countyscore
49.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 79.3Disaster 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.

2040608010028.460.865.760.89.479.373.132.546.4Tax28.4Cost60.8Safety65.7Health60.8Schools9.4Income79.3Risk73.1Water32.5Weather46.449.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Moody County DNA

Foverall

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

Moody County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (79.3/100) but notably weak in Schools (9.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
28.4-23.6
Cost
60.8+12.799999999999997
Safety
65.7+10.700000000000003
Health
60.8+10.799999999999997
Schools
9.4-44.6
Income
79.3+28.299999999999997
Risk
73.1+26.099999999999994
Water
32.5-25.5
Weather
46.4-9.600000000000001
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Think property taxes are too high in Moody County?

Many homeowners in Moody 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

$226,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$758/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$226,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $78,427/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.7

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

Prairie County
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Northwest Hills Planning Region
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Kosciusko County
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Deer Lodge County
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Moore County
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Minnehaha County
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Grundy County
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Nearby counties

Pipestone County
Minnesota
66.9
Brookings County
South Dakota
48.6
Lake County
South Dakota
49.7
Minnehaha County
South Dakota
49.3
Rock County
Minnesota
70.5
Lincoln County
Minnesota
68.1
Murray County
Minnesota
71.3
McCook County
South Dakota
53.7

Deep Dives

Moody County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 49.3 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 #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 Moody County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Moody County is $2,500, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Moody County a tax score of 28.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Moody County?
The median household income in Moody County, South Dakota is $78,427 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Moody County earns an income score of 79.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Moody County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Moody County scores 49.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 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.
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.