70
County Score
Disaster Risk 93.7Safety 93.3Health 86.9

County Report Card

About Sully County, South Dakota

Elite Standing in National Rankings

Sully County earns a remarkable composite score of 70.0, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This puts the county among the most livable areas in the entire country. It offers a rare combination of high safety and low tax pressure.

Leading the State of South Dakota

The county’s 70.0 score dominates the South Dakota state average of 55.9. Sully stands out as a regional leader in health, safety, and environmental resilience. It sets a high bar for quality of life that few other counties in the state can match.

Unmatched Safety and Public Health

Sully County shines with a safety score of 93.3 and an environmental risk score of 93.7. Health outcomes are also impressive, reflected in a health score of 86.9. Residents benefit from an effective tax rate of just 0.854%, one of the most favorable in the region.

Moderate Costs and Income Growth

Despite its many strengths, the cost of living is middle-of-the-road with a cost score of 48.8. The median home value of $198,700 and gross rent of $913 represent a significant investment for the area. The income score of 67.2, while good, suggests some room for local wage growth.

The Ultimate Safe Haven

Sully County is the premier choice for retirees or families where safety and health are the top priorities. The low tax burden and high school score of 70.0 create a welcoming environment for long-term residency. It offers an exceptionally high standard of living for those who value community stability.

Score breakdown

Tax48.6Cost48.8Safety93.3Health86.9Schools70Income67.2Risk93.7Water86Weather35.1
🏛48.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠48.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼67.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡93.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
86.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓70
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
93.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤35.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨64.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱55.3
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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Deep Dives

Sully County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sully County

via TaxByCounty

Sully offers unusually low tax burden

Sully County's 0.854% effective rate ranks among America's lowest, sitting well below the national median of 1.56%. With a median property tax of just $1,697, Sully homeowners pay 63% of the national median—a significant advantage for property holders.

Sully: South Dakota's tax bargain

At 0.854%, Sully County's rate is 22% below South Dakota's state average of 1.094%, making it the county's most tax-friendly jurisdiction. The median tax of $1,697 falls below the state average of $1,785 despite Sully having a higher median home value of $198,700.

Sully beats all neighboring counties

Sully's 0.854% rate significantly undercuts Spink County (1.311%), Stanley County (1.426%), and Tripp County (0.902%) in the surrounding region. Among all peer counties examined, Sully offers the most attractive tax position for homeowners seeking to minimize property tax burden.

Sully median home: $1,697 yearly tax

A typical Sully County home worth $198,700 carries an annual property tax of $1,697—among the region's lowest. Even with mortgage adjustments, annual taxes reach only $1,813, meaning Sully residents enjoy measurably lower tax obligations than most neighboring areas.

Even low rates benefit from appeals

Sully County homeowners, despite already enjoying below-average tax rates, should still verify their assessments are accurate—overvaluation occurs regardless of county. An assessment appeal could push already-favorable taxes even lower while ensuring fairness in property valuation.

Cost of Living in Sully County

via CostByCounty

Sully County rents strain household budgets

At 15.6%, Sully County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the South Dakota state average of 13.8% and signals housing stress for renters. With median gross rent at $913 against a median household income of just $70,250, renters here spend more than one dollar in every seven on rent alone.

Above-average housing burden in South Dakota

Sully County ranks among South Dakota's less affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio nearly 2 percentage points above the state average. The median rent of $913 stands $157 higher than South Dakota's overall median, positioning Sully as one of the pricier rental markets in the state.

Sully rents exceed most nearby counties

Sully County's $913 median rent rivals Stanley County ($896) while substantially outpacing Spink County ($691) and Tripp County ($809). For renters comparing the region, Sully represents one of the costlier options despite lower median incomes than some neighbors.

Rent consumes more income here

Renters in Sully County dedicate 15.6% of income to housing, while homeowners spend roughly 13.2% on monthly ownership costs ($773 against $70,250 income). Interestingly, buying is more affordable than renting in Sully County, a reversal from many markets.

Budget carefully if relocating to Sully

Sully County's high rent-to-income ratio makes it a challenging choice for budget-conscious relocators, despite its rural character and median home values around $198,700. Prospective residents should compare rental costs carefully with neighboring counties like Spink, where rents run noticeably lower.

Income & Jobs in Sully County

via IncomeByCounty

Sully falls slightly below U.S. average

Sully County's median household income of $70,250 trails the national median of $74,755 by about 6%, reflecting the income headwinds typical of rural Great Plains counties. However, at $47,550 per capita, Sully's per capita income significantly outpaces the national average, indicating more equitable wealth distribution.

Mid-tier earner across South Dakota

Sully County's $70,250 median income runs about 5% above South Dakota's state average of $66,926, placing it solidly in the middle-to-upper range statewide. This consistent performance reflects Sully's stable agricultural and small-business economy.

Competitive within central region

Sully's $70,250 income trails Stanley County's $77,000 and Turner County's $75,283, but exceeds Walworth County ($62,722) and Tripp County ($58,854) significantly. The variance illustrates how proximity alone doesn't guarantee equal earning capacity across rural South Dakota.

Housing costs bite deeper here

Sully's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% pushes toward uncomfortable levels, consuming more than one-seventh of household earnings on housing despite a median home value of $198,700. This tension suggests Sully residents may need to balance homeownership dreams against other financial priorities.

Sully households must prioritize savings

With housing costs running higher than ideal, Sully County families earning $70,000 need disciplined budgeting to protect retirement savings and investment opportunities. Consider consulting a financial advisor to optimize home-buying timing and explore refinancing or lower-cost housing alternatives.

Safety in Sully County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Sully County

Sully County boasts a total crime rate of just 75.9 per 100,000, which is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a near-perfect safety score of 99.9.

One of the State's Safest

With a crime rate of 75.9, Sully County is far more secure than the South Dakota average of 788.1. It maintains one of the highest safety scores in the state at 99.9.

Sully Outshines Regional Neighbors

Sully County reports significantly lower crime than its neighbors, though figures rely on one agency. This makes it a standout community for residents prioritizing a low-crime environment.

Zero Violent Crime Reported

The county reported zero violent crimes in 2022, a stark contrast to the national average of 369.8. All reported incidents fall under property crime, occurring at a minimal rate of 75.9 per 100,000.

Secure Your Peace of Mind

Because all reported crime is property-based, basic deterrents are highly effective. Ensure your vehicles are locked and keep outdoor areas well-lit to preserve this community's excellent safety record.

Health in Sully County

via HealthByCounty

Limited data, but strong health indicators visible

While Sully County's life expectancy data is unavailable, its 13.2% poor/fair health rate suggests outcomes comparable to national benchmarks. This metric alone indicates resilient community health.

Health outcomes suggest above-average standing

Sully's 13.2% poor/fair health rate falls below South Dakota's broader burden, though life expectancy data is limited. Available indicators place the county in the state's healthier tier.

Provider data incomplete, but coverage is strong

Primary care and mental health provider data for Sully are not currently available, but the county's coverage story is clear. At 6.5% uninsured, Sully boasts the lowest uninsured rate in this group.

Exceptional coverage despite provider data gaps

Just 6.5% of Sully County residents lack health insurance—less than half the state average of 11.1%. This strong coverage rate suggests residents have stable access to care, even with limited provider availability data.

Maintain Sully's coverage advantage

With 93.5% of residents already insured, Sully has built strong healthcare foundations. If you're among the uninsured minority, check Healthcare.gov today to complete the picture.

Schools in Sully County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact and Unified Rural Education

Sully County maintains a small but complete educational ecosystem with three public schools serving 198 students. The county features one elementary, one middle, and one high school, all operating under a single school district. This structure provides a clear, consistent educational journey for every child in the community.

Strong Results and Targeted Spending

Sully County students achieve a 90% graduation rate, beating both the state average of 82.4% and the national average of 87%. The county invests $10,373 per pupil, which is nearly $3,000 more than the state average, though still below the national spending median. Its composite school score of 60.8 is well above the state average of 50.4, reflecting high academic quality.

Focused Leadership in Agar-Blunt-Onida

The Agar-Blunt-Onida School District 58-3 is the sole provider of public education here, managing 231 total students across its network. There are no charter schools in the county, keeping the focus entirely on the traditional public school system. This singular district focus helps maintain strong community ties and academic accountability.

The Essence of the Rural Classroom

Every school in Sully County is classified as rural, creating a classic country-school atmosphere for all 198 students. The average school size is just 66 students, with Sully Buttes High School serving as the largest campus with 75 students. The Sully Buttes Middle School is the smallest with 54 students, ensuring very low student-to-teacher ratios.

Invest in a Community That Values Schools

If you are searching for a home where education is the heart of the community, Sully County offers rare academic success in a rural setting. Homebuyers often find that the high graduation rates and personalized attention in the Agar-Blunt-Onida district are major selling points. Start your home search today to join this high-achieving rural school system.

Disaster Risk in Sully County

via RiskByCounty

Sully County sits safely below national risk

Sully County's composite risk score of 6.33 places it in the Very Low category and significantly below the national average. This exceptional safety profile reflects minimal exposure to major natural disaster hazards.

Among South Dakota's safest counties

At 6.33, Sully County ranks near the bottom of the risk scale in South Dakota, substantially below the state average of 26.84. Only a handful of counties statewide match this level of disaster resilience.

Sully is the calm center of its region

Sully County's 6.33 score places it among the safest neighbors, slightly higher than Stanley County (5.06) but far below Todd County (36.61) and Tripp County (36.45). It represents an island of stability in a more volatile regional landscape.

Wildfires present the main hazard

Wildfire risk is Sully County's leading concern at 70.58, though tornado (14.60) and flood (14.12) risks remain comparatively low. Earthquake exposure is minimal (6.77), contributing to the county's overall safety.

Maintain wildfire insurance and preparedness

Sully County residents should prioritize fire insurance and defensible space around structures, even as most other disaster risks remain minimal. Standard homeowners coverage supplemented with fire protection strategies provides adequate peace of mind.

Weather & Climate in Sully County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Interior Plains Temperature Trends

Sully County averages 46.0°F per year, trailing the national median temperature. This highlights a climate of extremes typical of the North American interior.

Matching the South Dakota Baseline

The county's 46.0°F average nearly matches the state average of 45.6°F. Its 21.1 inches of precipitation also aligns closely with the state's overall average of 22.7 inches.

Heavy Snow Compared to Neighbors

Sully faces a significant 48.8 inches of snow annually, far outstripping the 31.3 inches seen in neighboring Stanley County. This makes it one of the snowier regions in central South Dakota.

Cold Winters and Frequent Heat

January temperatures average a cold 16.9°F, but summers heat up quickly with 30 days per year over 90°F. The seasonal swing is dramatic, moving from a 19.5°F winter to a 71.3°F summer average.

Equip for Serious Snow Removal

Homeowners need heavy-duty snow removal equipment to manage nearly 50 inches of annual accumulation. HVAC systems must be robust enough to bridge the wide gap between deep freezes and summer heat.

Soil Quality in Sully County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Soil Performance

Sully County soil is nearly neutral with a pH of 6.92, which is closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average. The county earns a respectable soil score of 64.7, beating the state baseline of 61.2.

Silt-Dominant Nutrient Exchange

The soil contains 49.7% silt and 27.6% clay, creating a environment that holds moisture effectively. With only 22.0% sand, this soil provides a high surface area for critical nutrient exchange.

Efficient Moisture Retention

Available water capacity reaches 0.190 in/in, outperforming the South Dakota average of 0.182. While the 2.99% organic matter is lower than the state average, it remains well above the national 2.0% benchmark.

Reliable Water Management Potential

Specific drainage class data are currently unavailable for this region. However, the high silt content and strong water capacity suggest the soil manages moisture efficiently for agricultural purposes.

Perfect for Grains and Staples

Zone 4b conditions are excellent for wheat, flax, and various hardy garden vegetables. You can start a local garden today with the confidence that your soil holds more water than most in the state.

Lawn Care in Sully County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Maintenance Needs in Sully County

Sully County sits slightly above the national median with a lawn difficulty score of 55.3. This Hardiness Zone 4b region is also more favorable for turf than the South Dakota state average.

Balancing Water and Summer Growth

Annual precipitation averages 21.1 inches, requiring supplemental watering to meet the needs of a standard lawn. Growers navigate 30 extreme heat days and 2,802 growing degree days, which accelerates mowing frequency in early summer.

Nearly Perfect Soil pH Levels

At 6.92, the soil pH is almost perfectly centered in the ideal range for grass health. The soil contains 27.6% clay, providing decent moisture retention while 22.0% sand helps with structural stability.

Seventeen Weeks of Recent Drought

The county endured 17 weeks of drought over the past year, though current data shows 0% of the area is currently in a drought stage. To prepare for future dry spells, homeowners should maintain a taller grass height to shade the soil.

Focus on Fall Recovery

Target the period between May 8th and October 2nd for active growth. Fine fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass are excellent picks for this zone, especially when seeded in the late summer for optimal root establishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sully County's county score?
Sully County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 70 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 Sully County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Sully County ranks #3 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 Sully County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Sully County is $1,697, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Sully County a tax score of 48.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sully County?
The median household income in Sully County, South Dakota is $70,250 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sully County earns an income score of 67.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sully County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Sully County scores 70/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Sully 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 Sully County with other counties side by side.