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Sanborn County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#25 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
61.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.5Safety 90.7Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Sanborn County, South Dakota

Exceeding National Livability Standards

Sanborn County earns a composite score of 61.6, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high-quality rural lifestyle with exceptional safety metrics.

Surpassing the South Dakota Average

The county beats the state average composite score of 55.9. It stands out in South Dakota for offering a combination of high environmental stability and solid health outcomes.

Elite Environmental Stability

Environmental risk is exceptionally low with a score of 96.5, complemented by a safety score of 90.7. The county also boasts clean water, with a water score of 86.0 and median home values of $138,500.

High Taxes and School Needs

Taxation is a weak point with a score of 22.5 and an effective rate of 1.264%. Education also sees lower scores at 29.8, indicating room for growth in the local school system.

Ideal for Rural Peace Seekers

Sanborn County is a top pick for those who want a safe, quiet life with very low environmental risk. It is perfect for residents who value clean water and physical security in a rural setting.

Score breakdown

Tax22.5Cost72.3Safety90.7Health68.5Schools29.8Income66.1Risk96.5Water86Weather36.5
🏛22.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡90.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓29.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡96.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨56.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.3
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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Nearby counties

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Hanson County
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Aurora County
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Jerauld County
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Kingsbury County
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Deep Dives

Sanborn County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sanborn County

via TaxByCounty

Sanborn County taxes exceed the national average

Sanborn County's effective tax rate of 1.264% significantly exceeds the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the upper quarter of U.S. counties for tax burden. The median annual property tax of $1,750 reflects this above-average rate applied to lower median home values than the nation.

Third-highest taxes in South Dakota

Sanborn County's 1.264% effective rate ranks third statewide, behind only Perkins (1.327%) and Potter (1.371%). This places Sanborn notably above the state average of 1.094%, making it one of the state's more aggressive tax collectors.

Highest-taxed in the central county cluster

Sanborn's 1.264% rate leads the central South Dakota counties analyzed, exceeding Minnehaha (1.159%) and Moody (1.081%). Only Potter and Perkins to the west exceed Sanborn's tax rate in the eight-county group.

Budget around $1,750 for annual taxes

On Sanborn's median home value of $138,500, homeowners pay a median property tax of $1,750 yearly. Mortgage holders pay $1,482, while outright owners average $1,875—reflecting the county's elevated effective rate.

Sanborn residents should consider property appeals

With the third-highest tax rate in South Dakota, Sanborn homeowners benefit significantly from challenging potentially inflated assessments. An estimated 30% of homeowners nationally are overassessed—filing a property tax appeal is a straightforward, cost-free process that could reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sanborn County

via CostByCounty

Sanborn rents rank below national average

Sanborn County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.3% sits comfortably below the national average and reflects a rural housing market with solid affordability. With median household income of $69,870 and median rent of $717, residents enjoy housing stability typical of smaller South Dakota counties.

Among South Dakota's most affordable markets

Sanborn County's 12.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the state's most affordable counties, sitting below the 13.8% state average. The $717 median rent reflects a quiet rural setting without the price premiums of urban or tourist-destination counties.

Sanborn balances affordability with income

Sanborn's $717 median rent aligns closely with Roberts County ($656) and Perkins County ($703), while median income of $69,870 exceeds both neighbors. This pairing positions Sanborn as a stable option for rural households seeking affordability with above-average earning potential.

Ownership and rental costs nearly identical

Renters pay $717 monthly while homeowners average $751—just $34 apart, reflecting accessible median home values of $138,500. Both housing types consume roughly 12% of the $69,870 median household income, providing genuine affordability across tenure options.

Sanborn: stable rural living with fair pricing

Sanborn County offers reliable affordability for families seeking small-town life: reasonable rents at $717, solid median income at $69,870, and balanced ownership costs. Whether renting or buying, you'll find housing costs consume a modest share of your earnings, leaving flexibility for other priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sanborn County

via IncomeByCounty

Sanborn trails national income standard

Sanborn County's median household income of $69,870 falls $4,885 short of the national median of $74,755. While below the U.S. average, the county still ranks within the lower-middle tier nationwide for rural areas.

Middle-range earner statewide

Sanborn County ranks fifth among South Dakota counties with a median household income of $69,870, 4.4% above the state average of $66,926. The county maintains a stable rural economy centered on agriculture and small business.

Competitive with surrounding regions

Sanborn's $69,870 income exceeds Roberts County ($63,691) and Perkins County ($65,455), while trailing Potter County ($71,726) and Moody County ($77,500). The county holds a comfortable middle position in the regional income spectrum.

Housing costs are very manageable

A rent-to-income ratio of 12.3% ranks among the state's best, with housing consuming only about one-eighth of median income. At a median home value of $138,500, Sanborn delivers both affordability and homeownership opportunity.

Build savings through smart housing

Sanborn County residents benefit from excellent housing affordability relative to income, creating space for serious saving and investing. Establish an automatic savings plan, take full advantage of employer retirement benefits, and consider speaking with a financial advisor about wealth-building strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sanborn County

via CrimeByCounty

Sanborn County is Statistically Very Safe

Sanborn County features a high safety score of 99.7 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 168.6 per 100,000 is about 93% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. These numbers reflect a quiet, secure environment for its residents.

A Top Performer in South Dakota

The county’s crime rate of 168.6 is far below the state average of 788.1. With a safety score of 99.7, Sanborn ranks higher than the state average of 98.8. Data provided by a single agency suggests that law enforcement encounters very few incidents here.

Consistent Safety Across Rural Neighbors

Sanborn’s crime rate is nearly identical to Perkins County (168.3) and only slightly higher than Potter County (154.6). It is much safer than Moody County, where the rate jumps to 803.7. Residents enjoy a level of peace common to the state's agricultural heartland.

Equal Split Between Crime Categories

Both violent and property crime rates are identical at 84.3 per 100,000 residents. These figures are extremely low, as the national violent crime rate is 369.8 and property crime is 2,015.7. The total volume of crime in the county is minimal.

Maintaining Peace in Sanborn County

With such low crime rates, staying proactive is the best way to keep the community safe. Simple steps like locking your vehicles and using outdoor lighting can discourage opportunistic property crimes. Community vigilance ensures the county remains a safe place to call home.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sanborn County

via HealthByCounty

Sanborn County meets national norms

Sanborn County's 77.3-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 1.2 years, placing residents among healthier Americans. At 13.6% reporting poor or fair health, the county runs well below the national rate of 17.9%, indicating solid wellness overall.

Strong health outcomes in the state

Sanborn County's 77.3-year life expectancy outpaces South Dakota's 75.4-year average by 1.9 years. The county's 13.6% poor/fair health rate places it solidly above state norms for health security.

Rural health center serves the region

Sanborn County's 77.3-year life expectancy matches the strength of nearby Minnehaha County (77.0 years) and exceeds Roberts County (72.2 years) to the north. While primary care data is limited, mental health capacity at 83 per 100K shows adequate behavioral health infrastructure for a rural county.

Balanced coverage with limited data

Sanborn County's 10.8% uninsured rate falls slightly below South Dakota's 11.1% average, indicating strong insurance uptake among residents. While primary care provider data is unavailable, the county's 83 mental health providers per 100K suggests reasonable behavioral health access for a smaller rural community.

Keep Sanborn's coverage solid

Though Sanborn County maintains good insurance coverage rates, ensuring all residents stay protected strengthens community health. Check the South Dakota Health Insurance Marketplace to confirm your coverage and maintain preventive care as a priority.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sanborn County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts, Big Impact in Sanborn

Sanborn County manages 495 students across six public schools within two districts. The infrastructure includes three elementary, one middle, and two high schools to serve the local population.

Competitive Graduation and Score Results

The county reports an 84.5% graduation rate, which beats the state average of 82.4%. While per-pupil spending of $6,953 is slightly under the state's $7,409 average, the county's school score of 50.5 aligns almost perfectly with the state median.

Woonsocket and Sanborn Central Districts

The Woonsocket School District 55-4 is the county's largest, enrolling 285 students, while Sanborn Central School District 55-5 serves 210 students. Like many neighboring counties, there are no charter schools available in this area.

Small School Sizes in a Rural Landscape

The average school size is just 83 students, and all facilities are located in rural areas. Woonsocket Elementary is the largest school with 195 students, while Upland Colony Elementary offers a very specialized setting with only 36 students.

Find Home Near Sanborn County Schools

Families seeking a safe, rural environment with graduation rates above the state average should explore Sanborn County. Factoring school performance into your home search can help you secure a great future for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sanborn County

via RiskByCounty

Sanborn ranks among nation's safest

Sanborn County scores just 3.56 on the composite risk scale, placing it among the lowest-risk counties in the entire United States. The county's very low rating sits well below South Dakota's county average of 26.84, reflecting exceptional natural disaster safety across all hazard categories.

Among South Dakota's safest counties

Sanborn County ranks in the bottom tier of South Dakota's 66 counties for disaster exposure, with one of the state's lowest composite risk scores. The county's position reflects favorable geographic and geologic characteristics that minimize exposure to natural hazards.

Safest county in its region

Sanborn County's risk score of 3.56 ranks among the lowest in South Dakota, providing residents with substantially safer conditions than most surrounding counties. The central location insulates the county from extreme wildfire, flood, and earthquake concentrations found in western regions.

Wildfire presents only modest concern

Wildfire risk of 66.98 represents Sanborn County's highest hazard score, yet it remains moderate compared to western South Dakota counties. Tornado risk of 26.84 is minimal, while flood and earthquake risks fall below 7, reflecting overall exceptional safety.

Standard insurance provides full protection

Sanborn County residents can rely on basic homeowners insurance to adequately cover their exceptional risk profile, with wildfire coverage as an optional minor addition. Annual policy reviews remain prudent, but the county's low hazard exposure means significant disaster preparation investments are not warranted.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sanborn County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Plains with Seasonal Swings

Sanborn County maintains an average temperature of 45.5°F, roughly 9 degrees below the national median. This climate provides four distinct seasons with significant variations in temperature.

The Model for South Dakota Climate

The county's 45.5°F annual average is almost identical to the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. Its 24.6 inches of precipitation is also very close to the state's 22.7-inch average.

Lower Snowfall Than Northern Neighbors

Sanborn only receives 26.3 inches of snow, which is about 22 inches less than Roberts County. However, it experiences 26 extreme heat days, which is much higher than most eastern counties.

Hot Summers and Moderate Snowfall

Summers are quite warm, with 26 days reaching over 90°F and a July average of 72.7°F. Winter is cold but manageable, with 26.3 inches of snow and a January average of 15.5°F.

Preparing for Nearly a Month of Heat

With 26 days of extreme heat, ensuring your air conditioning is serviced by June is a smart move. Winter requires less heavy equipment than other counties, but reliable heating is still a must for the 15.5°F January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sanborn County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Plains Soil in Sanborn County

Sanborn County soil maintains a near-neutral pH of 6.94, which is very close to the state average of 7.05. This level is ideal for most Midwestern agriculture, as it doesn't require heavy lime applications to balance acidity. The lack of specific taxonomic data is offset by this very stable pH reading.

Sandy Texture for Easy Working

The soil is quite sandy at 47.4%, making it one of the more porous compositions in the region. Combined with 33.9% silt and only 18.7% clay, the soil is light and very easy to till. However, this high sand content means the soil may require more careful nutrient management than heavier clays.

Managing Efficiency on the Prairie

The organic matter content is 2.85%, which is lower than the state average but still above the national 2.0% benchmark. Available water capacity is 0.168 in/in, suggesting that the soil dries out faster than the state average of 0.182. This results in a soil score of 56.6, indicating a need for diligent irrigation.

Porous Soils Require Water Wisdom

Specific drainage classes are not provided, but the nearly 50% sand content implies a well-drained to somewhat excessively drained profile. This is beneficial for preventing root rot but challenging during the hot, dry South Dakota summers. Landowners should prioritize organic mulches to help hold moisture in the root zone.

Zone 5a Gardening and Growth

In Zone 5a, Sanborn County gardeners can enjoy a diverse range of vegetables and hardy fruits. The sandy soil is a dream for root crops like carrots and radishes, which can expand easily without hitting heavy clay. Start your garden today and enjoy the easy-to-work, light-textured earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sanborn County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Results in Sanborn County

Sanborn County earns a lawn difficulty score of 52.3, placing it slightly above the state and national averages. For Zone 5a residents, this means a standard level of care will generally result in a healthy, green yard.

Steady Growth with Typical Heat

The county receives 24.6 inches of rain and experiences 26 extreme heat days, roughly matching the state's climate profile. Mowing schedules will remain busy throughout the 2,689 growing degree days of the season.

Sandy Foundations Need Care

With a high sand content of 47.4% and a pH of 6.94, the soil drains very quickly but maintains a great chemical balance. Homeowners should focus on adding organic matter to improve the soil's ability to retain moisture.

Current Dryness Requires Attention

The county is 100% abnormally dry and saw 26 weeks of drought over the past year. Because of the sandy soil, these dry periods hit harder, making mulching mowers a great tool for recycling moisture back into the earth.

Targeting the Mid-May Window

Drought-tolerant cool-season grasses are the most reliable choice for these sandy conditions. Plan your primary seeding after May 9th to ensure the young grass avoids the final spring frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sanborn County's county score?
Sanborn County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 61.6 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 Sanborn County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Sanborn County ranks #25 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 Sanborn County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Sanborn County is $1,750, with an effective tax rate of 1.26%. This earns Sanborn County a tax score of 22.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sanborn County?
The median household income in Sanborn County, South Dakota is $69,870 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sanborn County earns an income score of 66.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sanborn County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Sanborn County scores 61.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Sanborn 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 Sanborn 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.