countyscore
66.2
County Score
Safety 91.2Disaster Risk 90Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Potter County, South Dakota

Top-Tier National Performance

Potter County’s composite score of 66.2 is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the more desirable counties in the country for overall livability.

A Leader in South Dakota

The county outperforms the state average of 55.9 by over 10 points. Its strong health and safety metrics make it a standout destination compared to neighboring regions.

High Marks for Health and Safety

Safety scores reach 91.2, while health scores are impressive at 83.0. The county also offers great environmental security with a risk score of 90.0 and a median household income of $71,726.

Managing the Tax Burden

The tax score of 18.3 is the county’s lowest dimension, reflecting an effective tax rate of 1.371%. While other scores are high, residents face a higher tax bite compared to the national average.

Perfect for Health-Conscious Families

This county is a premier choice for families who want excellent health outcomes and a safe, low-risk environment. It provides a high quality of life for those prioritizing physical well-being over tax savings.

Score breakdown

Tax18.3Cost61.4Safety91.2Health83Schools64.1Income70.7Risk90Water86Weather38.1
🏛18.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠61.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼70.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡91.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤83
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡90
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.7
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Potter County?

Many homeowners in Potter County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Potter County with Mitchell County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Mitchell County
Iowa
Median income: $68,704
66.2
Monroe County
Kentucky
Median income: $49,430
66.2
Reynolds County
Missouri
Median income: $44,357
66.2
Lamar County
Alabama
Median income: $47,447
66.3
Cheyenne County
Colorado
Median income: $67,768
66.3
Orange County
Indiana
Median income: $64,758
66.3
Carter County
Kentucky
Median income: $50,389
66.3
Perkins County
South Dakota
Median income: $65,455
66.3

Nearby counties

Walworth County
South Dakota
50.6
Sully County
South Dakota
70
Dewey County
South Dakota
54.1
Hyde County
South Dakota
57.4
Faulk County
South Dakota
68.8
Edmunds County
South Dakota
62.8
Hughes County
South Dakota
42.3
Stanley County
South Dakota
60.1

Deep Dives

Potter County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Potter County

via TaxByCounty

Potter County's taxes are among the nation's highest

Potter County's effective tax rate of 1.371% ranks among the highest in the United States, significantly above the national median of 0.84%. The median annual property tax of $1,663 reflects this aggressive tax collection relative to the national norm.

Potter ranks second-highest in South Dakota

Potter County's 1.371% effective tax rate is the second-highest in South Dakota, just behind Perkins County at 1.327%. Both northwest counties operate well above the state average of 1.094%, indicating a regional pattern of higher taxation.

Highest-taxed county in the eight-county group

Potter's 1.371% rate edges out all comparison counties, including Perkins (1.327%) and Sanborn (1.264%). This northwest corner of South Dakota carries the heaviest property tax burden among the eight counties studied.

Budget $1,663 for annual property taxes

On Potter's median home value of $121,300, homeowners pay $1,663 yearly in property taxes. Mortgage holders face slightly higher bills at $1,830, while outright owners average $1,587 annually.

Potter homeowners should prioritize tax appeals

As South Dakota's second-highest-taxed county, Potter homeowners have exceptional incentive to verify their property valuations. An estimated 30% of homeowners nationally are overassessed—filing a property tax appeal is a free opportunity to challenge any inflated assessment and reduce your annual burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Potter County

via CostByCounty

Potter offers reliable affordability below national

Potter County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% sits modestly above the national average but remains manageable given the county's rural character. With median household income of $71,726 and median rent of $869, residents maintain reasonable housing stability without extreme cost burden.

Slightly above state average on affordability

Potter County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio edges above South Dakota's 13.8% state average, placing it in the middle tier of regional affordability. The median rent of $869 reflects a rural community with moderate cost growth but strong income relative to neighboring counties.

Potter prices higher than most rural peers

Potter County's $869 median rent exceeds Roberts ($656) and Sanborn ($717) but undercuts the urban centers Minnehaha ($954) and Pennington ($1,066). The county occupies a transition zone between affordable rural areas and pricier regional hubs.

Modest gap between rent and homeownership

Renters pay $869 monthly while homeowners average $657—a 24% discount reflecting affordable median home values of $121,300. Both tenure types remain comfortably affordable, with costs consuming around 12-15% of the $71,726 median household income.

Potter: rural stability with decent incomes

Potter County suits those seeking rural character without sacrificing income; the $71,726 median household income exceeds many neighboring counties while maintaining reasonable housing costs. Budget-conscious homebuyers especially should consider Potter's favorable ownership costs and accessible property values.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Potter County

via IncomeByCounty

Potter approaches national income parity

Potter County's median household income of $71,726 approaches the national median of $74,755, falling short by just $3,029. The county demonstrates solid economic positioning despite its small, rural character.

Upper-middle rank in state

Potter County ranks fourth among South Dakota counties with a median household income of $71,726, exceeding the state average of $66,926 by 7.2%. The county benefits from a stable mix of agriculture, ranching, and small business.

Strong position among peers

Potter's $71,726 income outpaces Roberts County ($63,691) and Sanborn County ($69,870), falling just short of Moody County ($77,500) and Pennington County ($70,768). The county demonstrates economic resilience in a rural setting.

Excellent housing affordability

A rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% keeps housing costs well under control, consuming less than one-sixth of median income. At a median home value of $121,300, Potter offers exceptional value for homebuyers seeking stability.

Build on affordable foundations

Potter County residents enjoy above-average income and low housing costs—a powerful combination for wealth building. Lock in your housing advantage through homeownership, then redirect the savings into retirement accounts and long-term investments for sustainable financial growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Potter County

via CrimeByCounty

Potter County Ranks Among the Safest

Potter County features a total crime rate of 154.6 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 99.8 reflects a very secure community. Residents enjoy a level of safety that is rare in many other parts of the country.

Setting a High Standard in South Dakota

The county's safety score of 99.8 is well above the South Dakota state average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 154.6 is roughly five times lower than the state average of 788.1. These numbers place Potter County among the most peaceful jurisdictions in the state.

Leading Its Neighbors in Public Safety

Potter County has a lower crime rate than Perkins County (168.3) and Moody County (803.7). It remains a quiet outlier even compared to other rural parts of the state. This low activity level highlights the effectiveness of local safety efforts.

Crime is Exclusively Property Based

Violent crime in Potter County is recorded at 0.0 per 100,000 residents. The entire crime rate of 154.6 consists of property crimes, such as theft or vandalism. This means violent threats are statistically non-existent in the reported data.

Guarding Against Occasional Property Theft

Since property crime is the only reported issue, focusing on home security is a smart move. Motion-sensor lights and reinforced locks can further reduce the risk of minor thefts. Staying alert helps ensure that Potter County's violent crime rate stays at zero.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Potter County

via HealthByCounty

Potter County achieves remarkable longevity

Potter County's 80.7-year life expectancy ranks among the highest in the nation, stretching 4.6 years beyond the U.S. average of 76.1 years. At 12.9% poor/fair health, the county significantly outperforms the national rate of 17.9%, marking exceptional wellness outcomes.

South Dakota's longevity leader

Potter County's 80.7-year life expectancy tops South Dakota at 5.3 years above the state average of 75.4 years. The county's 12.9% poor/fair health rate reflects state-leading health security and preventive care culture.

Rural excellence amid provider scarcity

Potter County's 80.7-year life expectancy towers over neighboring Roberts County (72.2 years) and exceeds Perkins County (78.7 years). Despite limited primary care at 40 per 100K, the county's residents achieve outstanding longevity, suggesting strong community health practices and preventive engagement.

Lowest uninsured rate in the county set

Potter County's 8.3% uninsured rate ranks lowest among all eight counties, indicating strong insurance uptake and access. Though primary care is limited at 40 per 100K and mental health at just 41 per 100K, residents' exceptional longevity suggests effective health management and preventive engagement.

Protect Potter's health success

Potter County's remarkable 80.7-year life expectancy reflects strong community health culture—maintain it by ensuring all residents stay insured. Verify your coverage through the South Dakota Health Insurance Marketplace to keep this rural county's wellness advantage intact.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Potter County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Education for a Growing Community

Potter County operates six schools across two districts, serving a total enrollment of 328 students. The system is perfectly balanced with two elementary, two middle, and two high schools ensuring a clear path from kindergarten to graduation.

Top-Tier Graduation and Investment Levels

The county achieves a 90.0% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 82.4% and the national 87% benchmark. This success is paired with a generous $8,923 per-pupil expenditure, significantly outstripping the state average of $7,409.

Spotlight on Gettysburg and Hoven Districts

Gettysburg School District 53-1 serves 211 students across three schools, making it the county's largest district. Hoven School District 53-2 manages the other three schools, and the county currently offers no charter school alternatives.

The Essence of the Small-School Experience

Every school in the county is rural, with a tiny average enrollment of 55 students per building. Gettysburg Elementary is the largest campus with 95 students, while Hoven High School provides an incredibly personalized environment for its 29 students.

Find Your Future in Potter County

With graduation rates exceeding national averages, Potter County is a prime destination for education-focused families. Explore local property listings to find a home that puts your children in these high-achieving rural districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Potter County

via RiskByCounty

Potter County offers exceptional safety

Potter County scores just 10.02 on the composite risk scale, placing it among the safest counties in the United States for natural disaster exposure. The county's very low rating sits well below the South Dakota state average of 26.84, indicating minimal hazard threat across all major categories.

Among South Dakota's safest counties

Potter County ranks in the bottom tier of disaster-prone South Dakota counties, with composite risk substantially below the state average. The county's position reflects favorable geographic location insulated from major hazard zones and stable underlying conditions.

Safer than all surrounding counties

Potter County's risk score of 10.02 ranks as one of the lowest in its region, well below nearby Oglala Lakota County's 49.84 and offering residents substantially safer conditions than western South Dakota neighbors. The northeast location provides natural protection from wildfire and flood exposure concentrations.

Wildfire represents only modest threat

Wildfire risk of 56.62 constitutes Potter County's primary hazard concern, though it remains moderate compared to western counties. Tornado risk of 17.94 and flood risk of 14.63 present minimal concerns, while earthquake risk is negligible.

Basic coverage meets your needs

Potter County residents benefit from exceptional low-risk exposure, making standard homeowners insurance adequate for most properties without specialized additions. Maintain annual policy reviews and ensure replacement-cost coverage aligns with current home values, but extensive disaster preparation investments are unnecessary.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Potter County

via WeatherByCounty

The Heart of the Northern Plains

Potter County's annual average temperature of 44.3°F is roughly 10 degrees cooler than the national median. This location experiences the full range of continental weather, from deep freezes to summer heat.

Standard Temperatures With Average Snowfall

The county's 44.3°F average is slightly below the state mark of 45.6°F. Its 20.2 inches of annual precipitation and 38.7 inches of snow represent typical conditions for central South Dakota.

Typical Central South Dakota Weather

Potter County's 20.2 inches of precipitation is higher than Perkins but lower than eastern Roberts County. Its 20 extreme heat days are moderate for the region, compared to the 41 seen further southwest.

Sharp Contrasts Between July and January

July averages 72.0°F with 20 days exceeding the 90-degree mark. Winter brings a sharp drop to a 15.1°F average in January, accompanied by 38.7 inches of snow throughout the year.

Balanced Heating and Cooling Needs

Residents require a versatile HVAC system to handle the swing from sub-zero winter nights to 90-degree summer days. Winter preparation should include snow removal tools for the nearly 40 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Potter County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Neutrality in Potter County

Potter County features a pH of 7.02, matching the state’s neutral trend. This score is slightly above the national median of 6.5, creating an environment where most minerals remain soluble for plant uptake. While taxonomic data is unlisted, the pH suggests a stable chemical foundation.

Silt-Heavy Soils for Consistent Growth

The soil is largely comprised of 48.5% silt, giving it a smooth texture and good nutrient-holding capacity. With 26.2% sand and 25.4% clay, the mix is well-balanced for agricultural production. This composition helps the soil maintain its structure even under heavy machinery use.

Strong Water Retention for Crops

Potter County boasts a high available water capacity of 0.192 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.182. Organic matter is solid at 3.48%, which is well above the national benchmark of 2.0%. These factors earn the county a respectable soil score of 65.6.

Moisture Management in the Missouri Valley

Formal drainage classifications are currently unavailable for this county-wide data set. However, the high silt percentage typically points to moderate drainage and excellent moisture storage. Proper field leveling and drainage planning can help prevent waterlogging in the silty lowlands.

Diverse Opportunities in Zone 4b

As part of Hardiness Zone 4b, Potter County is suited for cool-season crops and hardy grains. The high water capacity makes it an excellent location for vegetables like potatoes and carrots that need steady moisture. Gardeners should feel encouraged by the county’s above-average soil score.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Potter County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions in Potter County

Potter County earns a 55.7 lawn difficulty score, outperforming both the state and national averages. This Zone 4b region offers a slightly easier path to a green lawn than many of its neighbors.

Balanced Heat for the High Plains

The county sees 20 extreme heat days per year, which is lower than the state average of 24. While 20.2 inches of rain is lean, the moderate 2,518 growing degree days suggest a steady and manageable mowing season.

Neutral Soils Support Growth

A soil pH of 7.02 is nearly neutral, offering a hospitable environment for most common grass types. With 25.4% clay, the soil has enough structure to hold nutrients effectively while allowing roots to penetrate deep.

Strong Resilience to Dry Cycles

The county is currently clear of abnormally dry conditions and experienced only 12 weeks of drought last year. This relative stability makes it a great time to overseed and thicken the turf canopy.

Early May is Ideal for Seeding

Standard cool-season grasses thrive here, provided they receive supplemental water during peak summer. Aim to plant after May 7th to avoid late-season frost damage to new seedlings.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Potter County's county score?
Potter County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 66.2 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 Potter County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Potter County ranks #11 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 Potter County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Potter County is $1,663, with an effective tax rate of 1.37%. This earns Potter County a tax score of 18.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Potter County?
The median household income in Potter County, South Dakota is $71,726 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Potter County earns an income score of 70.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Potter County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Potter County scores 66.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Potter 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 Potter County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.