countyscore

Pennington County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#66 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
27.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 68.3Health 62.7Water Quality 41.3

County Report Card

About Pennington County, South Dakota

Facing Significant National Headwinds

Pennington County receives a composite score of 27.8, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This indicates several livability challenges that diverge from typical national benchmarks.

Well Below South Dakota Norms

The county’s score of 27.8 is significantly lower than the state average of 55.9. This gap highlights localized issues that distinguish Pennington from other high-performing South Dakota counties.

Strong Incomes and Reliable Health

The county performs best in the income dimension with a score of 68.3 and a median household income of $70,768. Health infrastructure is also a relative strength, earning a score of 62.7.

Critical Safety and Education Concerns

Safety is a primary concern with a score of 5.4, alongside a low school score of 15.0. High housing costs also strain residents, as reflected in a cost score of 19.6 and a median rent of $1,066.

Suited for Career-Focused Healthcare Users

This county is best for high-earning individuals who prioritize access to healthcare facilities. It is less ideal for those seeking top-tier safety or affordable entry-level housing.

Score breakdown

Tax29.3Cost19.6Safety5.4Health62.7Schools15Income68.3Risk21.4Water41.3Weather40.8
🏛29.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠19.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼68.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡5.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓15
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡21.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧41.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.3
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

Pennington County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pennington County

via TaxByCounty

Pennington County taxes rank above the national average

Pennington County's effective tax rate of 1.128% exceeds the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties for tax burden. The median annual tax of $3,049 is higher than the national median of $2,690.

Second-highest taxes in South Dakota

Pennington County's 1.128% effective rate ranks second in the state, trailing only Perkins County's 1.327%. This places Pennington among the most tax-heavy counties statewide, well above the state average of 1.094%.

Highest-taxed in the western county cluster

Pennington's 1.128% rate exceeds Perkins (1.327%) regionally, making it a significant tax jurisdiction for the western Black Hills area. Among the eight counties studied, only Perkins and Potter counties exceed Pennington's tax rate.

Budget $3,049 for annual property taxes

On Pennington's median home value of $270,400, homeowners pay a median property tax of $3,049 yearly. The difference between mortgage holders ($3,043) and outright owners ($3,058) is negligible in this county.

Pennington homeowners should check their valuations

With higher tax rates, the potential dollar savings from a successful appeal increase significantly for Pennington residents. An estimated 30% of homeowners nationally are overassessed—filing a county appeal is a straightforward step to verify your property's true value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pennington County

via CostByCounty

Pennington rents rank high nationally, regionally

At 18.1% of median household income, Pennington County's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national average and reflects high housing demand in the Rapid City area. Despite a median household income of $70,768, residents are spending considerably more on rent than typical American households.

Second-priciest rental market in South Dakota

Pennington County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio trails only Oglala Lakota County among the eight South Dakota counties examined, with median rent of $1,066 the highest in this comparison. The county ranks as South Dakota's second-most expensive rental market, driven by Rapid City's popularity and limited housing stock.

Rapid City premium rivals Sioux Falls market

Pennington's $1,066 median rent narrowly exceeds Minnehaha County's $954, making Rapid City competitively priced with Sioux Falls despite lower median income ($70,768 versus $76,074). This pricing power reflects tourism, outdoor recreation appeal, and constrained housing availability in the Black Hills region.

Both housing types strain median household budget

Renters pay $1,066 monthly while homeowners average $1,241—a 16% premium reflecting median home values of $270,400. Combined with lower median income than Minnehaha, housing costs consume roughly 18-20% of income for typical Pennington households, above comfortable thresholds.

Rapid City charm carries urban price tag

Pennington County attracts residents seeking mountain access and outdoor lifestyle, but plan for housing costs competitive with larger urban centers despite smaller local economy. If affordability matters, compare Moody County's $723 rents; if you love the Black Hills, budget accordingly for premium pricing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pennington County

via IncomeByCounty

Pennington slightly trails national norm

Pennington County's median household income of $70,768 falls $3,987 short of the national median of $74,755. While below the U.S. average, the county still ranks within the middle tier nationwide, reflecting its role as a mixed urban-rural region.

Third-highest income in state

Pennington County ranks third among South Dakota counties with a median household income of $70,768, exceeding the state average of $66,926 by 5.8%. The county benefits from Rapid City's diverse economy and tourism industry.

Competitive with regional peers

Pennington's $70,768 income lags Moody County ($77,500) and Minnehaha County ($76,074), but exceeds Potter County ($71,726) and Roberts County ($63,691). The county holds a middle position in the state's income hierarchy.

Housing costs run higher here

A rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% places housing costs near the affordability ceiling, with homes averaging $270,400—among the state's priciest. Pennington households must carefully budget to balance homeownership with other financial goals.

Manage housing costs strategically

With housing consuming nearly one-fifth of income, Pennington residents should prioritize debt reduction and build emergency reserves before investing aggressively. Consider working with a financial planner to optimize your mortgage strategy and explore ways to increase household earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pennington County

via CrimeByCounty

Pennington County Exceeds National Crime Averages

With a total crime rate of 3,417.1 per 100,000, Pennington County sits well above the national average of 2,385.5. The county receives a safety score of 94.6. This reflects its status as a high-activity regional hub with significant law enforcement needs.

Crime Levels Above State Averages

Pennington's crime rate is over four times higher than the South Dakota state average of 788.1. Its safety score of 94.6 is also lower than the state average of 98.8. These figures indicate that residents face a higher statistical risk than those in most other South Dakota counties.

A Busy Hub Compared to Neighbors

The crime rate here is dramatically higher than in nearby Perkins County, which reports just 168.3 incidents per 100,000. Neighboring Potter County is also much quieter at 154.6. As a destination for tourism and commerce, Pennington experiences volume-related safety challenges its neighbors do not.

High Property Crime Drives Local Totals

Property crime is high at 2,831.0 per 100,000, significantly exceeding the national property crime average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also elevated at 586.1 compared to the national rate of 369.8. Residents should be aware that theft and burglary are the most common reported issues.

Essential Tips for Securing Your Property

Given the high property crime rate, robust home security is strongly recommended. Use deadbolts, security cameras, and alarm systems to discourage potential intruders. Community watch programs can also provide an extra layer of protection in higher-activity neighborhoods.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pennington County

via HealthByCounty

Pennington County keeps pace nationally

Pennington County's 76.1-year life expectancy matches the U.S. average of 76.1 years, showing residents live as long as typical Americans. With 14.4% reporting poor or fair health, the county runs slightly below the national rate of 17.9%, indicating moderate overall health.

Above state average, leading providers

Pennington County's 76.1-year life expectancy exceeds South Dakota's 75.4-year average by 0.7 years. The county distinguishes itself with exceptional mental health capacity at 357 providers per 100K—the strongest in the state—and solid primary care at 114 per 100K.

Rapid City region delivers strong health

Pennington County's 76.1 years outperforms neighboring Oglala Lakota County (56.9 years) and matches Minnehaha County (77.0 years) to the east. At 114 primary care providers per 100K, Pennington offers robust access comparable to the state's leading counties.

Strong insurance coverage and access

Pennington County's 10.8% uninsured rate dips below South Dakota's 11.1% average, meaning most residents carry health coverage. With 114 primary care and 357 mental health providers per 100K, the Rapid City region ranks among South Dakota's best-resourced counties for both physical and behavioral health.

Keep Pennington's health momentum

Though Pennington County leads on provider access, ensuring full insurance coverage strengthens the safety net for all residents. Check the South Dakota Health Insurance Marketplace to confirm your coverage and access the county's abundant healthcare resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pennington County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rapid City's Expansive Educational Infrastructure

Pennington County manages a large-scale network of 41 public schools across five districts, serving 16,190 students. The system is well-balanced with 20 elementary, nine middle, and nine high schools, plus several specialized alternative facilities.

Investing in Scale and Student Results

The county maintains a graduation rate of 79.3%, approaching the state average of 82.4%. Per-pupil spending of $6,272 is lower than the state's $7,409 average, yet the county achieves a school score of 46.3, close to the state median.

Rapid City Area and Douglas Districts

The Rapid City Area School District 51-4 is the region's powerhouse, overseeing 27 schools and 12,743 students. Douglas School District 51-1 follows with five schools and 2,750 students, and notably, the county hosts zero charter schools.

Urban Centers Meet Rural Outposts

This county offers a unique mix of 23 city schools and 12 rural schools, with an average enrollment of 415 students. Central High School is the largest campus with 1,768 students, providing a stark contrast to the smaller rural schools found in the outlying districts.

Discover Homes Near Top Pennington Schools

With a wide variety of urban and rural neighborhoods, families can find homes that fit their preferred school size and locale. Prioritizing school quality in your home search can help ensure long-term value and educational satisfaction.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pennington County

via RiskByCounty

Pennington ranks among higher-risk regions

Pennington County scores 78.56 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low category but substantially above South Dakota's county average of 26.84. The county faces nearly threefold greater exposure than typical South Dakota counties, driven by significant wildfire, flood, and earthquake risks concentrated in the Black Hills region.

Second-highest risk in South Dakota

Pennington County ranks second only to Minnehaha County in overall disaster risk, with a composite score of 78.56 that reflects its unique hazard mix. The Black Hills terrain creates exposure to multiple simultaneous threats rarely seen elsewhere in the state.

Far riskier than western county neighbors

Pennington's composite risk of 78.56 dwarfs nearby Oglala Lakota County's 49.84, despite both counties sharing significant wildfire exposure. The difference reflects Pennington's additional vulnerability to flooding and earthquake risks concentrated around the Black Hills.

Wildfire, floods, and earthquakes threaten

Wildfire risk reaches 97.20, nearly the highest in the state, while flood risk of 75.64 reflects Black Hills terrain susceptibility. Earthquake risk of 56.90 adds a third dimension rarely significant elsewhere in South Dakota, making Pennington uniquely multi-hazard exposed.

Comprehensive multi-hazard coverage essential

Pennington County homeowners need broad coverage including wildfire, flood, and earthquake protection—a combination rare in other South Dakota counties. Work with a local insurance agent familiar with Black Hills risks, maintain 40+ feet of defensible space, and ensure evacuation readiness during fire season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pennington County

via WeatherByCounty

High Elevation Continental Climate

Pennington County averages 44.9°F annually, sitting nearly 10 degrees below the national median. The local weather is shaped by the Black Hills, leading to significant seasonal variability.

Typical Temperatures With Higher Snowfall

The county's average temperature of 44.9°F aligns closely with the state average of 45.6°F. While its 20.4 inches of precipitation is slightly below the state norm, its 50.8 inches of snow is among the state's highest.

Leading the Region in Snow Accumulation

With 50.8 inches of annual snow, Pennington is significantly whiter in winter than Sanborn or Potter counties. It remains drier than the eastern counties, logging roughly 8 inches less rain than Minnehaha.

Significant Snow and Moderate Summers

Winter is intense with over 50 inches of snow and a 25.2°F average temperature. Summers are comfortable, with July averaging 69.0°F and only 18 days reaching above 90°F.

Gear Up for Serious Winter Snow

Residents must maintain reliable four-wheel-drive vehicles and professional-grade snow blowers for the 50.8-inch annual average. Layered clothing is essential for winter months that average around 25°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pennington County

via SoilByCounty

Diverse Landscapes of Pennington County

Detailed county-wide taxonomic data and pH levels are not currently available in the summarized dataset. The county spans from the Black Hills to the Badlands, resulting in highly variable soil identities. Local testing is essential to understand the specific chemical profile of your land.

A Mosaic of Soil Textures

Primary data for sand, silt, and clay percentages is missing for this county-wide profile. Because the terrain ranges from forested mountains to prairie, the soil composition varies from rocky outcrops to deep silts. Landowners should expect different drainage and nutrient needs depending on their elevation.

Gauging Growth Potential

There is currently no reported data for average organic matter or available water capacity in Pennington. However, the state average organic matter of 3.75% serves as a high benchmark for regional goals. Improving soil health through composting is a standard practice for successful gardening in this area.

Water Movement Across the Hills

Hydrologic groups and drainage classes are currently unlisted for the county. In the shadow of the Black Hills, water movement is largely dictated by slope and rock content rather than just soil texture. Careful site planning is required for any building or irrigation projects due to this topographical variety.

Gardening Near the Peaks in Zone 5a

Zone 5a status means Pennington County can support a wide array of fruits and vegetables, from apples to squash. The diverse climate zones created by the mountains offer unique microclimates for adventurous gardeners. Focus on hardy varieties and use raised beds to overcome local soil variability.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pennington County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Turf Management in Pennington

Pennington County carries a lawn difficulty score of 40.3, indicating a more rigorous maintenance schedule than the national average. Homeowners here must work harder than the state average to maintain green space in this Zone 5a climate.

Dry Air and Moderate Heat

Annual precipitation of 20.4 inches is well below the 30-inch mark preferred by standard lawn grasses. While 18 extreme heat days is better than the state average, the lack of moisture remains the primary limiting factor for growth.

Starting with a Local Test

Comprehensive soil data is currently unavailable for this county, making personal site assessments critical. Residents should check for drainage issues and pH levels before investing in expensive seed or sod.

Watering Through Frequent Drought

The county spent 27 weeks in drought over the last year, and over 91% of the area remains abnormally dry today. Smart irrigation controllers and rain sensors can help maximize the impact of every drop used on the lawn.

Spring Planting After May Frosts

Select drought-resistant cool-season blends to survive the semi-arid conditions. With the last spring frost typically arriving around May 15th, late May is often the safest window for establishing new growth.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pennington County's county score?
Pennington County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 27.8 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 Pennington County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Pennington County ranks #66 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 Pennington County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Pennington County is $3,049, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Pennington County a tax score of 29.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pennington County?
The median household income in Pennington County, South Dakota is $70,768 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pennington County earns an income score of 68.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pennington County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Pennington County scores 27.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #66 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Pennington 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 Pennington 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.