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Minnehaha County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#49 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
49.5
County Score
Safety 89.8Income & Jobs 78.6Health 73.6

County Report Card

About Minnehaha County, South Dakota

A Mirror of the National Average

Minnehaha County earns a composite score of 49.5, landing it almost exactly at the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile that tracks closely with typical American living standards.

Trailing South Dakota’s High State Average

While competitive nationally, the county trails the South Dakota state average composite score of 55.9. As the state's most populous hub, it faces unique urban pressures not seen in its more rural neighbors.

Superior Safety and High Incomes

The county boasts an exceptional safety score of 89.8 and a strong income score of 78.6. Residents enjoy a median household income of $76,074, which significantly boosts local purchasing power.

Navigating Environmental Risk and Education

Environmental risk presents a challenge with a low score of 10.5, alongside a school score of 24.2. Additionally, housing costs weigh on the profile, as the cost score of 24.3 indicates tighter affordability compared to regional peers.

The Hub for High-Earning Professionals

This county is best suited for working professionals who value safety and high income potential above all else. It offers a fast-paced environment for those willing to trade lower school scores for career opportunities.

Score breakdown

Tax27.4Cost24.3Safety89.8Health73.6Schools24.2Income78.6Risk10.5Water70.4Weather47.4
🏛27.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠24.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡89.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓24.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡10.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧70.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.8
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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Deep Dives

Minnehaha County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Minnehaha County

via TaxByCounty

Minnehaha taxes run above the national average

Minnehaha County's effective tax rate of 1.159% exceeds the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the upper third nationally for property tax burden. Residents here pay $3,090 annually on the median home, compared to the national median of $2,690—a difference of $400 per year.

Among South Dakota's highest taxed counties

Minnehaha ranks in the top quartile of South Dakota counties by effective tax rate, at 1.159% versus the state average of 1.094%. This county consistently collects more in property taxes per home than most of its peers across the state.

Comparable to other eastern South Dakota counties

Minnehaha's 1.159% rate sits between Pennington County (1.128%) to the west and Moody County (1.081%) to the north. Of the eight regional counties analyzed, only Perkins (1.327%) and Potter (1.371%) tax property at higher effective rates.

Plan for $3,090 in annual property taxes

On Minnehaha's median home value of $266,600, homeowners typically pay $3,090 yearly in property taxes. Mortgage holders in the county see slightly higher bills at $3,151, while those owning outright average $2,981.

Many Minnehaha homeowners could cut their taxes

Research shows up to 30% of homeowners nationally are overassessed relative to their property's actual market value. Minnehaha residents can request a property tax appeal through the county assessor's office—a low-cost way to potentially lower next year's bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Minnehaha County

via CostByCounty

Minnehaha rents slightly above national norm

Minnehaha County residents spend 15.1% of their median household income on rent, outpacing the national average by about 1 percentage point. With a median household income of $76,074—slightly above the U.S. median of $74,755—renters here face moderate affordability pressure compared to the national picture.

Above-average rents in South Dakota's largest county

Minnehaha County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% ranks it above the state average of 13.8%, making it one of the pricier rental markets in South Dakota. At $954 per month, the median rent exceeds the state median by $198, reflecting the county's urban anchor role centered on Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls commands premium over rural peers

Minnehaha's $954 median rent significantly outpaces nearby Moody County ($723) and Roberts County ($656), reflecting the urban-rural divide in the region. However, Pennington County (home to Rapid City) remains slightly more expensive at $1,066, making Minnehaha the second-priciest rental market in our comparison.

Homeownership costs climb faster than rentals

Renters in Minnehaha spend $954 monthly, while homeowners pay $1,286 on mortgage and ownership costs—a 35% premium. At $266,600 median home value, purchasing power remains constrained for median-income households, with ownership costs consuming about 17% of household income.

Weighing Sioux Falls against South Dakota options

If you're considering relocating to South Dakota, Minnehaha offers urban amenities and strong income ($76,074 median) but comes with the region's highest rental costs. Compare against smaller counties like Moody or Roberts for significantly lower housing expenses, or Pennington if you prioritize larger city services despite similar pricing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Minnehaha County

via IncomeByCounty

Minnehaha outpaces the nation

Minnehaha County's median household income of $76,074 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $1,319. This positions the county solidly above the typical American household and signals economic strength in South Dakota's largest metro area.

Top earner in South Dakota

Minnehaha leads all South Dakota counties with a median household income 13.7% above the state average of $66,926. This economic advantage reflects the region's concentration of professional jobs and Sioux Falls' role as the state's economic hub.

Solid edge over regional peers

Minnehaha's $76,074 income significantly outpaces neighboring Moody County ($77,500—a statistical tie) and Pennington County ($70,768). The county captures the highest-earning demographic in the region, driven by corporate headquarters and service sector growth.

Rent is manageable here

A rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% means housing costs consume just over one-seventh of median household earnings, well below the national affordability threshold of 30%. Combined with a median home value of $266,600, Minnehaha residents enjoy balanced homeownership opportunities.

Build wealth beyond the paycheck

With above-average earnings and manageable housing costs, Minnehaha households have real capacity to invest and save. Consider maximizing retirement contributions, exploring tax-advantaged accounts, and consulting a financial advisor to turn income into long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Minnehaha County

via CrimeByCounty

Minnehaha County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Minnehaha County maintains an exceptional safety score of 99.7 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 209.4 per 100,000 residents is nearly 91% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This makes the county a standout for public safety on the national stage.

Leading South Dakota in Safety Performance

The county's total crime rate sits far below the South Dakota state average of 788.1 per 100,000. With a safety score of 99.7, Minnehaha outperforms the state average score of 98.8. Local law enforcement agencies report significantly fewer incidents than typical South Dakota jurisdictions.

Lower Crime Rates Than Regional Neighbors

Compared to nearby Moody County, which reports a rate of 803.7 per 100,000, Minnehaha is remarkably quiet. While it serves as a major population hub, its crime metrics remain much lower than those in Pennington County. This data reflects a high level of security for the region's largest metro area.

Property Crimes Outpace Violent Incidents

Property crimes account for 176.0 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 33.4. For perspective, the national violent crime rate is over ten times higher at 369.8. Residents are statistically much more likely to encounter minor theft than physical harm.

Maintaining Security in Your Neighborhood

While rates are low, property crimes still make up the majority of local incidents. Residents can help keep these numbers down by installing smart lighting and home security systems. Vigilance remains the best tool for preserving the county's high safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Minnehaha County

via HealthByCounty

Minnehaha outlives the nation

Minnehaha County residents live to 77.0 years on average, outpacing the U.S. life expectancy of 76.1 years. Just 11.3% report poor or fair health, below the national rate of 17.9%, signaling stronger overall wellness in South Dakota's largest county.

A county that leads the state

At 77.0 years, Minnehaha County ranks among South Dakota's healthiest with a life expectancy 1.6 years above the state average of 75.4 years. The county's 11.3% poor/fair health rate reflects better-than-average health outcomes across the state.

Sioux Falls metro sets the bar high

Minnehaha County's 77.0-year life expectancy edges out neighboring Moody County (75.8 years) and nearby Pennington County (76.1 years). The county also boasts robust primary care access at 102 providers per 100K—nearly triple Moody County's 48 per 100K.

Healthcare access meets affordability

Minnehaha County's 9.2% uninsured rate falls below the state average of 11.1%, meaning more residents have coverage when they need care. With 102 primary care providers and 253 mental health providers per 100K residents, the county offers robust access to both physical and behavioral health services.

Keep coverage strong in Minnehaha

Even with strong insurance uptake, 1 in 11 Minnehaha County residents remains uninsured. Explore coverage options through the South Dakota Health Insurance Marketplace or contact your local health department to ensure you're protected year-round.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Minnehaha County

via SchoolsByCounty

South Dakota's Largest Educational Hub

Minnehaha County supports a massive network of 80 public schools, including 39 elementary and 21 high schools. Eight different school districts manage a total enrollment of 34,666 students. This is the state's most complex and varied educational environment.

Urban Scale with Strong Outcomes

The county maintains a graduation rate of 87.6%, beating both state and national averages. While per-pupil spending is efficient at $5,848, the massive scale allows for diverse programming that smaller counties cannot offer. The county's performance remains consistent with the state median despite its large urban population.

Sioux Falls and Brandon Valley Districts

The Sioux Falls School District 49-5 is the state's largest, serving over 25,000 students across 43 schools. Brandon Valley also provides a significant secondary option with 4,949 students. No charter schools are currently operating, as these large districts offer extensive specialized programs internally.

From Big City Highs to Rural Classrooms

The county features a diverse mix of 45 city schools and 29 rural schools, with an average size of 488 students. Washington High School is the county's largest, enrolling 1,910 students. Families can choose between large-scale urban high schools or smaller rural facilities within the same county.

Endless Options in the Sioux Falls Region

Minnehaha County offers the most diverse housing and school options in South Dakota. Whether you want a home near a major high school with elite athletics or a quiet rural elementary, you will find it here. Explore local real estate to join a district that combines urban opportunity with high graduation standards.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Minnehaha County

via RiskByCounty

Minnehaha faces above-average disaster risk

Minnehaha County scores 89.54 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category—well above South Dakota's county average of 26.84. The county's overall hazard exposure significantly exceeds what most U.S. counties experience, driven primarily by severe tornado and flood risks that demand serious preparedness attention.

Highest-risk county in South Dakota

Among South Dakota's 66 counties, Minnehaha ranks as the state's most dangerous for natural disasters, with a composite risk score nearly 3.4 times the state average. This distinction reflects concentrated exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and flooding, that routinely impact the county.

Far riskier than neighboring Moody County

Minnehaha's composite risk of 89.54 dwarfs neighboring Moody County's score of 26.94—a threefold difference that makes Minnehaha one of the state's most hazard-prone regions. The contrast underscores how disaster risk varies sharply across short distances in South Dakota's eastern corridor.

Tornadoes and floods dominate your hazard profile

Tornado risk in Minnehaha reaches 98.38, representing one of the highest scores in the nation and the county's most immediate threat. Flooding also presents substantial danger at 85.50, meaning residents face dual exposure to both severe convective storms and water hazards that can occur within hours of each other.

Secure comprehensive coverage now

Given Minnehaha's exceptional tornado and flood risks, homeowners should carry both comprehensive homeowners insurance and a separate flood policy, as standard policies exclude flood damage. Consider a safe room or reinforced shelter for tornado season, and maintain quarterly review of coverage limits to match current property values.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Minnehaha County

via WeatherByCounty

A Colder Climate Than the National Median

Minnehaha County maintains an annual average temperature of 46.3°F, falling significantly below the national median of roughly 54°F. The region operates within a humid continental climate, balancing cold winters with warm, humid summers.

Warmer and Wetter Than the State Average

The county's average temperature of 46.3°F sits slightly above the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. It also receives 28.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly 6 inches more than the statewide average of 22.7 inches.

The Regional Leader in Annual Precipitation

Compared to more arid western counties like Oglala Lakota, Minnehaha receives over 10 inches more precipitation annually. Its 28.5 inches of moisture makes it one of the wetter pockets in the eastern Dakotas.

Sweeping Temperature Shifts Across the Year

Residents face a stark contrast between a 16.6°F January and a 73.0°F July average. While the county sees 13 extreme heat days over 90°F, it must also manage a significant 42.5 inches of annual snowfall.

Preparing for Significant Winter Snowfall

Homeowners should invest in high-capacity snow removal equipment to handle the 42.5 inches of snow each year. Robust insulation is essential to maintain comfort during the winter months where temperatures average just 19.7°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Minnehaha County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Soil in the Heart of Minnehaha

Minnehaha County features a neutral soil profile with an average pH of 6.87. This is slightly more acidic than the South Dakota average of 7.05 but remains above the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is unavailable, the soil acidity is nearly ideal for a wide range of regional crops.

A Silty Foundation for Eastern Fields

The soil is a heavy mix of 46.5% silt and 26.3% clay, balanced by 25.1% sand. This composition creates a dense structure that holds shape well and resists rapid erosion. Farmers here benefit from a mix that retains nutrients effectively despite a lack of high sand content.

Strong Water Capacity Boosts Growth

With an available water capacity of 0.193 in/in, these soils outperform the state average of 0.182. Organic matter stands at a healthy 3.59%, significantly higher than the 2.0% national average. This high fertility helps explain the county's impressive soil score of 69.1.

Managing Water in the Loess Hills

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unlisted for the county as a whole. However, the high silt and clay content suggests the land naturally retains moisture for longer periods than sandier neighbors. Local builders should test specific sites for runoff potential before starting new projects.

Abundant Gardening in Zone 5a

Minnehaha County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, offering a slightly longer growing season than northern peers. The nutrient-dense soil is perfect for sweet corn, tomatoes, and hardy perennials. Gardeners can take advantage of the high water capacity to sustain lush backyard vegetable patches.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Minnehaha County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Lawn Success in Minnehaha

Minnehaha County earns a lawn difficulty score of 57.8, making it notably easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0. This Zone 5a region also outperforms the South Dakota state average of 51.1, providing a hospitable environment for residential turf.

Mild Heat Meets Moderate Moisture

The county receives 28.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly below the 30-inch ideal but higher than the state average. With only 13 extreme heat days per year, grass faces less thermal stress than in many neighboring counties.

Balanced Soil for Healthy Roots

A soil pH of 6.87 is nearly perfect for nutrient absorption, falling right in the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The balanced mix of 26.3% clay and 25.1% sand provides a solid foundation that supports steady growth without excessive amendments.

Managing Thirty Weeks of Dryness

With 30 weeks in drought over the last year and 100% of the area currently abnormally dry, consistent irrigation is vital. Focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage roots to reach beyond the dry surface layers.

Timing the Spring Growth Cycle

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass are excellent choices for this Zone 5a climate. Aim to begin seeding operations after the final spring frost, which typically occurs around May 1st.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Minnehaha County's county score?
Minnehaha County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 49.5 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 Minnehaha County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Minnehaha County ranks #49 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 Minnehaha County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Minnehaha County is $3,090, with an effective tax rate of 1.16%. This earns Minnehaha County a tax score of 27.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Minnehaha County?
The median household income in Minnehaha County, South Dakota is $76,074 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Minnehaha County earns an income score of 78.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Minnehaha County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Minnehaha County scores 49.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Minnehaha 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 Minnehaha 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.