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Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#16 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
65.4
County Score
Cost of Living 98.5Safety 97.5Property Tax 91.6

County Report Card

About Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota

Significantly Above the National Median

With a composite score of 65.4, Oglala Lakota County ranks well above the national median of 50.0. This high score is driven primarily by its extreme affordability and low tax burden.

Leading the South Dakota Average

The county outpaces the South Dakota state average of 55.9 by nearly 10 points. It stands out in the state for its exceptionally low cost of living compared to more developed urban centers.

Unrivaled Affordability and Low Taxes

The county features a near-perfect cost score of 98.5 and a tax score of 91.6, thanks to an effective tax rate of just 0.436%. Safety is another major pillar, with an impressive score of 97.5.

Severe Economic and Health Disparities

Income levels are among the lowest in the nation with a score of 0.9 and a median income of $34,769. Health outcomes also lag behind with a score of 7.5, and local water data is currently unavailable.

Best for Budget-Focused Remote Workers

This county suits individuals with outside income sources who want to maximize their purchasing power. It offers unparalleled cost savings and safety for those who can navigate the local healthcare landscape.

Score breakdown

Tax91.6Cost98.5Safety97.5Health7.5Schools42Income0.9Risk50.2WaterComing SoonWeather33
🏛91.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠98.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼0.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤7.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33.4
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

Bennett County
South Dakota
43
Jackson County
South Dakota
66.7
Pennington County
South Dakota
27.8
Custer County
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Dawes County
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Fall River County
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Deep Dives

Oglala Lakota County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Oglala Lakota County

via TaxByCounty

Oglala Lakota taxes are exceptionally low nationally

Oglala Lakota County's effective tax rate of 0.436% ranks among the nation's lowest property tax jurisdictions, far below the national median of 0.84%. The median annual property tax bill of just $199 reflects median home values that are significantly lower than the national average.

Lowest effective rate in South Dakota

Oglala Lakota County's 0.436% effective tax rate is less than half the South Dakota average of 1.094%, making it the most tax-friendly county in the state. This substantial gap reflects the county's unique economic and property value profile.

Dramatically lower than all comparison counties

Oglala Lakota's 0.436% rate is less than one-third of neighboring Bennett and Shannon counties' rates. This county's tax burden stands apart from every other jurisdiction analyzed in this eight-county comparison.

Annual property taxes average just $199

With a median home value of $45,600, Oglala Lakota homeowners pay a median property tax of $199 yearly—among the lowest in the nation. Limited mortgage lending data reflects the county's housing market characteristics.

Even low-tax counties benefit from appeals

While Oglala Lakota's overall tax burden is minimal, homeowners should still ensure their assessments are fair by reviewing their valuation. A property tax appeal remains a free or low-cost opportunity to verify accuracy and protect against overassessment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Oglala Lakota County

via CostByCounty

Oglala Lakota faces severe affordability squeeze

Oglala Lakota County residents spend 19.4% of their median household income on rent—nearly five percentage points above the national average and well above sustainable levels. The median household income of just $34,769 means even modest rents of $563 consume an outsized share of earnings, creating significant housing stress.

South Dakota's least affordable rental market

With a 19.4% rent-to-income ratio, Oglala Lakota County ranks as the least affordable among South Dakota counties in this comparison, despite having the lowest absolute rent. The county's median income of $34,769 is less than half the state's implicit average, driving the affordability crisis.

Lowest rents mask deeper income challenges

While Oglala Lakota's $563 median rent is the lowest in the region, the county's median household income is drastically lower than neighbors like Moody ($77,500) and Roberts ($63,691). This income gap—not rent prices—drives the affordability burden, making this a story of economic capacity rather than housing costs.

Housing consumes critical share of minimal income

Renters spend $563 monthly while homeowners pay $406, but both figures represent substantial portions of the $34,769 median household income. At current levels, combined rent and owner costs would consume nearly 30% of median income for a typical household, leaving insufficient funds for food, utilities, and transportation.

Consider regional opportunities for better income

While Oglala Lakota County offers the region's lowest housing costs, the severe median income gap ($34,769 versus $77,500 in Moody) suggests economic opportunity lies elsewhere. Remote workers or those seeking to relocate should compare counties with stronger job markets; housing affordability improves dramatically when income rises.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Oglala Lakota County

via IncomeByCounty

Significant income gap to address

Oglala Lakota County's median household income of $34,769 falls $40,000 below the national median of $74,755, ranking it among the lowest-income counties in the United States. This disparity reflects systemic economic challenges on tribal lands and limited job diversity.

Lowest income in South Dakota

Oglala Lakota County's median household income ranks lowest among all South Dakota counties, at 48% of the state average of $66,926. The gap underscores concentrated economic disadvantage that demands targeted policy and investment.

Sharp contrast with surrounding counties

Oglala Lakota's $34,769 median income trails all neighboring counties, including Roberts County ($63,691) and Sanborn County ($69,870) by roughly 46-50%. This geographic isolation from regional economic opportunity compounds local challenges.

Housing costs strain budgets

A rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% indicates housing absorbs nearly one-fifth of median household income, limiting resources for other essentials. Though median home values are low at $45,600, the income-to-price mismatch leaves many households economically vulnerable.

Targeted resources for financial stability

Oglala Lakota households need access to affordable financial counseling, emergency savings programs, and economic development initiatives. Community organizations and local leaders can help residents access microloans, job training, and entrepreneurial support to build pathways toward financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Oglala Lakota County

via CrimeByCounty

Statistical Trends Show Zero Reported Crime

National data registers Oglala Lakota County with a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 and a safety score of 100.0. This is far below the national average of 2,385.5. However, these figures come from a single reporting agency and may not reflect all local incidents.

State Rankings Require Careful Interpretation

While the safety score of 100.0 is technically the highest in the state, South Dakota's average score is 98.8. The reported rate of 0.0 is significantly lower than the state average of 788.1. Local residents should interpret these perfect marks with caution due to limited data reporting.

Major Discrepancies Found Among Neighbors

Nearby Pennington County reports a high crime rate of 3,417.1, contrasting sharply with Oglala Lakota’s reported zero. This gap likely points to differences in agency reporting rather than a total absence of crime. Neighboring rural counties typically show more activity than what is recorded here.

Breaking Down the Limited Crime Data

Both violent and property crime rates are currently listed at 0.0 per 100,000. In most jurisdictions, these categories combine to reflect the overall safety landscape. Without more comprehensive reporting from additional agencies, the practical meaning of these numbers remains limited.

Safety Awareness Beyond the Numbers

Even when official reports show no crime, personal safety remains a daily priority. Investing in home security and maintaining strong community ties are effective ways to protect your property. Do not let statistical gaps discourage you from practicing standard safety precautions.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Oglala Lakota County

via HealthByCounty

Oglala Lakota faces historic health crisis

Oglala Lakota County's life expectancy of 56.9 years is among the lowest in the nation, a stark 19.2 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With 35.0% of residents reporting poor or fair health—nearly double the national rate—the county confronts unprecedented health disparities.

Profound gap from state average

Oglala Lakota County's 56.9-year life expectancy represents a devastating 18.5-year gap from South Dakota's 75.4-year average, the largest disparity among the state's counties. At 35.0% poor/fair health, the county's rate is nearly triple the state norm, reflecting systemic health inequities.

Stark contrast with adjacent counties

Oglala Lakota County's 56.9-year life expectancy contrasts sharply with neighboring Bennett County and Jackson County in the region. The county's 37 primary care providers per 100K represents critical scarcity compared to healthier counties like Minnehaha (102 per 100K).

Access barriers compound health crises

Oglala Lakota County's 13.7% uninsured rate exceeds the state average, and with only 37 primary care providers per 100K, residents face severe barriers to preventive care. The combination of limited coverage, provider scarcity, and historical health inequities creates a perfect storm for poor outcomes.

Insurance is a lifeline for Oglala Lakota

Coverage gaps directly threaten Oglala Lakota County residents who already struggle to access care. Enroll in the South Dakota Health Insurance Marketplace or check if you qualify for Medicaid—every enrollment strengthens your health security.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Oglala Lakota County

via SchoolsByCounty

Serving 1,798 Students in One Unified District

The Oglala Lakota County 65-1 district manages the area's education through six public schools, including four elementary and two high schools. This single-district model provides a centralized structure for the county’s 1,798 enrolled students.

Critical Challenges in Academic Outcomes

The graduation rate stands at 5.0%, significantly lower than the state's 82.4% average and the national benchmark. While the per-pupil expenditure of $9,701 exceeds the state average of $7,409, it remains under the national average of $13,000.

The Oglala Lakota County School District

The Oglala Lakota County 65-1 district operates all six schools in the county, including a virtual high school option. There are zero charter schools in the area, meaning 100% of students attend traditional district-run schools.

Large Rural Campuses and Community Hubs

The county features a purely rural landscape where schools function as major community centers with an average enrollment of 300 students. Wolf Creek School is the largest with 624 students, while the Oglala Lakota County Virtual High School remains the smallest at 90 students.

Home Buying in Oglala Lakota County

For families considering a move here, understanding the district's centralized structure is key to finding the right home. Researching local housing options can reveal properties with easy access to the county's core elementary and high schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Oglala Lakota County

via RiskByCounty

Oglala Lakota faces moderate wildfire exposure

Oglala Lakota County's composite risk score of 49.84 places it in the relatively low category—about 1.9 times the South Dakota state average of 26.84. The county's overall risk stems primarily from exceptional wildfire danger rather than flood or tornado threats, reflecting its northwestern landscape characteristics.

Mid-range risk within South Dakota

Among South Dakota's 66 counties, Oglala Lakota ranks in the middle tier for disaster exposure, with moderate risk concentrated in wildfire rather than other hazard types. The county's position reflects its distinct geographic and climatic profile compared to eastern South Dakota counties.

Higher risk than Potter County neighbors

Oglala Lakota's composite risk of 49.84 significantly exceeds nearby Potter County's 10.02, a nearly fivefold difference driven by wildfire exposure. The contrast highlights how terrain and vegetation patterns create vastly different disaster profiles across northwestern South Dakota.

Wildfire dominates your hazard landscape

Wildfire risk in Oglala Lakota reaches 96.88, one of the highest scores statewide and the county's overwhelmingly dominant hazard. Tornado risk of 40.87 presents a distant secondary concern, while flood risk remains minimal at 19.02.

Prioritize wildfire insurance and defensible space

Oglala Lakota residents should ensure homeowners policies explicitly cover wildfire damage and maintain a defensible space of at least 30 feet of cleared vegetation around structures. Create and maintain an emergency evacuation plan, keep vehicle fuel tanks at least half-full during fire season, and monitor local air quality during active wildfires.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Oglala Lakota County

via WeatherByCounty

A Semi-Arid and Dynamic Climate

Oglala Lakota County reports an annual average temperature of 48.0°F, which is closer to the national median than many of its neighbors. This region is characterized by high temperature variability and lower annual moisture.

One of South Dakota's Warmer Counties

Averaging 48.0°F, this county stays warmer than the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. However, it is much drier than the rest of the state, receiving only 18.3 inches of precipitation compared to the 22.7-inch average.

Drier and Hotter Than Eastern Neighbors

The county receives about 10 inches less precipitation than Moody or Minnehaha. It also experiences 41 extreme heat days, a massive jump from the single digits found in the eastern part of the state.

Extreme Heat and Mild Winters

While snowfall data remains unavailable for this specific area, the heat is the primary seasonal story with 41 days hitting 90°F or higher. July averages are a warm 74.0°F, and even January stays relatively mild at 24.6°F.

Prioritizing Summer Cooling and Hydration

With 41 days of extreme heat, a high-efficiency air conditioning system is vital for safety and comfort. Residents should also plan for dry conditions, as the 18.3 inches of annual rainfall requires water-conscious landscaping.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Oglala Lakota County

via SoilByCounty

Exploring the Lands of Oglala Lakota

Comprehensive digital soil survey data for taxonomic order and pH levels is currently limited for this county. Local geography suggests a varied landscape where conditions can shift rapidly from ridge to valley. Residents typically find soils that reflect the rugged beauty of the southwestern plains.

Awaiting Detailed Composition Data

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently documented in the primary dataset. While these metrics are missing, the regional character often features a mix of prairie loams and clay-heavy pockets. Understanding local texture requires on-site testing to determine drainage and workability.

Fertility Trends in the Southwest

Data for organic matter and water capacity is not currently available for this area. Despite the data gap, the surrounding region typically relies on hardy native grasses to build soil health over time. Growers should focus on local observations to gauge the potential of their specific acreage.

Hydraulic Characteristics of the Plains

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic groups remain unclassified in the current digital record. In this semi-arid climate, managing the water you do have is the most critical step for any land manager. Observing how the land reacts after a rare heavy rain is the best way to understand local hydrology.

Growing Wild in Zone 5a

Oglala Lakota County sits in Hardiness Zone 5a, supporting a variety of hardy prairie plants and cold-tolerant vegetables. Successful gardening here often involves windbreaks and water conservation techniques. Start a garden with native species that are already adapted to the local environment and climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Oglala Lakota County

via LawnByCounty

Significant Challenges for Local Lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of 33.4, Oglala Lakota County is one of the more challenging places in the nation to maintain traditional turf. This score is significantly lower than the South Dakota average of 51.1, reflecting a harsh semi-arid environment.

High Heat and Limited Rain

The county endures 41 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average of 24. Combined with only 18.3 inches of annual precipitation, lawns here face a constant battle against evaporation and heat stress.

Adapting to Unknown Soil Profiles

Specific soil data is limited for this area, making a professional soil test your most important first step. Local growers should generally prepare for more alkaline conditions common in the Western Plains by testing for pH levels.

Severe Water Conservation Needs

Having spent 33 weeks in drought over the past year, and with 100% of the county currently dry, water conservation is a necessity. Consider xeriscaping or utilizing native buffalo grass to reduce the burden on local water resources.

Choosing Rugged Grass Varieties

Heat-tolerant varieties like Tall Fescue or native blends are essential for this Zone 5a region. Wait until after the mid-May frost date of May 16th to ensure the ground is warm enough for germination.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oglala Lakota County's county score?
Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 65.4 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 Oglala Lakota County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Oglala Lakota County ranks #16 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 Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Oglala Lakota County is $199, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Oglala Lakota County a tax score of 91.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Oglala Lakota County?
The median household income in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota is $34,769 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Oglala Lakota County earns an income score of 0.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Oglala Lakota County scores 65.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Oglala Lakota 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 Oglala Lakota 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.