countyscore
50.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 80.9Disaster Risk 73.1Soil Quality 70.5

County Report Card

About Moody County, South Dakota

Outperforming the Typical American County

Moody County earns a composite score of 50.5, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. This performance suggests a livability profile that exceeds half of all counties across the United States.

Solid Performance in South Dakota

The county’s score of 50.5 sits comfortably within the state landscape, though it remains below the South Dakota average of 55.9. It maintains a competitive position by balancing high incomes with manageable costs.

Prosperous Incomes and Low Environmental Risk

With an income score of 80.9 and a median household income of $77,500, the county provides strong financial security. It also excels in environmental stability, evidenced by a high risk score of 73.1.

Education and Water Quality Needs

The county faces hurdles in its school system, which scores a low 9.4. Water quality also requires attention, as indicated by a score of 32.5, suggesting areas for infrastructure improvement.

Ideal for Stability-Seeking High Earners

Moody County is a perfect match for households with high earning potential who prioritize a low-risk physical environment. It offers a financially rewarding lifestyle for those who do not rely heavily on local school rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax32.3Cost63.2Safety65.7Health60.8Schools9.4Income80.9Risk73.1Water32.5Weather46.4
🏛32.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼80.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡65.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓9.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡73.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧32.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨70.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.5
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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66.9
Brookings County
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48.5
Lake County
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Minnehaha County
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Rock County
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Lincoln County
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Murray County
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McCook County
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Deep Dives

Moody County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Moody County

via TaxByCounty

Moody County taxes slightly above the national average

Moody County's effective tax rate of 1.081% outpaces the national median of 0.84%, landing it in the middle-upper range nationally. The median property tax bill here is $2,231, just below the national median of $2,690.

Near the middle of South Dakota's tax rankings

Moody County's 1.081% effective rate sits just below South Dakota's state average of 1.094%, making it a mid-range county for tax burden. Among the eight counties studied, Moody ranks fifth in effective tax rate.

Lower taxes than Minnehaha, higher than Roberts

Moody's 1.081% rate falls between Roberts County (1.050%) to the northwest and Minnehaha (1.159%) to the south. This positioning reflects the gradual variation in tax rates across northeast South Dakota.

Expect about $2,231 in annual property taxes

On Moody's median home value of $206,300, the typical annual property tax bill is $2,231. Mortgage holders pay slightly more at $2,265, while outright owners average $2,200 annually.

Moody homeowners should verify their assessments

Overassessment affects an estimated 30% of homeowners nationally, and Moody County residents are not exempt from this common issue. Filing a property tax appeal costs little and can result in meaningful savings if your home's assessed value exceeds its true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Moody County

via CostByCounty

Moody's rents rank well below national average

At just 11.2% of median household income, Moody County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national benchmark and gives residents significantly more breathing room. With median household income of $77,500 and median rent at $723, this county offers one of the most affordable rental markets in the region.

Best housing affordability in South Dakota comparison

Moody County ranks as the most affordable rental market among the eight South Dakota counties examined, with a 11.2% rent-to-income ratio well below the state average of 13.8%. Its median rent of $723 undercuts the state average by $33, providing genuine relief for budget-conscious renters.

Moody undercuts all regional competitors on rent

Moody County's $723 median rent beats Roberts County ($656) by just $67 but significantly undercuts Minnehaha ($954) and Pennington ($1,066). Among mid-sized counties, Moody offers the sweet spot: lower costs than urban centers with better incomes than the most rural areas.

Balanced housing costs across tenure types

Renters pay $723 monthly while homeowners average $871—a modest 20% difference that reflects affordable property values of $206,300. At both price points, housing costs consume under 12% of the median $77,500 household income, leaving substantial room for other expenses.

Moody County: best value in South Dakota

For families prioritizing affordability without sacrificing income potential, Moody County delivers: strong median income of $77,500 paired with the lowest rents in this comparison. You'll find both rental and ownership housing accessible, with costs leaving 88% of your income for everything else.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Moody County

via IncomeByCounty

Moody exceeds national income bar

Moody County's median household income of $77,500 tops the national median of $74,755 by $2,745. The county ranks among stronger-earning regions nationwide, outperforming most U.S. counties despite its rural character.

Second-highest income in state

Moody County claims the second-best median household income in South Dakota at $77,500, trailing only Minnehaha County by just $1,426. This ranking reflects the county's stable agricultural and small-business economy.

Regional income leader

Moody's $77,500 median household income edges out Minnehaha County ($76,074) and substantially exceeds Roberts County ($63,691) and Sanborn County ($69,870). The county punches above its rural weight in regional earnings comparisons.

Excellent housing affordability

A rent-to-income ratio of 11.2% ranks among South Dakota's best, with housing costs consuming only one-ninth of median income. At a median home value of $206,300, Moody offers strong purchasing power and financial flexibility.

Strong foundation for financial growth

Moody County residents benefit from above-average income and exceptional housing affordability, creating substantial room for savings and investment. Take advantage of this position by automating retirement contributions and exploring diversified investment vehicles suited to long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Moody County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Scores Remain High in Moody County

Moody County earns a safety score of 98.7, keeping it well above many national peers. Its total crime rate of 803.7 per 100,000 is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. Local data suggests a generally secure environment for residents and visitors.

Comparing Moody to the South Dakota Average

The county’s crime rate of 803.7 is slightly higher than the South Dakota state average of 788.1. Its safety score of 98.7 sits just a fraction below the state average of 98.8. This indicates that Moody County's public safety levels are typical for the state.

Analyzing Rates Against Nearby Jurisdictions

Moody County sees higher crime activity than neighboring Minnehaha, which reports only 209.4 incidents per 100,000. It also exceeds the rate of nearby Sanborn County at 168.6. These differences highlight Moody as a busier area for law enforcement relative to its immediate neighbors.

Understanding Violent and Property Crime Totals

Property crime is the primary concern here, with 614.6 incidents per 100,000 residents. Violent crime stands at 189.1, which is higher than the South Dakota average of 131.6. Most interactions with the justice system involve theft or burglary rather than person-to-person violence.

Proactive Steps for Home Protection

Since property crime represents the bulk of local reports, securing your home is a top priority. Simple measures like locking all entry points and using motion-activated cameras can deter local theft. Staying informed about neighborhood activity helps keep Moody County safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Moody County

via HealthByCounty

Moody County health in transition

Moody County's 75.8-year life expectancy sits slightly below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, while 13.5% of residents report poor or fair health compared to the national rate of 17.9%. The county faces moderate health challenges amid broader South Dakota trends.

Below-average life expectancy for the state

Moody County's life expectancy of 75.8 years falls 1.6 years short of South Dakota's 75.4-year average, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. At 13.5% poor/fair health, the county exceeds the state average, indicating elevated health vulnerability.

Neighboring counties show stronger health

Moody County lags behind surrounding areas: Minnehaha County to the south reaches 77.0 years, while Roberts County to the north sits at 72.2 years. At just 48 primary care providers per 100K, Moody faces severe provider shortages compared to Minnehaha's 102 per 100K.

Limited providers, higher uninsured rates

Moody County's 11.8% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 11.1%, leaving nearly 1 in 8 residents without coverage. With only 48 primary care providers per 100K—less than half the state's leading counties—accessing care requires residents to travel or wait longer for appointments.

Coverage is more critical in Moody

Provider scarcity makes health insurance even more essential in Moody County, yet more residents lack it than the state average. Contact the South Dakota Health Insurance Marketplace now to find affordable coverage and connect with available providers in your area.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Moody County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Education Network in Moody County

The county education system supports 990 students across seven public schools, split between two local districts. This infrastructure includes three elementary, two middle, and two high schools to serve the region's youth.

Education Investment and Graduation Gaps

The county reports a 72.8% graduation rate, which sits below the South Dakota average of 82.4% and the national 87% benchmark. Local spending of $6,103 per pupil is also lower than the state average of $7,409 and the national median of $13,000.

Focus on Flandreau and Colman-Egan Districts

Flandreau School District 50-3 is the primary provider, educating 694 students across four schools. The Colman-Egan School District 50-5 manages the remaining three schools, and currently, there are no charter schools operating in the county.

Rural Learning in an Intimate Setting

All seven schools in the county operate in rural locales, creating a small-town educational feel with an average school size of 141 students. Flandreau Elementary is the largest campus with 269 students, while Colman-Egan High School serves as the smallest with 93 students.

Find Your Home Near Moody County Schools

As you research homes in the area, consider how proximity to these tight-knit rural districts fits your family's needs. Exploring local real estate can help you find a community that values individual student attention.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Moody County

via RiskByCounty

Moody County carries minimal national risk

Moody County's composite risk score of 26.94 places it just above the South Dakota state average of 26.84, indicating very low overall disaster exposure compared to U.S. counties. The county sits well below the national risk median, offering residents relatively stable conditions across most hazard categories.

Safest counties in South Dakota

Moody County ranks among the bottom tier of disaster-prone South Dakota counties, with a composite score essentially matching the state average. This position reflects manageable exposure to natural hazards, though localized tornado and wildfire risks still warrant standard preparedness measures.

Dramatically safer than nearby Minnehaha

Moody County's 26.94 score represents roughly one-third the risk of neighboring Minnehaha County's 89.54, making it one of South Dakota's safest regions despite proximity to higher-risk areas. This geographic variance means disaster preparedness needs differ sharply even between adjacent counties.

Tornado and wildfire present modest threats

Tornado risk in Moody reaches 62.91, representing the county's primary hazard concern but still well below national highs for this category. Wildfire risk of 54.04 ranks as the second concern, though neither threat approaches the severity found in counties west of the Missouri River.

Standard coverage provides adequate protection

Moody County residents benefit from low-risk exposure, making standard homeowners insurance with tornado coverage sufficient for most properties. Review your policy annually to ensure adequate liability and replacement-cost coverage, and maintain a weather radio to receive storm warnings during tornado season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Moody County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool Continental Climate Profile

Moody County averages 43.3°F annually, placing it more than 10 degrees below the national median temperature. This climate is defined by long, cold winters and short, mild summers.

Chillier Conditions Than the State Average

The county's 43.3°F annual average is over two degrees colder than the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. However, its 28.5 inches of precipitation makes it considerably wetter than the state average of 22.7 inches.

Colder Winters Than Southern Neighbors

Moody County experiences a January average of 13.1°F, which is notably colder than neighboring Minnehaha's 16.6°F. It shares the same high precipitation level of 28.5 inches, indicating a consistent moisture corridor in this region.

Mild Summers and Deep Winter Freezes

Summer high points remain relatively mild with only 9 extreme heat days above 90°F. Winter is the dominant season, featuring a low 16.3°F average temperature and over 40 inches of annual snow.

Fortifying Homes Against the Winter Chill

Heavy-duty winter gear is non-negotiable for a county where January averages just 13.1°F. Residents should prioritize furnace maintenance and weatherproofing to handle the extended cold season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Moody County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Entisols of Moody County

Moody County is dominated by Entisols, characterized by a gravelly loam texture. The average pH of 6.91 is near-neutral, sitting just below the state average of 7.05. This slight acidity compared to the state median makes it highly versatile for diverse agricultural uses.

Silty Loams with Excellent Workability

The soil mix consists of 48.1% silt and 25.5% clay, which provides a stable structure for root systems. With 26.4% sand, the gravelly loam texture allows for manageable workability and prevents excessive compaction. This blend ensures that the soil remains productive throughout the varying Dakota seasons.

Superior Organic Matter and Fertility

At 3.78%, the organic matter content exceeds both the state average of 3.75% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.196 in/in is among the highest in the region. These factors contribute to a robust soil score of 70.5, indicating elite growing potential.

Fast-Draining Gravelly Foundations

Classified as excessively drained, these soils move water through the profile very quickly. Belonging to Hydrologic Group A, the land has a low runoff potential and high infiltration rates. This is ideal for avoiding standing water but may require more frequent irrigation during dry spells.

Productive Gardening in Zone 4b

The gravelly loams in Zone 4b are excellent for root crops and heat-loving vegetables that prefer dry feet. Gardeners should focus on adding mulch to help the fast-draining soil retain surface moisture. With its high soil score, this county is a premier spot for a successful home harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Moody County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growing Conditions in Moody

Moody County posts a lawn difficulty score of 52.5, placing it just above both the national median and the South Dakota state average. This Zone 4b region requires attentive care but rewards homeowners with reliable growing cycles.

Cool Summers Benefit Turf Health

With only 9 extreme heat days annually, Moody County avoids much of the summer scorched-earth stress found elsewhere. The 28.5 inches of annual rainfall provides a strong baseline, though supplemental water is needed to hit the 30-inch growth ideal.

Gravelly Loam Demands Precise Watering

The soil is classified as excessively drained gravelly loam with a neutral pH of 6.91. Because water moves quickly through this texture, shorter and more frequent watering cycles may be necessary to prevent dehydration.

Navigating Persistent Dry Spells

The county has faced 38 weeks of drought conditions over the past year, and the entire area is currently under D0 status. Homeowners should prioritize moisture retention strategies like mulching and keeping grass height at three inches or taller.

Seeding for a Zone 4b Climate

Hardy cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue are well-suited for the local soil and temperature profile. Plan your planting schedule around the May 5th average last frost to ensure young shoots aren't stunted by late cold snaps.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Moody County's county score?
Moody County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 50.5 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 Moody County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Moody County ranks #47 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 Moody County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Moody County is $2,231, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Moody County a tax score of 32.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Moody County?
The median household income in Moody County, South Dakota is $77,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Moody County earns an income score of 80.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Moody County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Moody County scores 50.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Moody 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 Moody County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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