertility by focusing on composting and mulching to keep soil life active.

Observing Natural Water Drainage

Drainage and hydrologic data are not yet mapped for the county's dominant soil types. Observing how quickly puddles disappear after a rainstorm is the best way for residents to gauge their site's drainage needs.

Hardy Natives for Zone 5a

Even with limited data, the zone 5a status means Meade County supports many prairie-adapted plants. Native grasses and drought-tolerant shrubs are excellent choices for starting a resilient, low-maintenance landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Meade County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Landscape in Meade

Meade County presents a difficult environment for lawn care, scoring just 39.9 on the difficulty index. High heat and extremely low precipitation in Zone 5a make this one of the tougher counties in the state for traditional turf.

Low Rainfall and High Heat

With only 18.5 inches of annual rain, the county falls far short of the 30 inches required for an ideal lawn. 32 extreme heat days further stress the grass, necessitating a very aggressive irrigation and maintenance strategy.

Adaptable Soil Management

While specific soil texture data is limited for the county, the climate suggests a need for increasing organic matter to hold what little moisture is available. Local testing is recommended to determine if pH adjustments are needed for your specific lot.

Surviving the Dry Western Plains

Nearly 69% of the county is currently abnormally dry, following 24 weeks of drought last year. Water conservation is critical here; consider drought-tolerant grass varieties or xeriscaping to reduce the burden on local water resources.

Timing is Everything

Aim to plant grass after May 8 to avoid late spring frosts, but be prepared for a hot summer. Because the first frost hits around October 3, fall seeding should be done early to ensure a strong root system before the dry winter begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Meade County's county score?
Meade County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 34.5 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 Meade County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Meade County ranks #64 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 Meade County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Meade County is $2,840, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Meade County a tax score of 35.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Meade County?
The median household income in Meade County, South Dakota is $74,161 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Meade County earns an income score of 75.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Meade County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Meade County scores 34.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #64 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Meade 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 Meade County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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