countyscore
68.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.6Safety 89.6Cost of Living 79.5

County Report Card

About Miner County, South Dakota

Miner County is a National Leader

With an impressive composite score of 68.0, Miner County far exceeds the national median of 50.0. It ranks as one of the most livable counties in the entire country.

Exceeding the State Average

Miner County's 68.0 score is much higher than the South Dakota average of 55.9. It represents a gold standard for rural livability within the state.

Maximum Security and Affordability

Miner shines with a risk score of 96.6 and a safety score of 89.6. Affordable living is also a key benefit, evidenced by a cost score of 86.3 and median rent of $563.

Upgrading Water Infrastructure

The water score of 22.5 is the only significant low point in an otherwise stellar profile. Improving water quality and delivery would solidify its top-tier standing.

The Best Overall Rural Balance

Miner County is perfect for families or retirees seeking the ultimate combination of safety, affordability, and income stability. It is a premier destination for a high-quality, secure life.

2040608010041.979.589.670.453.675.596.622.547Tax41.9Cost79.5Safety89.6Health70.4Schools53.6Income75.5Risk96.6Water22.5Weather4768.4/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Miner County DNA

C-overall

How Miner County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Miner County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (96.6/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (22.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
41.9-10.100000000000001
Cost
79.5+31.5
Safety
89.6+34.599999999999994
Health
70.4+20.400000000000006
Schools
53.6
Income
75.5+24.5
Risk
96.6+49.599999999999994
Water
22.5-35.5
Weather
47-9
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Many homeowners in Miner County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$142,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$644/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$142,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $76,140/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

43.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Owsley County
Kentucky
Median income: $22,188
68.4
Kent County
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Median income: $72,889
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Braxton County
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Median income: $50,331
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Trego County
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Median income: $81,528
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Boyd County
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Median income: $67,045
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Harlan County
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Median income: $70,625
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Pembina County
North Dakota
Median income: $68,393
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Menifee County
Kentucky
Median income: $45,096
68.3

Nearby counties

Hanson County
South Dakota
60
Sanborn County
South Dakota
62.4
Lake County
South Dakota
49.7
Kingsbury County
South Dakota
67.2
McCook County
South Dakota
53.7
Davison County
South Dakota
41.2
Beadle County
South Dakota
42.6
Hutchinson County
South Dakota
65.1

Deep Dives

Miner County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Miner County

via CrimeByCounty

Miner County Offers Exceptional Peace

Miner County's total crime rate of 216.3 per 100K is less than a tenth of the national average. It achieves an outstanding safety score of 99.7.

Well Below South Dakota's Average

The county's crime rate of 216.3 is far lower than the state average of 788.1 per 100K. It stands as one of the quietest and safest counties in South Dakota.

Safer Than Most Nearby Jurisdictions

Miner's crime rate is significantly lower than McCook County's 472.5 per 100K. Although data is provided by a single agency, the low numbers indicate a very secure region.

Property-Focused Crime Profile

Miner County reported 0 violent crimes, with the entire rate of 216.3 consisting of property crimes. This suggests a very low risk of personal harm for residents.

Basic Precautions Deter Theft

Prevent property theft by securing garages and outbuildings where tools or valuables are stored. Simple precautions like porch lights can keep the crime rate at these low levels.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Miner County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Continental Climate of the Plains

Miner County maintains an annual average temperature of 46.6°F, which is cool compared to the national average. It receives a healthy 26.4 inches of precipitation, making it more moisture-rich than the western US. The climate is defined by cold winters and warm, humid summers.

Warmer and Wetter Than the State

Miner County's average temperature of 46.6°F is exactly one degree warmer than the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. It also receives nearly four inches more precipitation than the state average of 22.7 inches. This combination makes it a relatively mild and damp part of the state.

Consistent Precipitation and Moderate Heat

Miner County sees 14 days of extreme heat, which is fewer than its neighbors to the west. Its 35.8 inches of annual snowfall is typical for the region, keeping winters consistently cold. The county's 26.4 inches of rain ensures it avoids the drought-prone conditions of the western plains.

Predictable Snowfall and Temperate Summers

July averages 73.7°F, while January brings a cold average of 16.8°F. The county experiences 35.8 inches of snow spread across a long winter season that averages 20.0°F. Summers are generally pleasant, as extreme heat over 90°F only occurs about 14 days a year.

Managing Moisture and Winter Chill

With 26.4 inches of precipitation, residents should ensure proper basement waterproofing and drainage. Standard winter clothing and snow tires are necessary for the 35.8 inches of annual snow. Energy costs are balanced by the relatively low number of extreme heat days compared to central South Dakota.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Miner County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality, Near-Neutral Soil

Miner County features high-quality soil with a pH of 6.92, making it more neutral than the state average of 7.05. This excellent balance helps the county achieve a superior soil score of 73.9.

Silt-Dominant Nutrient Powerhouse

The soil is dominated by 50.4% silt, with clay and sand making up the remaining halves. This silty texture is renowned for its ability to hold nutrients while remaining manageable for backyard gardening and farming.

Exceptional Water Retention and Fertility

Fertility is a highlight here, with organic matter at 3.89% and a very high water capacity of 0.205 in/in. These figures outperform state averages, making the land exceptionally resilient to short-term dry spells.

Moderate Drainage for Healthy Roots

The 50.4% silt content usually indicates moderate drainage that supports deep root systems. This allows the soil to stay moist enough for plant health without becoming easily waterlogged.

A Gardener's Dream in Zone 5a

In hardiness zone 5a, Miner County is a dream for growers thanks to its 73.9 soil score. The rich water capacity makes it an ideal spot for high-yield vegetable patches and lush ornamental gardens.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Miner County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Conditions in Miner County

Miner County is a haven for lawn enthusiasts, boasting a difficulty score of 61.8. This is the highest score in the region, indicating that local climate and soil conditions are exceptionally favorable compared to the rest of South Dakota.

Optimal Rain and Moderate Heat

The county receives a healthy 26.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average. Combined with only 14 extreme heat days, the grass remains active and green for more of the 2,866 growing degree days.

Prime Soil for Green Lawns

With a pH of 6.92 and a balanced mix of 25.7% clay and 23.9% sand, the soil is nearly ideal for lawn health. These conditions allow for excellent root penetration and nutrient uptake with very little need for specialized amendments.

Brief and Manageable Droughts

While currently 100% abnormally dry, the county only saw 20 weeks of drought over the past year. This relatively low drought pressure means the lawn can recover quickly with basic irrigation after a dry spell ends.

Take Advantage of the Season

You have a generous growing window between the May 5 last frost and the October 2 first frost. This is the perfect environment to grow high-quality Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass for a show-stopping lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Miner County's county score?
Miner County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 68.4 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 Miner County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Miner County ranks #6 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 Miner County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Miner County is $1,306, with an effective tax rate of 0.92%. This earns Miner County a tax score of 41.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Miner County?
The median household income in Miner County, South Dakota is $76,140 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Miner County earns an income score of 75.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Miner County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Miner County scores 68.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Miner 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 Miner County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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