59.3
County Score
Safety 84.2Income & Jobs 77.7Disaster Risk 76

County Report Card

About Turner County, South Dakota

Strong Livability in the Heartland

Turner County achieves a composite score of 59.3, comfortably outdistancing the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high-performing community with strong fundamentals in income and safety. It represents the best of Midwest stability and growth.

Above the South Dakota Average

With a 59.3 score, Turner County exceeds the state average of 55.9. It is one of the more affluent rural counties in the region, driven by its proximity to larger economic centers. Residents enjoy better health and safety outcomes than most of their state peers.

High Incomes and Community Safety

The county excels in economic strength with an income score of 77.7 and a median household income of $75,283. Safety is another major draw, with a score of 84.2 and a risk score of 76.0. Health outcomes are also strong at 73.3, ensuring a high quality of life.

Navigating Education and Tax Burdens

School performance is a primary area for growth with a score of 36.9. The tax score of 35.0 reflects an effective rate of 1.041%, which is moderate but notable for the area. Water quality also leaves room for improvement with a score of 45.4.

A Reliable Choice for Professionals

Turner County is ideal for working professionals who want high safety and strong earnings without moving to a big city. The $199,000 median home value offers good value for the quality of life provided. It is a balanced, upwardly mobile community for growing families.

Score breakdown

Tax35Cost56Safety84.2Health73.3Schools36.9Income77.7Risk76Water45.4Weather38.8
🏛35
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠56
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼77.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡84.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
73.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓36.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
76
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧45.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤38.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨69.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱38.5
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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Deep Dives

Turner County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Turner County

via TaxByCounty

Turner's rate slightly below national norm

Turner County's 1.041% effective rate sits modestly below the national median of 1.56%, positioning it in the nation's slightly-below-average tier. The median property tax of $2,072 trails the national median of $2,690, reflecting both a lower rate and modest home values.

Turner ranks just below state average

Turner's 1.041% rate essentially matches South Dakota's state average of 1.094%, making it representative of typical statewide conditions. The median tax of $2,072 falls below the state average of $1,785 due to Turner's higher median home value of $199,000 combined with a slightly lower effective rate.

Turner occupies middle-ground position

Turner's 1.041% rate sits between low-tax Sully (0.854%), Tripp (0.902%) and higher-tax Stanley (1.426%), occupying the regional middle. Among its peer counties, Turner offers moderate tax conditions that align with statewide norms.

Median Turner home: $2,072 yearly tax

Turner County's median home valued at $199,000 generates $2,072 in annual property taxes at the current rate. Including mortgage adjustments, total tax liability reaches $2,255—representative of typical South Dakota conditions.

Standard assessment appeals apply here

Turner County homeowners benefit from the same appeal opportunities as all South Dakota residents, with overassessment possible at any tax level. Given Turner's representative tax rates, pursuing a property tax appeal could still deliver meaningful savings for vigilant property owners.

Cost of Living in Turner County

via CostByCounty

Turner County offers solid rental affordability

Turner County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.9% sits comfortably below both the South Dakota state average of 13.8% and the national standard. With median household income near $75,283 and median rent at $745, renters spend less than one dollar in every eight on housing.

Turner County among South Dakota's best

Turner County ranks favorably within South Dakota for rental affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio below the state average and median rent nearly at the state median. The county combines reasonable housing costs with solid household incomes, creating one of the state's better affordability profiles for renters.

Turner leads the region in rent affordability

Turner County's median rent of $745 undercuts most surrounding counties while household income of $75,283 exceeds Spink ($73,011) and most other neighbors. This combination gives Turner renters more breathing room in their housing budgets than comparable areas.

Homeownership costs run higher here

Renters spend a manageable 11.9% of income on housing, but homeowners allocate a steeper 15.2% to monthly ownership costs ($950 against $75,283 income). With median home values around $199,000, buying in Turner County requires more household budget commitment than renting.

Turner County welcomes relocating renters

Turner County delivers attractive affordability for remote workers and job seekers, particularly renters looking for reasonable housing costs paired with decent income levels. If you're comparing South Dakota counties, Turner's combination of low rent burden and stable household finances makes it a smart choice.

Income & Jobs in Turner County

via IncomeByCounty

Turner slightly outpaces U.S. median

Turner County's median household income of $75,283 edges past the national median of $74,755 by less than 1%, placing it squarely in America's middle-class mainstream. Per capita income of $36,569 runs about 4% below the national average, reflecting a relatively equitable income distribution.

Top-tier earner in South Dakota

Turner County ranks among South Dakota's highest-income counties, with median household income 12.5% above the state average of $66,926. This strong showing reflects Turner's diversified economy and agricultural productivity.

Turner punches above rural average

Turner's $75,283 income trails only Stanley County ($77,000) and Union County ($84,137) among regional peers, comfortably outpacing Sully ($70,250), Walworth ($62,722), and Tripp ($58,854). Turner's competitive position demonstrates the county's economic resilience and opportunity.

Housing costs remain manageable

Turner's rent-to-income ratio of 11.9% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, allowing households to dedicate less than one-eighth of income to housing. The median home value of $199,000, while substantial, remains accessible to households earning $75,000.

Turner households can invest strategically

Turner County families earning $75,000 enjoy above-average income cushion and favorable housing ratios, positioning them well for wealth building. Maximize retirement savings, establish investment portfolios, and consider real estate investments to compound long-term financial security.

Safety in Turner County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Standards in Turner

Turner County's total crime rate of 368.4 per 100,000 is a mere fraction of the 2,385.5 national average. This earns the county an elite safety score of 99.4.

Turner County Beats State Benchmarks

The county crime rate is less than half of the South Dakota state average of 788.1. Backed by data from three reporting agencies, these figures represent a comprehensive and positive safety outlook.

Safe Comparison with Nearby Counties

Turner County stands out as a regional safe haven, maintaining lower crime rates than several more populated neighbors. The involvement of three separate agencies ensures a transparent look at local public safety.

Low Violence, Manageable Property Crime

Violent crime is kept to 103.6 per 100,000, while property crime sits at 264.8. These numbers mean the average resident is highly unlikely to encounter serious criminal activity in their daily lives.

Maintaining Your Home's Security

To keep Turner County safe, focus on preventing opportunistic property crimes. Locking doors and securing valuables out of sight in vehicles are the most effective daily habits for residents.

Health in Turner County

via HealthByCounty

Turner's life expectancy exceeds U.S. average

At 78.0 years, Turner County residents live roughly three years longer than the U.S. average. Just 13.5% report poor or fair health, showing strong population wellness.

Above South Dakota's health baseline

Turner's life expectancy of 78.0 years outpaces South Dakota's 75.4-year average by more than two years. The county ranks solidly in the state's healthier tier.

Provider data limited, mental health sparse

Primary care provider data for Turner is unavailable, limiting a full regional comparison. Mental health providers number 22 per 100K—one of the lower rates in this group, reflecting rural constraints.

Coverage strong despite mental health gaps

Turner's uninsured rate of 9.7% is among the lowest in this group, well below South Dakota's 11.1%. Strong coverage rates provide residents with financial access even as behavioral health provider availability remains limited.

Turner's strong coverage story continues

With 90% of Turner County residents insured, the county has built solid healthcare foundations. If you're in the uninsured 10%, visit Healthcare.gov to explore coverage options today.

Schools in Turner County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Landscape of Local Districts

Turner County features 15 public schools, providing an exceptionally high number of local options for its 1,529 students. The system is perfectly balanced with five elementary, five middle, and five high schools. Five different school districts operate within the county, reflecting a community-led approach to education.

High Graduation Rates with Lean Spending

Turner County achieves a strong 89.9% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 82.4%. This success comes despite a low per-pupil expenditure of $6,465, which is well below both the state and national averages. The county's school score of 52.3 indicates that local districts are effectively preparing students for the future.

Five Districts, One Common Goal

The Viborg-Hurley School District 60-6 is the largest in the county with 418 students, followed by Centerville and Marion districts. There are no charter schools, so these five local districts manage all 1,529 students. This decentralized structure ensures that each small town maintains its own educational identity and local control.

The Quintessential Rural Education Experience

All 15 schools in Turner County are situated in rural locales, providing a consistent environment for all students. The average school size is a modest 102 students, fostering close relationships between teachers and pupils. Parker Elementary is the largest campus at 262 students, while many other schools serve fewer than 100 students.

Find Your Place in Turner County Schools

With five different districts to choose from, families moving to Turner County can find a school environment that perfectly fits their needs. The high graduation rates across these rural districts make the area a top choice for education-focused homebuyers. Start your search today to discover the unique charm of Turner County's school communities.

Disaster Risk in Turner County

via RiskByCounty

Turner County's risk slightly exceeds national norm

Turner County's composite risk score of 23.98 sits just below the national average and is categorized as Very Low. This represents moderate natural disaster exposure relative to the nation overall.

Turner sits near South Dakota's midpoint

At 23.98, Turner County falls slightly below the state average of 26.84, placing it in the safer half of South Dakota counties. It represents a moderate-risk county by state standards.

Turner balances lower and higher-risk neighbors

Turner County's 23.98 score ranks between the safest counties (Stanley at 5.06, Sully at 6.33) and the highest-risk areas (Union at 37.12, Walworth at 39.50). It occupies a middle ground in its regional risk landscape.

Tornadoes pose Turner's greatest threat

Tornado risk dominates at 64.34, making it Turner County's most significant hazard, followed by moderate wildfire (45.96) and flood (26.75) exposure. Residents should prioritize tornado preparedness alongside standard severe weather protections.

Prioritize wind and tornado coverage

Turner County homeowners should ensure their policies cover wind damage, hail, and tornado-related losses alongside standard protections. Maintain a safe room or shelter plan and consider additional riders for full peace of mind.

Weather & Climate in Turner County

via WeatherByCounty

A More Humid Plains Profile

While specific temperature data is limited for Turner, its 26.5 inches of precipitation exceeds the state average. This suggests a more moisture-rich environment than the national median for this latitude.

Leading the State in Precipitation

Turner is one of the wetter counties in South Dakota, recording nearly four inches more precipitation than the 22.7-inch state average. It serves as a key agricultural zone due to this extra moisture.

Snowier Than Its Southern Neighbors

The county records 40.9 inches of snowfall annually, which is higher than Yankton's 38.1 inches. This extra winter moisture defines the local seasonal experience.

Wet Summers and Active Winters

Though temperature averages are unavailable, the 26.5 inches of rain mostly falls during the growing season. Winter remains active with over 40 inches of total snowfall.

Manage Moisture and Winter Travel

Homeowners should focus on basement drainage and moisture control to handle the high precipitation rate. Reliable winter tires are recommended to navigate the 40.9-inch annual snowfall.

Soil Quality in Turner County

via SoilByCounty

Top-Tier Soil Quality

Turner County boasts a high soil score of 69.4, significantly outperforming the state average of 61.2. The pH is a perfectly neutral 7.00, providing an ideal environment for most plant species.

Highly Versatile Texture

Silt leads the composition at 45.8%, followed by 28.3% sand and 25.9% clay. This balanced distribution creates a versatile soil that manages nutrients and water with high efficiency.

Excellent Fertility and Water

With an organic matter content of 3.96%, the county exceeds the South Dakota average. The available water capacity of 0.196 in/in is also superior to the state average, signaling excellent productivity.

Productive and Stable Grounds

While official drainage classifications are not listed, the high soil score and balanced texture suggest favorable moisture conditions. This soil reliably supports robust root systems for both crops and native plants.

Abundance in Zone 5a

Hardiness Zone 5a supports a wide range of fruit trees and diverse vegetables. You have some of the best soil in South Dakota, making this the perfect time to plant a productive garden.

Lawn Care in Turner County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Growing in Turner County

Turner County has a difficult lawn score of 38.5, well below both the national and state averages. Growers in this Zone 5a region must work harder to maintain a lush green space.

Higher Rainfall But High Volatility

The county receives 26.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the South Dakota average of 22.8. While local temperature data is limited, the increased rainfall provides a helpful boost for cool-season turf.

Ideal pH for Nutrient Access

The soil pH is a perfect 7.00, ensuring that grass can easily access fertilizers and minerals. The texture is well-distributed between 25.9% clay and 28.3% sand, providing a stable foundation for root growth.

Forty Weeks of Drought Pressure

Turner County has suffered through 40 weeks of drought in the past year, and the entire county is currently abnormally dry. Constant monitoring and water conservation strategies are mandatory for survival here.

Choose Resilient Grass Varieties

Because of the frequent drought cycles, consider drought-tolerant Kentucky Bluegrass hybrids or fescues. Even though frost dates are not locally recorded, following the regional Zone 5a guidelines for early May planting is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Turner County's county score?
Turner County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 59.3 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 Turner County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Turner County ranks #32 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 Turner County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Turner County is $2,072, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Turner County a tax score of 35/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Turner County?
The median household income in Turner County, South Dakota is $75,283 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Turner County earns an income score of 77.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Turner County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Turner County scores 59.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Turner 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 Turner County with other counties side by side.