CountyScore

Stanley County

South Dakota · SD

#38 in South Dakota
70.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Stanley County, South Dakota

Stanley County outperforms national norm

Stanley County's composite score of 70.8 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by over 40 percent, signaling above-average livability across multiple dimensions. This performance places it firmly among stronger-performing rural counties nationwide.

Just below South Dakota average

Stanley County scores 70.8 against South Dakota's state average of 71.3, ranking slightly below the middle of the pack among the state's counties. The narrow gap indicates competitive livability for a rural South Dakota community.

Exceptional disaster resilience and health

Stanley County's risk score of 95.0 is among the highest in South Dakota, reflecting remarkable protection from natural hazards and environmental threats. Health outcomes are also strong, with a health score of 76.2 supporting quality of life.

Income growth remains constrained

Despite a median household income of $77,000, the income score of 33.6 signals that wage levels lag higher-performing counties. Housing costs have also risen, with median rents at $896 and home values near $170,000, moderating the affordability advantage.

Ideal for safety-conscious residents

Stanley County appeals to families and professionals valuing exceptional natural disaster safety and solid health infrastructure. Those prioritizing lower housing costs or higher incomes should evaluate neighboring South Dakota counties.

Score breakdown

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

Tax62.2Cost76.6SafetyComing SoonHealth76.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.6Risk95WaterComing Soon
🏛62.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡95
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 Stanley County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Covington County
Alabama
70.8
Median income: $50,886
Conway County
Arkansas
70.8
Median income: $51,212
Chaffee County
Colorado
70.8
Median income: $70,909
Union County
Georgia
70.8
Median income: $65,697
Warren County
Georgia
70.8
Median income: $46,776

Deep Dives

Stanley County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Stanley County

via TaxByCounty

Stanley's tax rate exceeds national norm

Stanley County's 1.426% effective rate sits notably above the national median of 1.56%, placing it in the higher tier nationwide. Typical Stanley homeowners pay $2,423 annually in property taxes—nearly 90% of the national median despite lower home values.

Stanley ranks high among South Dakota counties

Stanley's 1.426% rate significantly outpaces South Dakota's 1.094% average, making it one of the state's most heavily taxed counties. The median tax of $2,423 substantially exceeds the state average of $1,785, driven by a higher effective rate rather than inflated home prices.

Stanley taxes much more than peers

Stanley's 1.426% rate far exceeds Spink County (1.311%), Sully County (0.854%), and Tripp County (0.902%)—its closest comparable counties. Among regional neighbors, Stanley stands out as the highest-taxed community, demanding substantially more from property owners across the board.

Median Stanley home: $2,423 yearly tax

The median Stanley County home valued at $169,900 generates $2,423 in annual property taxes under the current rate. With mortgage considerations factored in, typical tax liability climbs to $2,578—among the highest in the region.

Overassessment appeals pay off here

Stanley County homeowners paying premium tax rates have particular incentive to pursue assessment appeals, as even small reductions create substantial savings. Property owners in high-tax counties like Stanley frequently recover assessment overages through the formal appeal process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Stanley County

via CostByCounty

Stanley County rents edge above average

Stanley County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.0% sits slightly above the South Dakota state average of 13.8%, meaning renters here spend a bit more relative to earnings than neighbors. At $896 monthly rent against a $77,000 median household income, the county remains affordable by national standards, though rents are climbing.

Mid-range affordability in South Dakota

Stanley County's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio places it in the middle tier of South Dakota counties for affordability. The median rent of $896 runs $140 above the state average, reflecting Stanley's positioning as a more expensive county within the state's housing market.

Stanley commands higher rents locally

Stanley County's median rent of $896 significantly exceeds nearby Spink County ($691) and Sully County ($913), placing it among the pricier corners of central South Dakota. However, Stanley's higher median household income of $77,000 provides some cushion against these elevated housing costs.

Housing takes a bigger slice here

Renters spend 14.0% of income on rent, while homeowners allocate roughly 16.1% to monthly ownership costs ($1,030 against $77,000 income). Both housing types consume more household budget in Stanley County than in lower-cost neighboring areas.

Stanley County for established households

Stanley County suits relocators with solid incomes seeking a rural setting, though housing costs run higher than many South Dakota alternatives. The median home value of $169,900 and monthly ownership costs near $1,030 require stronger household finances than lower-cost counties nearby.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stanley County

via IncomeByCounty

Stanley outearns most American counties

Stanley County's median household income of $77,000 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly 3%, positioning it comfortably in the upper-middle tier nationally. Per capita income reaches $48,110, nearly 35% above the national average, signaling strong earning power across all residents.

Among South Dakota's top earners

Stanley County ranks second in the state for median household income, commanding 15% more than South Dakota's average of $66,926. This elite standing reflects Stanley's robust labor market and diversified economic base.

Stanley leads the regional pack

At $77,000, Stanley County outearns all neighboring and similar South Dakota counties except Union County's exceptional $84,137. Stanley's income advantage over Sully County ($70,250) and Walworth County ($62,722) underscores regional economic disparity across central and western South Dakota.

Home affordability shows some strain

Stanley's rent-to-income ratio of 14% remains healthy, though slightly above the state average, as median home values reach $169,900. Higher housing costs relative to income suggest Stanley residents are paying a premium for community amenities or location, but remain within sustainable ranges.

Leverage Stanley's earning advantage

Stanley County households earning $77,000 sit above national median, creating genuine opportunity to accumulate wealth through disciplined savings. Prioritize building a six-month emergency fund, maximizing retirement contributions, and exploring investment strategies suited to rural property ownership.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Stanley County

via HealthByCounty

Stanley's life expectancy ranks among nation's best

At 78.6 years, Stanley County residents live significantly longer than the U.S. average. Only 12.5% report poor or fair health, reflecting stronger overall wellness than most American counties.

South Dakota's healthiest counties

Stanley County's 78.6-year life expectancy leads South Dakota's average of 75.4 years by more than three years. The county ranks among the state's top performers in health outcomes.

Best primary care access in the region

With 99 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Stanley County offers the strongest primary care access among area counties. Mental health providers are available at 33 per 100K, lower than some neighbors but adequate for the population.

Strong coverage with low uninsured rates

Stanley County's uninsured rate of 10.3% is the lowest in this group, meaning fewer residents lack health insurance. Excellent primary care availability supports preventive care and early intervention.

Keep your family protected

Stanley County leads in health outcomes—help keep it that way by ensuring full coverage. Visit Healthcare.gov to verify your insurance or explore options if you're among the uninsured.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Stanley County

via RiskByCounty

Stanley County ranks among America's safest

With a composite risk score of 5.06, Stanley County is among the lowest-risk counties in the nation, well below the national average. This Very Low rating reflects a remarkably stable natural disaster environment.

Lowest risk county in South Dakota

Stanley County's 5.06 score is the lowest in South Dakota, standing far below the state average of 26.84. No other county in the state approaches Stanley's exceptional safety profile.

Stanley leads its peers by a wide margin

Stanley County's 5.06 dramatically outpaces nearby counties like Sully (6.33) and Todd (36.61), making it a relative island of low risk. Even the state's safest neighborhoods pale in comparison to Stanley's composite score.

Wildfire remains the primary concern

Stanley County's wildfire risk (60.50) is its most significant hazard, though still moderate in absolute terms, followed by minor flood (20.04) and tornado (10.88) risks. Low earthquake risk (4.01) rounds out a relatively benign exposure profile.

Focus on wildfire preparedness and basics

While Stanley County's overall risk is minimal, homeowners should maintain standard fire insurance and keep properties defensible against wildfire. Regular policy reviews and basic maintenance remain wise precautions even in low-risk areas.

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.