countyscore
50.7
County Score
Safety 75.4Disaster Risk 63.6Cost of Living 62.6

County Report Card

About Tripp County, South Dakota

Steady Performance Near National Medians

Tripp County earns a composite score of 50.6, placing it right at the heart of the national average. It offers a balanced lifestyle that mirrors the typical American experience in many ways. The county provides a stable foundation without the extreme volatility seen in coastal markets.

Meeting Regional Standards for Stability

At 50.6, Tripp County sits just below the South Dakota average of 55.9. It functions as a reliable agricultural hub that maintains consistent service levels. It remains competitive with neighboring counties by offering low tax rates.

Local Safety and Tax Advantages

Safety is a primary asset with a score of 75.4, providing a secure environment for residents. Taxpayers benefit from an effective rate of 0.902%, leading to a respectable tax score of 45.0. Housing is also fairly priced, with a cost score of 62.6 and median home values of $137,100.

Focusing on Infrastructure and Education

The county faces challenges in water quality (24.6) and school performance (33.2). Health and income scores also sit in the mid-30s, suggesting a need for expanded local services. These factors impact the long-term growth potential for families in the area.

Solid Choice for Low-Tax Living

Tripp County is a good fit for those seeking a quiet, safe lifestyle with a low tax burden. The affordable $809 median rent makes it accessible for young adults or retirees on a fixed income. It provides a traditional rural experience with plenty of room for improvement.

Score breakdown

Tax45Cost62.6Safety75.4Health34.4Schools33.2Income35Risk63.6Water24.6Weather37.8
🏛45
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡75.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤34.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡63.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧24.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨47
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.5
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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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Tripp County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Tripp County

via TaxByCounty

Tripp offers tax relief below national

Tripp County's 0.902% effective rate sits significantly below the national median of 1.56%, placing it in the lowest quartile nationwide. The median property tax of $1,237 represents less than half the national median of $2,690, making Tripp distinctly tax-friendly.

Tripp ranks among state's tax havens

At 0.902%, Tripp County's rate falls 18% below South Dakota's state average of 1.094%, positioning it as one of the state's more affordable jurisdictions. The median tax of $1,237 runs well below the state average of $1,785, offering measurable savings for property owners.

Tripp taxes less than most neighbors

Tripp's 0.902% rate beats Spink County (1.311%) and Stanley County (1.426%) while matching Sully County (0.854%) as the region's lowest-tax options. Among its peer counties, only Sully offers comparable tax advantages for homeowners.

Median Tripp home: $1,237 yearly tax

A homeowner with Tripp County's median property value of $137,100 pays approximately $1,237 in annual property taxes. Total tax liability including mortgage considerations reaches $1,404—well below regional averages and among the state's lowest burdens.

Appeals unlock additional tax savings

Tripp County's already-favorable tax rates make assessment appeals especially worthwhile—even small validation gaps generate meaningful relief. Homeowners in low-tax counties like Tripp should still verify their valuations are fair and not inflated by assessor error.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tripp County

via CostByCounty

Tripp County rents strain tight budgets

At 16.5%, Tripp County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the South Dakota state average of 13.8% by nearly 3 percentage points, signaling housing affordability challenges. With median household income at $58,854 and median rent at $809, renters here spend disproportionately on housing relative to earnings.

Below-average affordability in South Dakota

Tripp County ranks among South Dakota's less affordable counties for renters, with a rent-to-income ratio well above the state average. The median rent of $809 is only modestly below the state median of $756, yet household incomes lag significantly behind the state average.

Tripp's rents burden lower incomes

Tripp County's median rent of $809 falls between Sully County ($913) and Spink County ($691), but Tripp's median household income of $58,854 is notably lower than both neighbors. This income disadvantage makes Tripp's housing costs feel more burdensome despite moderate rent levels.

Rent and ownership costs compared

Renters spend 16.5% of income on housing, while homeowners allocate roughly 14.9% to monthly ownership costs ($730 against $58,854 income). Both renting and buying stretch household budgets more tightly in Tripp County than in higher-income surrounding areas.

Tripp County for job-seekers with offers

Relocators should approach Tripp County carefully, as moderate rents combine with below-average incomes to create affordability pressure. If considering a move, secure employment with wages above the county median of $58,854 to ensure housing remains manageable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tripp County

via IncomeByCounty

Tripp trails national income benchmarks

Tripp County's median household income of $58,854 falls 21% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among lower-income rural counties nationally. Per capita income of $31,961 runs about 10% below the national average, reflecting limited earning opportunities across the county.

Below-average earner statewide

Tripp County's median household income runs 12% below South Dakota's state average of $66,926, ranking it in the lower half of the state's income distribution. This underperformance reflects Tripp's reliance on agriculture and limited diversification of economic drivers.

Trapped between haves and have-nots

Tripp's $58,854 income significantly outpaces Todd County's $39,148 but lags Stanley ($77,000), Turner ($75,283), and Union ($84,137) by substantial margins. This middle-lower positioning shows Tripp occupies the struggling middle of South Dakota's rural income spectrum.

Housing costs strain thin budgets

Tripp's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% consumes one-sixth of household earnings, pushing toward unaffordable levels for families earning under $60,000. With median home values at $137,100, homeownership requires households to dedicate outsized income shares to housing.

Tripp residents must pursue diversification

Households earning $58,854 face tight budgets and limited surplus for investment; the path forward requires either increasing household income or reducing housing burden. Tripp County families should explore side employment, skill upgrading, and cooperative economic ventures to build financial resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Tripp County

via CrimeByCounty

Tripp County's Strong Safety Record

Tripp County maintains a total crime rate of 588.5 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 99.1 reflects a community that is much safer than the typical U.S. county.

Performing Better Than the State Average

The county's crime rate of 588.5 is well below the South Dakota state average of 788.1. Two reporting agencies provide reliable data, confirming its status as a relatively secure area within the state.

A Regional Leader in Security

Tripp County compares favorably to its neighbors, keeping crime lower than many comparable agricultural hubs. This consistency across two local agencies suggests a well-monitored and stable environment.

Breakdown of Local Offenses

Violent crime in Tripp County is low at 107.0 per 100,000, beating the state average of 131.6. Property crime makes up the bulk of activity at 481.5, though it remains far below the national property crime rate.

Protecting Local Property

With property crime as the primary concern, residents should focus on securing sheds and outbuildings. Simple motion-sensor lights and visible security signage are effective ways to deter potential trespassers.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Tripp County

via HealthByCounty

Tripp's health outcomes lag U.S. averages

At 74.5 years, Tripp County's life expectancy falls about 5 years short of the national average. One in five residents (19.0%) report poor or fair health, indicating widespread health challenges.

Below-average health within South Dakota

Tripp's life expectancy of 74.5 years is the second-lowest in this group and trails South Dakota's 75.4-year average. The county faces significant health headwinds compared to state peers.

Strong mental health, weak primary care access

Tripp County boasts 427 mental health providers per 100,000—far exceeding regional peers—yet has only 90 primary care physicians per 100K. This mismatch means residents may lack preventive care despite strong behavioral health resources.

Highest uninsured rate creates care barriers

At 16.2% uninsured, Tripp County has the highest uninsured rate in this group, nearly 5 percentage points above the state average. Combined with primary care provider gaps, this uninsured burden leaves residents vulnerable.

Insurance is the gateway to better health

With 1 in 6 Tripp County residents uninsured, coverage gaps are real and urgent. Head to Healthcare.gov to explore your options and start building access to preventive and primary care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Tripp County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Balanced Mix of Town and Rural Schools

Tripp County offers a robust school system consisting of six public schools that serve nearly 1,000 students. The infrastructure is evenly divided between two elementary, two middle, and two high schools. These schools are distributed across two distinct districts, providing families with variety in their educational environment.

Competitive Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

Tripp County maintains a graduation rate of 85.4%, which is higher than the state average of 82.4% and nears the national average of 87%. The county operates efficiently with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,081, staying below both state and national spending levels. These efforts result in a solid composite school score of 51.3.

Two Districts Serving Tripp County Students

The Winner School District 59-2 is the largest provider, educating 814 students, while the Colome Consolidated 59-3 serves 170 students. There are no charter schools in the county, so these two districts represent the entirety of the local public education landscape. This dual-district setup allows for specialized focus in both the town of Winner and the surrounding areas.

From Town Hubs to Rural Classrooms

The county features a perfect split with three schools in town settings and three in rural areas. Winner Elementary is the largest school by far with 444 students, creating a bustling primary education hub. In contrast, Colome High School offers an intimate high school experience with just 59 students.

Home Buying Near Tripp County Schools

Whether you prefer the convenience of the Winner School District or the small-school feel of Colome Consolidated, Tripp County has options for every family. School quality is a major driver of local home values and a key consideration for new residents. Browse available homes to find the perfect match for your family's educational needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tripp County

via RiskByCounty

Tripp County's risk exceeds national baseline

With a composite risk score of 36.45, Tripp County ranks above the national average and falls in the Very Low category. This reflects above-average exposure to multiple natural disaster types.

Tripp ranks in South Dakota's higher-risk group

Tripp County scores 36.45, exceeding the state average of 26.84 by 36 percent, placing it among the state's more hazard-exposed counties. Only a handful of South Dakota counties face comparable risk levels.

Tripp is part of a high-risk cluster

Tripp County's 36.45 aligns closely with Todd County (36.61) and Union County (37.12), forming a high-risk corridor in the region. These three counties face notably elevated hazards compared to Stanley (5.06) and Sully (6.33).

Wildfire, flood, and tornado threats converge

Tripp County faces significant wildfire risk (79.10), substantial tornado exposure (37.69), and elevated flood danger (37.12). This convergence of three major hazards requires residents to prepare for diverse disaster scenarios.

Layer your insurance for maximum protection

Tripp County homeowners should maintain comprehensive coverage for fire, wind/hail, and flood—ideally through separate policies for optimal protection. Regularly update your coverage to reflect property improvements and changing risk conditions.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tripp County

via WeatherByCounty

Approaching the National Median Temperature

Tripp County's 50.0°F average is one of the closest in South Dakota to the national median. This indicates a climate that is significantly milder than the state's northern reaches.

A Warm Outlier in South Dakota

At 50.0°F, Tripp is nearly 4.5 degrees warmer than the state average of 45.6°F. It stands out as one of the warmest counties in the entire state.

Unusually High Snowfall for the Region

Despite being warm, Tripp receives 49.1 inches of snow, which is much higher than neighboring Stanley's 31.3 inches. It combines southern heat with surprisingly heavy winter moisture.

The State's Extreme Heat Leader

Tripp records a staggering 40 days per year over 90°F, the highest among these counties. July is quite hot at 76.7°F, while January remains relatively mild at 24.2°F.

Prepare for Intense Summer Sun

High-capacity air conditioning is a priority to manage over a month's worth of extreme heat days. Homeowners also need a reliable snow blower to handle the heavy 49.1-inch annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tripp County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of Southern SD

Tripp County soils are slightly alkaline with a pH of 7.10, exceeding the 6.5 national median. The county holds a soil score of 47.0, which is lower than the state average of 61.2.

Balanced Sand and Silt Mix

The soil is a fairly even split between 38.3% sand and 35.3% silt, with clay filling the remaining 25.7%. This diverse mixture creates a texture that is generally easy to till and manageable for home gardeners.

Solid Baseline for Growth

Organic matter levels are 2.38%, beating the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.154 in/in indicates that the soil holds slightly less moisture than the state average of 0.182.

Moderate Drainage Characteristics

Specific hydrologic groups are not provided for this area. Based on the balanced sand and silt levels, the soil likely provides moderate drainage suitable for various agricultural and landscaping needs.

Long Growing Season Potential

In Zone 5a, you can successfully grow everything from squash to sunflowers. Adding compost can help boost organic matter and improve your garden’s ability to retain water during the summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tripp County

via LawnByCounty

High Effort Lawns in Tripp County

With a difficulty score of 47.5, Tripp County is one of the more demanding areas in the state for lawn care. This Hardiness Zone 5a region faces more environmental pressure than the typical American yard.

Forty Days of Extreme Heat

Tripp County endures 40 days of temperatures at or above 90°F, significantly higher than the state average of 24. With 3,283 growing degree days, lawns grow rapidly and require constant vigilance regarding moisture levels.

Balanced Texture and Neutral pH

The soil pH sits at 7.10, which is very close to the ideal range for turf. A mix of 38.3% sand and 25.7% clay offers a reliable medium that holds water better than the sandier soils to the west.

Persistent Drought Challenges Growers

The county spent 34 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area remains abnormally dry today. Homeowners should utilize deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root systems that can survive these dry cycles.

A Long Growing Season

A late first frost on October 10th provides a generous window for fall lawn repair. Use heat-tolerant species like Tall Fescue to better manage the 40 days of extreme summer temperatures.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tripp County's county score?
Tripp County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 50.7 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 Tripp County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Tripp County ranks #45 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 Tripp County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Tripp County is $1,237, with an effective tax rate of 0.90%. This earns Tripp County a tax score of 45/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tripp County?
The median household income in Tripp County, South Dakota is $58,854 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tripp County earns an income score of 35/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tripp County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Tripp County scores 50.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Tripp 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 Tripp 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.