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Perkins County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#10 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
66.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.4Safety 90.7Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Perkins County, South Dakota

Exceptional Quality in the National Tier

Perkins County earns a composite score of 66.3, placing it far above the national median of 50.0. This high ranking reflects a superior quality of life across most measurable dimensions.

Outperforming South Dakota Standards

The county’s 66.3 score comfortably beats the state average of 55.9. It ranks as a top-tier choice within South Dakota for those seeking a balance of safety and natural resource quality.

Elite Environmental Safety and Water

Perkins County excels with an environmental risk score of 97.4 and a safety score of 90.7. Water quality is also a standout feature, scoring 86.0 with very affordable median home values of $105,900.

High Relative Tax Burden

The primary drawback is a low tax score of 19.8, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.327%. While most dimensions are strong, this tax rate is higher than many other rural peers.

A Haven for Safety Seekers

Perkins County is ideal for families and retirees who prioritize low crime, clean water, and minimal environmental risk. It offers peace of mind for those willing to pay a slightly higher local tax rate.

Score breakdown

Tax19.8Cost80.9Safety90.7Health72.7Schools52.2Income55.8Risk97.4Water86Weather34.1
🏛19.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼55.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡90.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤72.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨56
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.1
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

Perkins County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Perkins County

via TaxByCounty

Perkins County has the highest state tax rate

Perkins County's effective tax rate of 1.327% far exceeds the national median of 0.84%, landing it among the nation's most heavily taxed counties. At $1,405 annually on the median home, the county's tax burden is notably high relative to national standards.

South Dakota's highest property tax rate

Perkins County leads all South Dakota counties with a 1.327% effective tax rate, 21% higher than the state average of 1.094%. This distinction makes Perkins one of the most aggressive property tax collectors in the region.

Taxes rural northwest South Dakota most heavily

Perkins County's 1.327% rate significantly exceeds Potter (1.371%) and all other counties in this analysis except Potter itself. This pattern reflects the county's approach to funding local services in a sparsely populated region.

Plan for $1,405 in annual property taxes

On Perkins's median home value of $105,900, homeowners pay $1,405 yearly in property taxes. Those with mortgages pay $1,489, while outright owners average $1,352—reflecting the county's highest effective rate statewide.

Perkins homeowners have strong incentive to appeal

With the state's highest tax rate, any overassessment in Perkins County carries extra financial weight for homeowners. An estimated 30% of U.S. homeowners are overassessed—Perkins residents should absolutely request a property tax appeal through the county assessor's office to verify their valuation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Perkins County

via CostByCounty

Perkins offers comfortable affordable housing

Perkins County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.9% ranks slightly above the national average, providing reasonable affordability for a rural county. With median household income of $65,455 and median rent of $703, residents enjoy housing costs well within the recommended 30% threshold.

Middle-of-road affordability for South Dakota

Perkins County's 12.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the state average of 13.8%, making it a moderate option among South Dakota counties. The median rent of $703 falls between the most affordable rural counties and the expensive urban centers.

Perkins balances rural pricing with decent income

Perkins County's $703 median rent aligns closely with Roberts County ($656) and Sanborn County ($717), while median income of $65,455 exceeds both neighbors. This combination positions Perkins as a practical rural option for those seeking affordability without extreme isolation.

Ownership significantly cheaper than renting

Renters in Perkins pay $703 monthly, while homeowners average $655—making ownership the rare county where mortgages undercut rent. With median home values of just $105,900, first-time buyers find genuine affordability, consuming only 12% of the $65,455 median income for ownership costs.

Perkins: solid middle ground for value seekers

If you're comparing South Dakota options, Perkins County delivers balanced affordability with mid-range income and reasonable housing costs. Renters get decent value, but prospective homebuyers should take particular note: ownership is genuinely affordable here compared to renting.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Perkins County

via IncomeByCounty

Perkins lags national income average

Perkins County's median household income of $65,455 trails the national median of $74,755 by $9,300. The gap reflects rural economic constraints, though the county's per-capita income of $41,539 suggests relatively balanced wealth distribution.

Mid-tier earner in South Dakota

Perkins County ranks in the middle of South Dakota counties with a median household income of $65,455, falling slightly below the state average of $66,926. The county's stable agricultural and ranching economy provides modest but consistent income levels.

Similar to regional counterparts

Perkins' $65,455 income places it between Roberts County ($63,691) and Sanborn County ($69,870), reflecting consistent rural economic conditions across the region. The county performs slightly worse than Potter County ($71,726) but better than Oglala Lakota County ($34,769).

Housing costs are very reasonable

A rent-to-income ratio of 12.9% indicates housing costs consume less than one-seventh of median household income, well within the affordability sweet spot. With a median home value of just $105,900, homeownership remains highly accessible for most households.

Use affordability to build savings

Perkins County's low housing costs relative to income create an ideal foundation for saving and investing. Prioritize building a 6-month emergency fund, then explore retirement accounts and diversified investments to convert your affordable living situation into durable wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Perkins County

via CrimeByCounty

Perkins County Maintains High Safety Marks

Perkins County boasts a safety score of 99.7, far exceeding the national norm. Its total crime rate of 168.3 per 100,000 is 93% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This data suggests an exceptionally safe environment for the local community.

Outperforming State Averages in Public Safety

The county's crime rate of 168.3 is much lower than the South Dakota state average of 788.1. With a safety score of 99.7, it ranks significantly higher than the state average of 98.8. Only a single agency reports here, so these numbers represent a specific snapshot of local law enforcement.

Low Crime Rates in the Region

Perkins County is much safer than its distant neighbor Pennington, where the crime rate reaches 3,417.1. Its rate is very similar to nearby Sanborn County, which reports 168.6 incidents per 100,000. This consistency points to a quiet safety profile across rural South Dakota.

Violent Incidents Outnumber Property Crimes

Violent crime is reported at 101.0 per 100,000, while property crime is lower at 67.3. While violent crime makes up the majority of the local rate, it remains well below the national violent crime average of 369.8. Most residents will rarely encounter either category of crime.

Simple Steps for Continued Security

Property crime rates are extremely low, but residents should still practice basic security habits. Locking doors and keeping valuables out of sight can prevent opportunistic thefts. Your active participation helps maintain the county's reputation as a safe place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Perkins County

via HealthByCounty

Perkins County leads longevity nation

Perkins County residents live to 78.7 years on average, outpacing the U.S. life expectancy of 76.1 years by 2.6 years. With just 11.3% reporting poor or fair health versus the national rate of 17.9%, the county demonstrates exceptional wellness outcomes.

South Dakota's longevity champion

At 78.7 years, Perkins County holds one of the highest life expectancies in South Dakota, stretching 3.3 years beyond the state average of 75.4 years. The county's 11.3% poor/fair health rate places it among the state's healthiest.

Northwest excellence in health outcomes

Perkins County's 78.7-year life expectancy leads the northwest region, surpassing Potter County (80.7 years is higher, but Potter is a much smaller county) and Roberts County (72.2 years). Though primary care is limited at 36 per 100K, the county maintains strong mental health support at 212 providers per 100K.

Solid coverage despite provider gaps

Perkins County's 11.7% uninsured rate hovers near the state average of 11.1%, meaning most residents maintain coverage. While primary care providers number just 36 per 100K—requiring potential travel for routine care—mental health providers at 212 per 100K offer robust behavioral health access.

Maintain Perkins' health advantage

To sustain Perkins County's exceptional life expectancy and wellness, ensure comprehensive insurance coverage for all residents. Review your options through the South Dakota Health Insurance Marketplace and maintain preventive care as a priority.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Perkins County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Town Learning Across Two Districts

Perkins County educates 417 students within six public schools, providing two elementary, two middle, and two high schools. These facilities are managed by two distinct districts that maintain a low student-to-school ratio.

High Scores and Competitive Graduation Rates

The county boasts an 86.7% graduation rate, exceeding the state average of 82.4% and nearly matching the national 87% mark. Investment is strong here, with per-pupil spending at $8,631, well above the South Dakota average of $7,409.

Lemmon and Bison District Highlights

The Lemmon School District 52-4 is the larger provider with 283 students, while the Bison School District 52-1 serves 134 students. Traditional public schooling remains the standard, as no charter schools operate in the county.

Intimate Rural Schools with Personal Focus

The average school enrollment is just 70 students, and all six schools are classified as rural. Lemmon Elementary is the county's largest school with 141 students, while Bison High School serves the smallest cohort with 43 students.

Establish Your Family in Perkins County

For those seeking a rural lifestyle with high-performing schools, Perkins County offers a compelling case for homebuyers. Check out local real estate listings to find a home near these small but academically strong districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Perkins County

via RiskByCounty

Perkins County ranks safest nationally

Perkins County's composite risk score of 2.61 places it among the lowest-risk counties in the entire United States, virtually matching zero on the national disaster exposure scale. The county's very low rating reflects minimal exposure across all major hazard categories, providing residents with exceptional natural disaster safety.

South Dakota's lowest-risk county

Perkins County ranks as the safest county in South Dakota by a wide margin, with a composite risk of 2.61 compared to the state average of 26.84. The county's position reflects geographic distance from major natural hazard zones and favorable underlying geology.

Dramatically safer than all neighbors

Perkins County's risk score of 2.61 is dramatically lower than any adjacent county, including Oglala Lakota (49.84) and Morrill County in Nebraska. This isolation from high-risk zones makes Perkins one of the nation's genuinely safest places for natural disaster exposure.

Wildfire presents only modest concern

Wildfire risk of 68.80 represents Perkins County's highest hazard score, yet it remains moderate compared to other South Dakota counties. All other hazard categories—tornado, flood, earthquake—score below 6, reflecting minimal threat from multiple directions.

Standard insurance provides ample protection

Perkins County residents can rely on basic homeowners insurance to cover their exceptional risk profile, with wildfire coverage as a minor add-on for completeness. Annual policy reviews remain prudent, but catastrophic disaster preparedness investments are not justified by local hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Perkins County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool and Arid Western Climate

Perkins County averages 44.1°F annually, which is notably cooler than the national median of 54°F. The climate is distinctly semi-arid, featuring limited precipitation and wide temperature swings.

Colder and Drier Than the Average

The county stays cooler than the 45.6°F state average and is significantly drier. Perkins receives only 17.7 inches of precipitation annually, 5 inches less than the South Dakota average.

Sparse Rainfall Compared to Central Districts

With only 17.7 inches of annual moisture, Perkins is drier than Potter or Sanborn. However, it experiences more extreme heat than its eastern neighbors, logging 26 days above 90°F.

Hot July Days and Snowy Winters

Summer brings 26 extreme heat days, pushing the July average to 70.8°F. Winter is equally impactful, delivering 41.0 inches of snow and an average winter temperature of 20.1°F.

Managing Heat and Arid Conditions

Efficient cooling systems are necessary to handle nearly a month of 90-degree weather. Homeowners should also prepare for 41 inches of snow and use drought-resistant plants for their gardens.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Perkins County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in the Northwestern Plains

Perkins County soil is nearly perfectly neutral with an average pH of 7.02. This is almost identical to the South Dakota average of 7.05 and slightly higher than the national median of 6.5. This pH level is excellent for nutrient availability in typical prairie crops.

Sandy Character for the Open Range

The soil composition is relatively sandy at 41.7%, complemented by 34.4% silt and 21.7% clay. This higher sand content makes the soil easier to work and less prone to heavy compaction compared to eastern counties. It allows for better aeration around root systems in the semi-arid climate.

Efficient Water Use in Dry Conditions

Organic matter levels sit at 2.87%, which is above the national average of 2.0% but lower than the state average of 3.75%. The available water capacity is 0.171 in/in, reflecting the sandier nature of the soil. Despite a lower soil score of 56.0, the land remains highly productive for specialized dryland farming.

Natural Drainage on the Prairie

Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the 41.7% sand content suggests a well-draining environment. Soil moisture management is key here, as the land may dry out faster than silt-heavy regions. Ranchers and farmers must monitor moisture levels closely during the peak summer heat.

Tough Plants for a Zone 4b Climate

Perkins County is in Hardiness Zone 4b, requiring plants that can handle harsh winters and dry summers. Drought-resistant vegetables and native grasses thrive best in this sandier, neutral soil. Consider using drip irrigation to maximize the efficiency of the available water capacity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Perkins County

via LawnByCounty

Meeting the State Standard

Perkins County matches the South Dakota average with a lawn difficulty score of 51.1. In this Zone 4b environment, gardeners can expect a standard level of effort to keep their yards healthy and green.

High Heat and Limited Precipitation

With only 17.7 inches of annual rain, this is one of the drier regions for lawn care in the state. Grass must also withstand 26 extreme heat days, requiring a robust watering plan to prevent dormancy in July.

Sandy Soil and Neutral pH

The soil features a 7.02 pH and a high sand content of 41.7%, which allows for excellent drainage but poor moisture retention. Organic matter like compost should be added to help the ground hold onto water longer.

Current Respite from Drought

Fortunately, the county currently shows 0% drought coverage and faced only 10 weeks of dryness last year. This provides a great window to strengthen your lawn's root system before the next dry cycle begins.

Ready for a Late Spring Start

Focus on cold-hardy varieties that can handle the Zone 4b winters and sandy summer soils. The growing season typically kicks off after May 16th, once the threat of spring frost has passed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Perkins County's county score?
Perkins County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 66.3 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 Perkins County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Perkins County ranks #10 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 Perkins County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Perkins County is $1,405, with an effective tax rate of 1.33%. This earns Perkins County a tax score of 19.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Perkins County?
The median household income in Perkins County, South Dakota is $65,455 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Perkins County earns an income score of 55.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Perkins County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Perkins County scores 66.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Perkins 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 Perkins 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.