CountyScore

Spink County

South Dakota · SD

#30 in South Dakota
72.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Spink County, South Dakota

Spink County beats national average

Spink County's composite score of 72.4 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This performance reflects solid fundamentals across housing affordability, health outcomes, and low natural disaster risk.

Slightly ahead of South Dakota median

Spink County ranks just above the state average composite score of 71.3, holding its own among South Dakota's 66 counties. The county's livability index reflects typical rural South Dakota conditions with room for growth in income levels.

Affordable housing and low natural risk

Spink County excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 84.8—median home values of $117,400 and rents under $700 make homeownership accessible. The county also scores 82.4 on risk, indicating minimal exposure to natural disasters and environmental hazards.

Income levels lag statewide peers

The county's income score of 31.0 reflects median household earnings of $73,011, notably below what drives prosperity in higher-scoring counties. Addressing wage growth and attracting higher-paying employers would meaningfully improve the county's overall livability profile.

Best for cost-conscious families

Spink County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordable housing and stable living conditions in a low-risk environment. Young professionals seeking higher incomes may want to explore neighboring counties or larger regional centers.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax65.4Cost84.8SafetyComing SoonHealth73.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome31Risk82.4WaterComing Soon
🏛65.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡82.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Spink County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Heard County
Georgia
72.4
Median income: $62,907
Minidoka County
Idaho
72.4
Median income: $70,060
Pocahontas County
Iowa
72.4
Median income: $63,423
Hickman County
Kentucky
72.4
Median income: $63,750
Baraga County
Michigan
72.4
Median income: $55,117

Deep Dives

Spink County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Spink County

via TaxByCounty

Spink's tax rate runs below the nation

At 1.311%, Spink County's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.56%, placing it in the lower half nationally. The typical Spink homeowner pays $1,539 annually—just 57% of the national median property tax of $2,690—reflecting both lower home values and a moderate tax rate.

Spink ranks mid-range in South Dakota

Spink's 1.311% rate exceeds South Dakota's state average of 1.094%, making it one of the higher-taxed counties statewide. The county's median tax of $1,539 trails the state average of $1,785, a consequence of its relatively modest median home value of $117,400.

Higher taxes than rural neighbors

Spink's 1.311% rate outpaces nearby Tripp County (0.902%) and Sully County (0.854%), though it's lower than Stanley County's 1.426%. Among its peer counties, Spink occupies a middle position, taxing homeowners more heavily than its western neighbors but less than those to the north.

Median Spink home carries $1,539 tax

A homeowner with Spink's median property value of $117,400 pays approximately $1,539 in annual property taxes at the current rate. With mortgage-related adjustments, annual tax liability reaches $2,116 for mortgage holders—about $400 less than the state median.

Appeals could lower your assessment

Many South Dakota homeowners, including those in Spink County, discover their properties are overassessed when they appeal their valuations. A successful property tax appeal can generate significant savings; even modest assessment reductions translate to hundreds of dollars in annual tax relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Spink County

via CostByCounty

Spink County rents remain affordable

At 11.4%, Spink County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the national threshold where housing becomes a burden, and significantly better than the South Dakota state average of 13.8%. With median rent at $691 per month against a median household income of $73,011, renters here are spending less than comparable Americans on their largest regular expense.

Among South Dakota's most affordable

Spink County ranks favorably within South Dakota for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio notably below the state average. The county's median rent of $691 is $65 lower than South Dakota's state median, making it one of the easier places to find budget-friendly housing across the state.

Spink's rents undercut the region

Compared to adjacent counties like Sully (where renters pay $913/month) and Stanley (where median rent reaches $896), Spink County offers some of the lowest rents in the region. This $200+ monthly savings advantage accumulates quickly for working families considering where to settle in central South Dakota.

Rent vs. ownership costs breakdown

Renters in Spink County spend roughly 11.4% of income on housing, while homeowners dedicate about 12.2% to monthly ownership costs ($744 against $73,011 median income). Both renting and buying remain accessible options for households earning near the county median.

Considering a move to South Dakota?

Spink County delivers solid affordability for remote workers and job seekers relocating to rural South Dakota, with rents well below both state and national benchmarks. If you're comparing housing costs across the region, Spink's combination of low rent and median home values around $117,400 makes it worth serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Spink County

via IncomeByCounty

Spink tracks just below the nation

Spink County's median household income of $73,011 sits slightly below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the middle of the national income distribution. This modest gap reflects Spink's solidly working-class character, neither lagging nor outpacing most American counties.

Above average across South Dakota

Spink County ranks in the upper half of South Dakota counties, with a median household income about 9% above the state average of $66,926. This strong showing reflects Spink's agricultural base and steady employment market.

Mixed fortunes in central plains

Spink's $73,011 median income outpaces neighboring Walworth County ($62,722) and Tripp County ($58,854), but falls short of Turner County ($75,283) and Union County's standout $84,137. Regional variation reveals how local economic structures shape household earnings across the Great Plains.

Rent remains comfortably affordable

At 11.4%, Spink County's rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% threshold considered sustainable, meaning housing costs consume less than one-eighth of typical household earnings. This favorable ratio, paired with a median home value of $117,400, positions Spink as an accessible market for both renters and buyers.

Build on Spink's income stability

Spink County households earning $73,000 annually have room to invest beyond housing costs—a rare advantage in rural America. Consider directing savings into retirement accounts, emergency funds, and local business investments to strengthen long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Spink County

via HealthByCounty

Spink lives longer than average American

At 77.2 years, Spink County residents outlive the U.S. average by nearly two years. Just 13.8% report poor or fair health, tracking well below the national rate of chronic disease burden.

Outperforming South Dakota by 1.8 years

Spink's life expectancy of 77.2 years exceeds South Dakota's state average of 75.4 years. The county ranks in the upper half of South Dakota health outcomes.

Mid-range provider access in the region

Spink has 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—fewer than neighboring Stanley County (99) but more than Todd County (22). Mental health support at 65 providers per 100K aligns with regional availability.

Health coverage nearly matches state average

Spink's uninsured rate of 11.0% is nearly identical to South Dakota's 11.1%, meaning about 1 in 9 residents lack health insurance. Residents face modest barriers to mental health care relative to primary care access.

Ensure your family has coverage

With 11% of Spink County uninsured, now is the time to explore your options. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact South Dakota's insurance marketplace to find a plan that fits your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Spink County

via RiskByCounty

Spink County's risk sits well below national average

Spink County scores 17.65 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Very Low category and below the national median. This score reflects a county where natural disaster risks are manageable and comparable to safer regions across the country.

Below average risk for South Dakota

At 17.65, Spink County ranks favorably within South Dakota, scoring well below the state average of 26.84. This positions the county among the safer areas in the state for natural disaster exposure.

Spink stands out in its region

Spink County's 17.65 composite score outperforms most neighboring counties—Stanley County (5.06) and Sully County (6.33) are lower, but Todd County (36.61) and Tripp County (36.45) face significantly higher risks. Spink remains a moderate-risk area within a diverse risk landscape.

Wildfire and tornado threats dominate

Spink County faces the highest risk from wildfires (66.54) and tornadoes (33.97), with flooding (25.32) as a secondary concern. Residents should prioritize fire-resistant property maintenance and have a tornado safety plan in place.

Secure wildfire and severe weather coverage

Given Spink County's wildfire and tornado exposure, homeowners should ensure their policies cover fire damage and wind/hail damage from severe storms. Review your coverage annually and consider adding riders for losses not typically included in standard policies.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.