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Roberts County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#40 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
52.8
County Score
Safety 90.1Cost of Living 81Soil Quality 63.1

County Report Card

About Roberts County, South Dakota

Above the National Benchmark

Roberts County scores 52.8 on the composite index, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This indicates a solid baseline for livability that is competitive on a national scale.

Competitive Within South Dakota

The county’s score of 52.8 sits just below the South Dakota state average of 55.9. It remains a viable option for those looking for the state’s signature safety without the high costs of urban centers.

Highly Safe and Affordable

With a safety score of 90.1 and a cost score of 81.0, Roberts County is both secure and budget-friendly. Median gross rent is an affordable $656 per month, making it attractive for renters.

Infrastructure and Education Hurdles

Water quality is a significant challenge with a score of 10.6, alongside a low school score of 18.5. Health scores also lag at 26.5, suggesting limited access to medical services.

The Choice for Budget-Conscious Renters

Roberts County is best suited for individuals or small families seeking high safety and low housing costs. It is ideal for those who value affordability over institutional metrics like school rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax34.5Cost81Safety90.1Health26.5Schools18.5Income50Risk62.2Water10.6Weather44.6
🏛34.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡90.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓18.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡62.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧10.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.4
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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Deep Dives

Roberts County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Roberts County

via TaxByCounty

Roberts County taxes run above the national average

Roberts County's effective tax rate of 1.050% exceeds the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties for property tax burden. The median annual tax of $1,460 is below the national median of $2,690 due to lower median home values in the county.

Mid-range taxes by South Dakota standards

Roberts County's 1.050% effective rate sits just below South Dakota's state average of 1.094%, making it a below-average tax jurisdiction within the state. Among the eight counties studied, Roberts ranks sixth in effective tax rate.

Lower taxes than Moody, higher than Sanborn

Roberts County's 1.050% rate falls between Moody (1.081%) and Sanborn (1.264%) in the comparison group. This northeast positioning reflects relatively moderate tax rates for its region.

Expect roughly $1,460 in annual property taxes

On Roberts's median home value of $139,100, the typical annual property tax bill is $1,460. Mortgage holders pay $2,033, while outright owners average $1,283—a wider variation than most counties studied.

Roberts homeowners can benefit from tax appeals

Even with below-average state tax rates, Roberts County residents should verify their property valuations are accurate. An estimated 30% of homeowners nationally are overassessed—requesting a property tax appeal through the county assessor's office is a simple, no-cost way to check.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Roberts County

via CostByCounty

Roberts delivers strong affordability nationwide

Roberts County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% ranks well below the national average and signals genuine housing affordability for residents. The median household income of $63,691 paired with modest median rent of $656 creates one of the most accessible housing markets in the region.

Roberts ranks among South Dakota's most affordable

At 12.4%, Roberts County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the state average of 13.8%, making it one of South Dakota's more affordable counties. The $656 median rent is among the lowest in this eight-county comparison, despite respectable median income of $63,691.

Roberts offers lowest rent with solid income

Roberts County's $656 median rent ranks second-lowest in the region, exceeded only by Oglala Lakota ($563), while the $63,691 median income substantially exceeds Oglala Lakota's. This combination—affordable rents plus livable incomes—makes Roberts an attractive option for rural households.

Ownership slightly pricier but remains accessible

Renters pay $656 monthly while homeowners average $693—a modest 5% premium reflecting median home values of $139,100. At these levels, both rental and ownership housing consume roughly 12-13% of the $63,691 median household income, leaving substantial room for other expenses.

Roberts County: true rural affordability

Roberts County delivers genuine affordability without extreme income sacrifice: median rents of $656 with incomes topping $63,000. If you prioritize housing cost relief and can embrace rural community life, Roberts offers one of the most accessible housing markets in South Dakota.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Roberts County

via IncomeByCounty

Roberts falls below national average

Roberts County's median household income of $63,691 lags the national median of $74,755 by $11,064. The gap reflects rural and tribal economic conditions that constrain household earnings in the region.

Lower-middle income in state

Roberts County ranks in the lower half of South Dakota counties with a median household income of $63,691, about 4.8% below the state average of $66,926. The county faces economic headwinds typical of rural, sparsely populated areas.

Lags most regional peers

Roberts' $63,691 income trails Sanborn County ($69,870), Potter County ($71,726), Perkins County ($65,455), and Moody County ($77,500). Only Oglala Lakota County ($34,769) ranks significantly lower, highlighting Roberts' relative economic challenge.

Housing remains very affordable

A rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% keeps housing costs manageable at less than one-seventh of income, a strength amid income constraints. With a median home value of $139,100, Roberts households can build equity affordably.

Leverage affordability creatively

While income lags state and national averages, Roberts County's low housing costs provide financial breathing room. Prioritize saving aggressively, explore side income opportunities, and work with local organizations to access skills training and economic development support.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Roberts County

via CrimeByCounty

Roberts County Shows Strong Safety Metrics

Roberts County earns a safety score of 99.7, placing it in the top tier of US counties. Its total crime rate of 195.3 per 100,000 is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5. These statistics indicate a very low incidence of reported crime for the area.

Beating State Averages for Total Crime

The county’s crime rate of 195.3 is roughly one-quarter of the South Dakota state average of 788.1. Its safety score of 99.7 also outperforms the state average of 98.8. Local law enforcement maintains a high standard of safety compared to many peers.

Comparing Roberts to Surrounding Counties

Roberts County is significantly safer than Moody County, which has a much higher rate of 803.7. Its crime figures are more in line with rural neighbors like Sanborn County (168.6). This makes it one of the more secure regions in the northeastern part of the state.

Violent Crime Dominates Local Reports

The violent crime rate is 166.0, while property crime is very low at 29.3 per 100,000. Despite violent crime being the larger share of local incidents, it remains less than half the national violent crime average. Residents are more likely to see property stay safe while dealing with occasional personal disputes.

Encouraging Awareness and Home Safety

While property crime is rare in Roberts County, basic home security is always a wise investment. Maintaining good relationships with neighbors can help prevent the person-to-person conflicts that drive violent crime rates. Awareness is the key to keeping these numbers low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Roberts County

via HealthByCounty

Roberts County faces urgent health crisis

Roberts County's 72.2-year life expectancy falls 3.9 years short of the U.S. average of 76.1 years, placing residents among the nation's lowest. At 19.7% reporting poor or fair health—well above the national rate of 17.9%—the county confronts serious health challenges.

Critical gap from state health standards

Roberts County's 72.2-year life expectancy trails South Dakota's 75.4-year average by 3.2 years, marking one of the state's lowest outcomes. At 19.7% poor/fair health, the county's rate substantially exceeds the state norm, signaling concentrated health vulnerability.

Severe disparities compared to region

Roberts County's 72.2-year life expectancy significantly lags neighboring Moody County (75.8 years) and Perkins County (78.7 years) to the east and west. At just 30 primary care providers per 100K—the lowest in the county set—residents face critical barriers to accessing preventive care.

Provider scarcity compounds coverage gaps

Roberts County's 14.8% uninsured rate ranks among the state's highest, and with only 30 primary care providers per 100K, access is severely constrained. The combination of limited coverage, minimal primary care, and only 108 mental health providers per 100K creates a healthcare access emergency.

Coverage is urgent in Roberts County

With the lowest provider access in the county set and one of the highest uninsured rates, Roberts County residents urgently need insurance coverage. Enroll through the South Dakota Health Insurance Marketplace or contact local health services immediately to secure your health protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Roberts County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network Serving Roberts County

Roberts County hosts 12 public schools across four districts, supporting a total of 1,616 students. The landscape is primarily made up of five elementary, three middle, and four high schools distributed throughout the county.

Academic Performance and Spending Metrics

The county's 76.9% graduation rate trails the South Dakota state average of 82.4%. Per-pupil spending stands at $6,703, which is lower than the state's $7,409 average and significantly below the $13,000 national benchmark.

Leading Districts in Roberts County

The Sisseton School District 54-2 is the largest in the area, educating 979 students across its three campuses. Rosholt and Wilmot districts also serve the community, with no charter schools present in the county's educational mix.

Rural Identity with Diverse School Sizes

All 12 schools are located in rural settings, with an average enrollment of 135 students. Westside Elementary is the most populous school with 395 students, offering a different social experience than the county's smaller high schools.

Make Roberts County Your New Home

If you are looking for a community where local schools are the heartbeat of the town, Roberts County is worth a look. Use school quality data as a guide when browsing the diverse residential options in this rural region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Roberts County

via RiskByCounty

Roberts County shows moderate-low risk

Roberts County scores 37.79 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the very low category but above South Dakota's average of 26.84. The county's overall exposure reflects moderate wildfire concern balanced against low tornado, flood, and earthquake threats.

Below-average risk for South Dakota

Roberts County ranks in the lower half of South Dakota's 66 counties for disaster exposure, with a composite risk of 37.79 that slightly exceeds the state average. The county's position reflects northeastern location with modest wildfire exposure but limited other hazard threats.

Higher risk than Potter County

Roberts County's composite risk of 37.79 exceeds nearby Potter County's 10.02 but remains substantially lower than western counties like Pennington (78.56). The difference reflects Roberts County's greater wildfire exposure while maintaining lower flood and earthquake risk than Black Hills regions.

Wildfire and tornado pose dual threat

Wildfire risk in Roberts County reaches 74.05, representing the primary hazard concern for the county's northeastern location. Tornado risk of 50.45 presents a secondary but meaningful threat, while flood and earthquake risks remain minimal below 10.

Emphasize wildfire and tornado coverage

Roberts County homeowners should ensure standard policies include wildfire and tornado coverage, as both hazards pose real threats to the region. Maintain 30 feet of defensible space around structures during dry seasons and keep a weather radio active during spring storm season for advance tornado warnings.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Roberts County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Nation's Coldest Corners

Roberts County's annual average of 43.2°F is significantly lower than the national median. The county experiences long, rigorous winters typical of the northeastern plains.

A Cold and Snowy State Outlier

At 43.2°F, Roberts County is one of the colder counties in South Dakota, falling well below the 45.6°F state average. It also sees 48.6 inches of snow, much higher than the state median.

More Snow and Less Heat Than Neighbors

Roberts County records 48.6 inches of snow, nearly double the amount seen in Sanborn. It also stays cooler in the summer, with only 10 days hitting 90°F compared to the 26 days in Perkins.

Harsh Winters and Pleasant Summers

The winter average of 15.5°F makes for a long cold season, dominated by nearly 49 inches of snowfall. Summers are relatively mild, with July averaging 70.9°F and very few extreme heat events.

Focusing on High-Efficiency Winter Heating

With January averages of just 12.1°F, high-quality home heating and insulation are the top priorities. Residents should also prepare for significant snow clearance for the nearly 50 inches of annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Roberts County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Entisols of the Northeast

Roberts County is characterized by Entisols with a gravelly loam texture and a pH of 7.25. This makes the soil more alkaline than both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 7.05. These soils are often young and develop quickly on the county's varied glacial terrain.

A Versatile Silt and Sand Mix

The soil composition is a blend of 42.6% silt and 34.9% sand, with a lower clay content of 22.4%. This gravelly loam texture provides enough pore space for air to reach roots while retaining necessary nutrients. It is a resilient mix that handles the transition from prairie to lakeshore well.

Elite Organic Matter Levels

Roberts County features an impressive 4.20% organic matter, far exceeding the state average of 3.75%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.190 in/in, the soil is highly fertile and productive. This rich organic profile drives a strong soil score of 63.1.

Rapid Drainage for the Glacial Lake Region

Classified as excessively drained, these soils shed water very quickly, which is typical for gravelly loams. The county falls into Hydrologic Group A, meaning the land has a high infiltration rate and very low runoff. This makes Roberts County an excellent place for projects requiring stable, dry ground.

Thriving in the Rich Zone 4b Soil

With organic matter levels well above the state average, Roberts County gardens are primed for success in Zone 4b. The alkaline pH is particularly well-suited for asparagus, beans, and many brassicas. Focus on plants that thrive in well-drained soil to take advantage of the natural gravelly texture.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Roberts County

via LawnByCounty

A Top Choice for South Dakota Lawns

Roberts County leads the pack with a lawn difficulty score of 58.4, well above the national and state averages. This Zone 4b county provides some of the most favorable conditions in the region for home landscaping.

More Rain and Less Scorching Heat

Annual precipitation of 24.9 inches is significantly higher than the state average, though still below the 30-inch ideal. With only 10 extreme heat days, the turf stays cooler and requires less emergency hydration than in the west.

Gravelly Loam with High Drainage

The soil is an excessively drained gravelly loam with a slightly alkaline pH of 7.25. While the pH is manageable, the fast drainage means you should monitor for wilting more closely during dry weeks.

Enjoying a Drought-Free Season

There are currently no drought conditions in the county, and only 12 weeks of drought were recorded over the last year. This consistency allows for a more predictable maintenance and fertilization schedule.

Planting for Success in the Northeast

Kentucky Bluegrass blends are popular here and thrive in the cooler summer profile. Wait for the frost-free window starting May 4th to begin your spring lawn projects for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Roberts County's county score?
Roberts County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 52.8 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 Roberts County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Roberts County ranks #40 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 Roberts County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Roberts County is $1,460, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Roberts County a tax score of 34.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Roberts County?
The median household income in Roberts County, South Dakota is $63,691 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Roberts County earns an income score of 50/100 on CountyScore.
Is Roberts County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Roberts County scores 52.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Roberts 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 Roberts 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.