countyscore
58.6
County Score
Safety 82.8Disaster Risk 82.4Cost of Living 75.2

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.

Score breakdown

Tax20.5Cost75.2Safety82.8Health67.4Schools34.3Income74Risk82.4Water16.5Weather39.5
🏛20.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼74
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡82.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓34.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡82.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧16.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.9
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

Spink County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Spink County

via SchoolsByCounty

Spink County's Extensive Public School Network

Spink County manages 21 public schools across four districts, serving a total of 1,167 students. This comprehensive network includes eight elementary, five middle, and eight high schools, along with two specialized education facilities.

Education Funding and Graduation Parity

The county's graduation rate of 82.0% is nearly identical to the South Dakota average of 82.4%. Per-pupil expenditure is a highlight at $7,597, which exceeds the state average and helps maintain a solid school score of 50.6.

Major Districts Serving Spink County

Redfield School District 56-4 leads the county with 555 students, followed by the Hitchcock Tulare and Doland districts. There are no charter schools in the county, with all students enrolled in traditional public districts.

A Vast Network of Small Rural Schools

Despite having 21 schools, the average school size is quite small at only 58 students per campus. Redfield Elementary is the largest school with 270 students, though many students attend much smaller rural high schools across the county's four districts.

Home Hunting in Spink County

With many small schools to choose from, families can find a community that feels just right. Explore local real estate options to find a home that balances rural charm with the county's solid investment in public education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spink County's county score?
Spink County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 58.6 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 $1,539, with an effective tax rate of 1.31%. This earns Spink County a tax score of 20.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Spink County?
The median household income in Spink County, South Dakota is $73,011 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Spink County earns an income score of 74/100 on CountyScore.
Is Spink County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Spink County scores 58.6/100 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.

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.