CountyScore

Miner County

South Dakota · SD

#8 in South Dakota
76.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Miner County, South Dakota

Miner County ranks among nation's best

Miner County's composite score of 76.4 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 53%, placing it in the top 15% of U.S. counties. This exceptional performance reflects consistent strength across livability dimensions.

South Dakota's top livability performer

At 76.4, Miner County outperforms South Dakota's state average of 71.3 and ranks among the state's highest-scoring counties. The county consistently delivers superior results on key livability measures.

Unbeatable affordability and stability

Miner County excels with a cost score of 88.4 (median home: $114,100; median rent: $563/month) and a risk score of 96.6—the highest among these eight counties. The 71.1 tax score and 1.108% effective tax rate provide additional financial advantages.

Income growth remains constrained

The income score (30.8) reflects a median household income of $72,589, which, while respectable, lags behind top-performing counties and limits wealth-building potential. This modest earning environment is the county's primary livability constraint.

Perfect for cost-conscious families prioritizing security

Miner County suits families who value unbeatable housing affordability, minimal taxes, and exceptional economic resilience over high earning potential. The county delivers rare value: cheap living combined with strong stability, making it ideal for budget-first households seeking long-term security.

Score breakdown

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

Tax71.1Cost88.4SafetyComing SoonHealth74.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.8Risk96.6WaterComing Soon
🏛71.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡96.6
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 Miner County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Washington County
Colorado
76.4
Median income: $65,164
Big Stone County
Minnesota
76.4
Median income: $65,475
Keya Paha County
Nebraska
76.4
Median income: $60,313
Niobrara County
Wyoming
76.4
Median income: $48,987
Clay County
Alabama
76.5
Median income: $51,852

Deep Dives

Miner County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Miner County

via TaxByCounty

Miner County slightly above national median

Miner County's effective tax rate of 1.108% exceeds the national median of 0.84%, and its median property tax of $1,264 is less than half the national median of $2,690. The county's median home value of $114,100 reflects its rural character, well below the national average of $281,900.

Above state average in South Dakota

Miner County ranks 38th among South Dakota's 66 counties with an effective tax rate of 1.108%, just above the state average of 1.094%. Its median property tax of $1,264 is below the state average of $1,785 due to lower home values.

Mid-range rate for the region

Miner County's 1.108% rate falls near the state average and below high-rate neighbors like McPherson County (1.554%) and Mellette County (1.529%). Its $1,264 median tax is among the lowest in the eight-county region.

What $114,100 home costs annually

The median Miner County home valued at $114,100 generates approximately $1,264 in annual property taxes. With mortgage, that figure rises to $1,899; without mortgage, it drops to $991.

Appeal if you think you're overvalued

Even in moderate-tax Miner County, homeowners should verify their assessments align with current market values. A property tax appeal costs nothing and could provide relief if your home is assessed above its true worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Miner County

via CostByCounty

Miner County: rare national affordability

Miner County's 9.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among America's most affordable housing markets, with renters dedicating less than one-tenth of income to shelter. At just $563 median rent and $72,589 household income, Miner delivers genuine breathing room compared to national norms.

South Dakota's affordability champion

Miner County's 9.3% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this eight-county comparison and substantially below South Dakota's state average of 13.8%. With median rent of $563—25% cheaper than the state average of $756—Miner stands alone as the state's most accessible housing market in this cohort.

Lowest burden among all eight

Miner County's $563 rent ties McPherson County's for cheapest in the region, but Miner pairs it with a 9.3% burden—the absolute lowest, beating every neighbor. This combination makes Miner the genuine affordability champion, offering true financial relief for renters.

Housing claims minimal earnings

Renters spend $563 monthly while homeowners face $668 against Miner's $72,589 income, meaning housing claims just 9-11% of gross earnings. This leaves maximum flexibility for savings, transportation, childcare, and other essentials compared to any peer county.

Best overall affordability option

Miner County emerges as the eight-county affordability leader, combining South Dakota's lowest rent-to-income ratio (9.3%) with accessible homeownership at $114,100 median value. For renters or buyers prioritizing maximum financial flexibility over premium amenities, Miner County delivers unmatched South Dakota affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Miner County

via IncomeByCounty

Miner County income rivals national averages

Miner County's median household income of $72,589 sits just 3% below the national median of $74,755, demonstrating solid economic parity with typical U.S. household earnings. Per capita income of $34,056 slightly trails the national average, reflecting moderate individual earning capacity.

Above-average earner within South Dakota

Miner County's median household income of $72,589 exceeds the South Dakota state average of $66,926 by 8%, ranking among the stronger county economies statewide. Per capita income of $34,056 approaches the state average of $35,667, indicating reasonably consistent earning across households.

Miner County holds middle ground regionally

At $72,589, Miner County's median household income ranks solidly among regional peers, matching Marshall ($72,500) while trailing McCook ($80,847) and Lincoln ($96,552). The county significantly outperforms Mellette ($51,364), Lyman ($61,169), and McPherson ($62,024).

Exceptional housing affordability in Miner County

Miner County's rent-to-income ratio of 9.3% is the best in the entire region, meaning residents spend the smallest share of earnings on housing. The median home value of $114,100 is highly affordable, maximizing financial flexibility for savings and investments.

Miner County's affordability powers wealth building

Outstanding housing affordability combined with solid household incomes creates exceptional conditions for aggressive wealth-building in Miner County. Leverage low housing costs to maximize retirement contributions, build investment portfolios, and pursue long-term financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Miner County

via HealthByCounty

Miner County near U.S. health norms

Miner County's 77.9-year life expectancy is about 4.4 years below the U.S. average, with 13.7% of residents in poor or fair health. The county's health profile aligns closely with broader American patterns.

Above South Dakota's health baseline

Miner County's life expectancy of 77.9 years exceeds the state average of 75.4 years by 2.5 years, placing it solidly in South Dakota's healthier half. The county's poor/fair health rate is slightly below statewide norms.

Middle tier within the region

Miner County's 77.9-year life expectancy ranks above McCook County (76.7 years) and Lyman County (68.3 years) but trails Lincoln County (83.8 years) and McPherson County (81.7 years). The county performs solidly in its regional context.

Moderate coverage, limited primary care

Miner County's 10.6% uninsured rate is slightly below the state average, and the county provides 43 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—adequate for basic access. Mental health provider data is not available, suggesting potential gaps in behavioral health services.

Secure and maintain your coverage.

With limited primary care capacity and incomplete mental health provider networks, health insurance is essential to accessing available services. Check healthcare.gov annually to ensure your coverage is current and explore subsidies if your income qualifies.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Miner County

via RiskByCounty

Miner County ranks among the nation's safest areas

Miner County's composite risk score of 3.44 places it among the safest counties in the United States, earning a "Very Low" rating that reflects exceptional resilience to natural disasters. All major hazards—flood (4.17), earthquake (9.80), and tornado (26.56)—rank well below national averages, with wildfire risk (40.27) being the county's only moderate exposure. Residents experience natural disaster risk levels lower than the vast majority of Americans.

Miner is South Dakota's safest county overall

Miner County's composite risk score of 3.44 is the lowest in South Dakota, falling far below the state average of 26.84 and reflecting the county's exceptional natural disaster resilience. All major hazard categories—flood (4.17), earthquake (9.80), wildfire (40.27), and tornado (26.56)—are well below state and national norms. Residents enjoy natural disaster exposure levels superior to virtually all other state and national peers.

Miner's exceptional safety stands alone regionally

Miner County's composite risk of 3.44 is substantially lower than any sampled neighbor, including Mellette County (5.15) and McPherson County (11.13), making it the region's safest county by a significant margin. Even Miner's wildfire risk (40.27) is the lowest among all sampled counties, revealing balanced low exposure rather than a concentrated hazard vulnerability. The county presents a uniquely protected natural disaster profile.

Natural disaster risk is minimal across all hazards

Miner County faces exceptionally low exposure across all major natural disaster types: wildfire risk (40.27) is the highest hazard, but still well below state and national averages, while flood (4.17), earthquake (9.80), and tornado (26.56) risks are all minimal. No single hazard requires special attention or targeted preparedness efforts. For residents, natural disaster planning can follow standard baseline protocols without county-specific adjustments.

Standard coverage adequate for minimal risk

Miner County's exceptionally low natural disaster risk means a basic homeowners insurance policy provides adequate protection without requiring specialized wildfire, flood, or earthquake coverage unless your property is in a designated flood zone. Annual policy review ensures coverage limits align with replacement costs, but the county's overall low-risk profile allows residents to prioritize insurance needs differently than higher-hazard areas. Standard homeowners and auto coverage represents appropriate protection for most residents.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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