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Mellette County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#41 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
51.9
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 94.9Cost of Living 84.8

County Report Card

About Mellette County, South Dakota

Above the Median National Profile

Mellette County earns a composite score of 51.8, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a rural profile with exceptional safety offsetting other needs.

Below South Dakota's State Average

While competitive nationally, Mellette's 51.8 score is slightly below the South Dakota average of 55.9. It faces unique challenges compared to more developed counties in the state.

Top-Tier Safety and Low Costs

The county boasts a near-perfect safety score of 97.5 and a risk score of 94.9. Housing is also very affordable, with a cost score of 84.8 and a median home value of $63,000.

Healthcare and Income Limitations

A health score of 9.4 and an income score of 17.4 highlight significant socio-economic hurdles. Improving medical access and economic diversity is critical for future growth.

For Seekers of Safety and Seclusion

Mellette County is ideal for people prioritizing absolute safety and extremely low-cost housing. It offers a quiet, secure life for those who are self-sufficient regarding health and income.

Score breakdown

Tax11.7Cost84.8Safety97.5Health9.4Schools40.4Income17.4Risk94.9Water15.7Weather34.3
🏛11.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤9.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓40.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡94.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧15.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨42.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.8
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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Todd County
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Tripp County
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Lyman County
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Deep Dives

Mellette County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Mellette County

via TaxByCounty

Mellette County has very high rate

Mellette County's effective tax rate of 1.529% is nearly double the national median of 0.84%, placing it among the most tax-heavy counties nationwide. The median property tax of $963 remains relatively modest due to the lowest median home value in the region at $63,000.

Third-highest rate in South Dakota

Mellette County ranks 3rd among South Dakota's 66 counties with an effective tax rate of 1.529%, significantly exceeding the state average of 1.094%. Only McPherson County (1.554%) and Lincoln County (1.181%) have higher rates.

Second-highest rate in eight-county region

Mellette County's 1.529% rate trails only McPherson County's 1.554% among all regional neighbors, making it one of the most punitive jurisdictions locally. The county's low home values help keep absolute tax bills manageable despite the high rate.

What $63,000 home costs annually

The median Mellette County home valued at $63,000 generates approximately $963 in annual property taxes—the lowest absolute amount in the region. With mortgage, residents pay $1,250; without, $925.

Verify your assessment immediately

Despite modest absolute tax bills, Mellette County's extreme 1.529% rate means even small assessment reductions yield meaningful savings. Filing an appeal is essential for homeowners questioning their valuations.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mellette County

via CostByCounty

Mellette County: cheap rents, stretched income

Mellette County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio represents a paradox—affordable rents of $737 monthly paired with a low median household income of $51,364, creating genuine affordability stress despite low nominal costs. Against the national average income of $74,755, Mellette residents earn 31% less while paying proportionally more for housing.

Low rent, but strained by low wages

Mellette County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds South Dakota's state average of 13.8%, placing it among the state's least affordable despite $737 median rent below the state average of $756. The disconnect reflects wages that lag even rural South Dakota norms.

Cheap housing, challenging economics

Mellette County's $737 rent rivals Marshall County's price but strains renters far more due to the lowest household income ($51,364) in this eight-county cohort. Only McPherson County ($62,024) comes close to Mellette's income constraints, making both communities economically fragile.

Low rents mask income challenges

Renters spend $737 monthly while homeowners face $535 against just $51,364 annual income, meaning housing claims 17% of renter income and 13% of owner income. The renter burden approaches dangerous territory, leaving minimal room for food, healthcare, or transportation costs.

Affordability comes with trade-offs

Mellette County offers the region's most extreme affordability-to-income challenge: cheap rents ($737) and minimal home prices ($63,000), but paired with the lowest wages. Relocating professionals should verify employment opportunities exceed local norms, or this bargain may mask limited economic mobility.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mellette County

via IncomeByCounty

Mellette County faces significant income challenges

Mellette County's median household income of $51,364 falls 31% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting substantial economic disadvantage compared to typical American households. Per capita income of $18,423 trails the national average by 56%, indicating severe individual earning constraints.

Lowest earner in South Dakota's regional cluster

Mellette County's median household income of $51,364 ranks among the lowest in South Dakota, falling 23% below the state average of $66,926. Per capita income of $18,423 lags the state average by 48%, signaling acute economic hardship across the county.

Mellette County struggles economically versus peers

At $51,364, Mellette County's median household income is substantially lower than all regional neighbors, ranging from 30% below McPherson ($62,024) to 88% below Lincoln ($96,552). The county faces the most severe economic challenges in the eight-county region.

Low income strained by housing cost burdens

Mellette County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% is the second-highest in the region, meaning residents dedicate a disproportionate share of limited earnings to housing. Even the lowest median home value of $63,000 strains household budgets already stressed by poverty-level incomes.

Mellette County: prioritize stability over growth

Given economic constraints, Mellette County residents should focus first on stabilizing basic expenses and building modest emergency reserves before investing. Explore job training, workforce development programs, and community resources designed to increase earning capacity over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mellette County

via CrimeByCounty

Limited Reported Incidents in Mellette

Mellette County reported zero crimes per 100K in 2022, resulting in a technical safety score of 100.0. This is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5, though reporting may be incomplete.

A Deviation from State Averages

While most South Dakota counties average 788.1 crimes per 100K, Mellette shows no reported activity. This suggests that the single reporting agency may not have submitted full data for the year.

Quiet Data Compared to Neighbors

While neighboring Lyman County reports a rate of 618.5, Mellette's data shows zero activity. This discrepancy highlights the importance of consistent multi-agency reporting for accurate comparisons.

No Recorded Violent or Property Crimes

The current data indicates 0.0 violent and property crimes per 100K. Users should treat these figures with caution as they likely reflect reporting limitations rather than a total absence of crime.

Always Maintain Basic Safety Habits

Even when data shows no crime, basic safety like locking doors and windows remains essential. Awareness and neighbors looking out for one another are the best tools for rural safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mellette County

via HealthByCounty

Mellette County faces acute health crisis

Mellette County's 61.6-year life expectancy is roughly 20.7 years below the U.S. average—among the lowest in the nation—and more than one-quarter of residents (26.0%) report poor or fair health. These figures reflect a community facing severe health and socioeconomic stress.

South Dakota's most challenged county

Mellette County's life expectancy of 61.6 years is the lowest in South Dakota, trailing the state average by 13.8 years. The county's 26.0% poor/fair health rate nearly doubles statewide averages, representing a public health emergency.

Dramatically worse than regional peers

Mellette County's 61.6-year life expectancy is 19.2 years shorter than Lincoln County (83.8 years) and 6.7 years below even Lyman County (68.3 years)—the second-lowest. The gap signals systemic health inequities concentrated in this county.

Uninsured, with minimal healthcare access

Mellette County's 14.4% uninsured rate is among the highest in the sample, and primary care and mental health provider data are not available—likely reflecting severe access shortages. Healthcare infrastructure is critically inadequate relative to community health needs.

Health coverage is a lifeline.

Mellette County residents must prioritize insurance access; visit healthcare.gov or contact your state health department for immediate enrollment support and any available hardship waivers. Getting covered is the essential first step toward addressing the county's health crisis.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mellette County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Education in White River

Mellette County operates five public schools, including three elementary facilities and one high school. This system serves 419 total students through a single, unified district. The entire infrastructure is designed to serve a rural population across the county.

High Investment per Student in Mellette

The county spends $9,166 per pupil, significantly more than the South Dakota state average of $7,409. Although the graduation rate of 69.0% faces challenges, the high level of funding is directed toward supporting its 419 students. The composite school score of 47.2 reflects the ongoing efforts to improve outcomes.

One District, One Community

The White River School District 47-1 is the sole provider for the county, managing all four active campuses and 419 students. No charter schools are available, focusing all local resources on the traditional district model. This centralization ensures consistent standards across every school in the county.

A Truly Rural Learning Experience

All five school sites are rural, maintaining an average size of 105 students. White River Elementary is the largest with 165 students, while Norris Elementary is the smallest with only 45. These small campuses provide an environment where educators and families are closely connected.

Supportive School Districts for New Residents

Mellette County offers a high-investment environment for families seeking a small, unified school district. Homebuyers can find value in the centralized White River system where student-teacher ratios are a top priority. Explore the area to find a home in this dedicated rural community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mellette County

via RiskByCounty

Mellette County ranks among America's lowest-risk areas

Mellette County's composite risk score of 5.15 places it among the nation's safest areas for natural disasters, earning a "Very Low" rating that reflects exceptional resilience across most hazards. Wildfire risk (83.21) stands as a notable exception, creating a dramatic contrast with the county's otherwise minimal exposure. For most residents, natural disaster risk is negligible outside of wildfire season.

Mellette ranks among South Dakota's safest counties

Mellette County's composite risk score of 5.15 is among the very lowest in South Dakota, trailing only Miner County (3.44) and falling well below the state average of 26.84. The county's near-zero flood (8.11) and earthquake (8.08) risks anchor this advantage, though wildfire risk (83.21) presents an outlier hazard. Residents enjoy natural disaster resilience superior to nearly all other state counties.

Mellette's overall safety exceeds all nearby peers

Mellette County's composite risk of 5.15 is substantially lower than any sampled neighbor, making it one of South Dakota's safest counties for natural disasters overall. However, Mellette's wildfire risk (83.21) exceeds nearby McPherson County (70.36) and Lyman County (69.53), revealing concentrated fire vulnerability despite minimal other hazards. The county presents an unusual profile: exceptional safety coupled with notable wildfire exposure.

Wildfire dominates Mellette's limited hazard exposure

Mellette County's wildfire risk (83.21) is its sole significant natural disaster concern, standing dramatically above all other local hazards and reflecting the county's grassland and forested areas. Tornado risk (19.43), flood risk (8.11), and earthquake risk (15.94) all rank well below state and national averages. Wildfire preparedness is your primary natural disaster priority; other hazards require minimal attention.

Verify wildfire coverage despite minimal overall risk

Mellette County's elevated wildfire risk (83.21) requires that you confirm your homeowners policy includes wildfire coverage 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 is in a designated flood zone. A standard homeowners policy with wildfire inclusion provides comprehensive protection for most residents.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mellette County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Region's Warmest Spots

Mellette County averages 48.1°F annually, which is notably warmer than its South Dakota peers. However, it remains below the national median temperature due to its northern latitude. The local climate is marked by significant extreme heat and moderate total precipitation.

A State Leader in Extreme Heat

With 39 days of extreme heat over 90°F, Mellette County is much hotter in the summer than the South Dakota average. Its annual temperature of 48.1°F is also well above the state average of 45.6°F. Precipitation levels are slightly lower than the state norm, totaling 20.4 inches.

Topping the Region in Snow and Sun

Mellette County is an outlier with its high count of 39 heat days and its significant 45.1 inches of snowfall. It experiences more extreme heat than almost all its neighbors while maintaining heavy winter totals. This volatility makes it one of the more climate-stressed counties in the state.

Intense Summer Sun and Snowy Winters

Summer in Mellette is hot, with a July average of 74.7°F and over five weeks of 90°F days. Winters are equally intense, averaging 25.0°F from December to February with over 45 inches of snow. The transition from intense heat to heavy snow requires significant resilience from local infrastructure.

Resilience Against Heat and Drifts

Robust air conditioning is critical to handle the 39 days of extreme heat each summer. Simultaneously, residents need high-performance winter gear to manage 45.1 inches of snow and January lows of 23.1°F. Home maintenance should focus on both heat reflection and heavy-duty winter insulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mellette County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Alkaline Mellette Soils

Mellette County soil is more alkaline than most, with a pH of 7.34 compared to the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile, along with lower water capacity, results in a soil score of 42.4.

Heavy Clay and Silt Profile

The soil profile is heavy on clay at 31.8% and silt at 41.6%, with sand making up only 25.6%. This high clay content can lead to soil compaction and slower water infiltration if not managed carefully.

Moisture Conservation is Key

Organic matter is relatively low at 2.37%, which is below the state average of 3.75%. The available water capacity of 0.154 in/in is also lower than the state benchmark, suggesting a need for consistent moisture management.

Managing Water in Clay Soil

The 31.8% clay composition typically indicates a soil that holds onto water for longer periods. This can be a challenge for gardening, though it provides stability for certain types of infrastructure and building.

Adapting to Zone 5a Conditions

Growers in Mellette County should focus on plants that tolerate alkaline conditions and heavy clay. Adding organic amendments like compost can help improve the soil score and make your backyard garden more productive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mellette County

via LawnByCounty

Battling the Elements in Mellette

Mellette County faces a steep uphill climb with a lawn difficulty score of 43.8. The combination of high temperatures and low rainfall in Zone 5a makes it significantly harder to grow grass here than the national average.

Extreme Heat and Limited Water

The county endures a staggering 39 extreme heat days annually, the highest in this group. With only 20.4 inches of rain, your lawn will rely heavily on supplemental watering to survive the 2,926 growing degree days.

Alkaline Clay Challenges

A soil pH of 7.34 is higher than the ideal range, which can limit nutrient availability for certain grasses. The 31.8% clay content provides some moisture retention, but it can easily become compacted under the intense summer sun.

Extended Periods of Dryness

With 100% of the county currently abnormally dry and 28 weeks of drought in the past year, water management is a full-time job. Avoid over-fertilizing during dry spells, as this can lead to chemical burns when the grass is already stressed.

Hardy Grasses for Hot Days

Buffalo grass or specialized heat-resistant fescues are your best bet for this climate. Your planting window opens on May 10, giving you until the October 4 frost to establish a lawn that can survive the 39 days of blistering heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mellette County's county score?
Mellette County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 51.9 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 Mellette County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Mellette County ranks #41 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 Mellette County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Mellette County is $963, with an effective tax rate of 1.53%. This earns Mellette County a tax score of 11.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mellette County?
The median household income in Mellette County, South Dakota is $51,364 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mellette County earns an income score of 17.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mellette County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Mellette County scores 51.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Mellette 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 Mellette 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.