countyscore
57.6
County Score
Safety 82.8Disaster Risk 82.4Cost of Living 73.7

County Report Card

About Spink County, South Dakota

A High Performance Living Environment

Spink County earns a composite score of 58.6, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a quality of life that exceeds most United States counties. Residents enjoy a balance of safety and affordability that is rare in the current national market.

Leading the South Dakota Average

The county outperforms the South Dakota state average composite score of 55.9. This strong showing positions Spink as a competitive choice for residents within the region. Local metrics indicate a high level of stability compared to its state peers.

Exceptional Safety and Affordable Housing

Spink County boasts an impressive safety score of 82.8 and a environmental risk score of 82.4. Affordability is a major driver, with a cost score of 75.2 supported by a median home value of just $117,400. Median gross rents remain accessible at approximately $691 per month.

Infrastructure and Tax Pressure Areas

The county faces hurdles in water quality, where it scores a 16.5, and school performance at 34.3. Taxes also present a burden, as the effective rate of 1.311% results in a low tax score of 20.5. These categories represent the primary targets for long-term community improvement.

Ideal for Secure Rural Living

This county suits families looking for high safety and low housing costs above all else. While taxes are higher than state neighbors, the $73,011 median income provides a solid financial cushion. It is a premier destination for those prioritizing peace of mind and property ownership.

2040608010019.773.782.867.434.362.282.416.539.5Tax19.7Cost73.7Safety82.8Health67.4Schools34.3Income62.2Risk82.4Water16.5Weather39.557.6/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

Spink County DNA

Foverall

How Spink County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Spink County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (82.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (16.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
19.7-32.3
Cost
73.7+25.700000000000003
Safety
82.8+27.799999999999997
Health
67.4+17.400000000000006
Schools
34.3-19.700000000000003
Income
62.2+11.200000000000003
Risk
82.4+35.400000000000006
Water
16.5-41.5
Weather
39.5-16.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Spink County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$123,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$734/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$123,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,139/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Spink County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

Safety in Spink County

via CrimeByCounty

Spink County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

With a total crime rate of 409.1 per 100,000 residents, Spink County is significantly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns an impressive safety score of 99.4 out of 100.

Beating the South Dakota Average

Spink County's crime rate sits well below the South Dakota state average of 788.1 per 100,000. Its safety score of 99.4 also outpaces the state average score of 98.8, marking it as a secure regional leader.

How Spink Compares to Neighbors

Spink County maintains a lower crime rate than several regional peers, though data comes from a single reporting agency. This centralized reporting suggests efficient local law enforcement coverage for the community.

A Focus on Property Over Violence

Violent crime remains rare here at just 62.9 per 100,000, which is less than half the state average of 131.6. Most reported incidents involve property crime, which accounts for 346.2 of the total crime rate.

Maintaining a Secure Household

While rates are low, property crimes represent the majority of local incidents. Residents can maintain this high safety standard by utilizing smart locks and motion-activated lighting around their homes.

Weather & Climate in Spink County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Northern Continental Climate

Spink County averages 43.7°F annually, which is significantly cooler than the national median. This temperature reflects its position in the northern plains' interior, far from moderating ocean influences.

Cooler Than the South Dakota Average

The county's 43.7°F average sits nearly two degrees below the state average of 45.6°F. It represents a transition point between the state's warmer southern tier and its cold northern border.

Balanced Moisture Among Regional Neighbors

With 22.8 inches of annual precipitation, Spink matches the state average almost exactly. It stays notably wetter than western neighbors like Stanley County, which receives only 18.3 inches.

Biting Winters and Mild Summers

January is harsh with a 12.5°F average, while summers remain comfortable with an average of 69.5°F. Residents typically see 17 days of extreme heat above 90°F and 32.2 inches of annual snow.

Prepare for Deep Winter Freezes

High-efficiency home insulation is essential to combat the 15.8°F winter average. Outdoor planning is best reserved for the mild summer months when humidity remains manageable.

Soil Quality in Spink County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils with High Performance

Spink County's soil features a pH of 7.05, matching the state average and sitting slightly above the national median of 6.5. This neutral balance contributes to an overall soil score of 68.9, which significantly outperforms the state average of 61.2.

A Stable Silty Foundation

The soil composition is 45.2% silt and 23.0% clay, with sand making up the remaining 31.9%. This mix provides a stable foundation that balances mineral richness with structural integrity for agriculture.

Superior Organic Wealth

Organic matter content reaches 4.15%, which is much higher than the national 2.0% average and the state's 3.75%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.195 in/in, this land offers excellent growing potential.

Productive Land with High Potential

While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not currently available, the high soil score suggests favorable physical properties. The soil profile effectively supports the county's diverse agricultural needs.

Ideal for Hardy Northern Crops

Situated in Hardiness Zone 4b, Spink County is perfect for cool-season grains and resilient vegetables. Your soil's organic wealth provides a significant advantage for any new gardening project.

Lawn Care in Spink County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Growing Conditions in Spink County

Spink County earns a lawn difficulty score of 59.9, making it significantly easier to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. This Hardiness Zone 4b region also outperforms the South Dakota state average score of 51.1.

Managing 2,500 Growing Degree Days

Annual precipitation of 22.8 inches matches the state average but remains below the 30-inch ideal for most grass species. With only 17 extreme heat days per year, local lawns face less thermal stress than many neighboring counties.

Neutral Soils Support Healthy Roots

The soil features a pH of 7.05, sitting right at the edge of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient availability. A composition of 31.9% sand and 23.0% clay provides a balanced foundation that generally resists heavy compaction.

Strong Resilience Against Dry Spells

The county experienced only seven weeks of drought over the last year, showing much higher stability than other parts of South Dakota. Currently, 99.9% of the county is free from even abnormal dryness, reducing the immediate need for supplemental irrigation.

Start Seeding After Early May

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass are ideal for this 4b climate. Plan your seeding projects after the final spring frost on May 8th and before the first fall frost arrives on October 1st.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spink County's county score?
Spink County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 57.6 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 Spink County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Spink County ranks #35 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 Spink County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Spink County is $1,584, with an effective tax rate of 1.28%. This earns Spink County a tax score of 19.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Spink County?
The median household income in Spink County, South Dakota is $70,139 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Spink County earns an income score of 62.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Spink County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Spink County scores 57.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Spink 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 Spink County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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