51.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 87.8Health 87.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Union County, South Dakota

Economic Vitality Near National Averages

Union County holds a composite score of 51.5, slightly outperforming the national median of 50.0. The county is an economic engine for its corner of the state, boasting high household incomes. It offers a more modern, developed lifestyle than many rural counterparts.

High Income Center in South Dakota

While its score of 51.5 is just under the state average of 55.9, Union County leads in earning potential. Its median household income of $84,137 is one of the highest in South Dakota. The county trades some affordability for significant health and economic advantages.

Superior Health and Household Wealth

Union County dominates in income (87.8) and health (87.5) scores. Residents enjoy excellent water quality (86.0) and high median incomes of over $84,000. These metrics indicate a community with strong public health infrastructure and plenty of opportunity.

High Cost of Local Entry

The biggest hurdle is affordability, with a cost score of 19.9 and median home values reaching $269,500. Gross rents are also higher than average at $1,055 per month. School performance (38.9) and environmental risk (62.9) also provide opportunities for future enhancement.

Best for Wealthier Professionals

Union County is the destination for those who prioritize health and high-paying jobs over low housing costs. It offers an upscale lifestyle with some of the best health outcomes in the state. It is a perfect fit for residents who want an active, economically vibrant community.

Score breakdown

Tax30.4Cost19.9Safety65.8Health87.5Schools38.9Income87.8Risk62.9Water86Weather45.1
🏛30.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠19.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼87.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡65.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
87.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓38.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
62.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤45.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨56.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱47.1
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

Union County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Union County

via TaxByCounty

Union's rate just below national median

Union County's 1.112% effective rate sits slightly below the national median of 1.56%, placing it in the nation's below-average tax tier. Despite this favorable rate, Union's median property tax of $2,997 exceeds the national median of $2,690 due to significantly higher home values.

Union slightly above state average rate

Union's 1.112% rate runs just 1.6% above South Dakota's state average of 1.094%, making it nearly representative of statewide conditions. However, Union's median tax of $2,997 substantially exceeds the state average of $1,785, driven entirely by Union's median home value of $269,500—the highest in the region.

Union's higher values drive tax bills

Union's 1.112% rate matches or beats most neighboring counties, but its median tax of $2,997 towers over peers like Spink ($1,539), Stanley ($2,423), and Turner ($2,072). Union's premium property values, not its tax rate, explain why residents pay more than neighbors despite moderate effective rates.

Union median home: $2,997 yearly tax

Union County's median home valued at $269,500 generates $2,997 in annual property taxes—the region's highest absolute tax bill. With mortgage considerations, total tax obligation reaches $3,026, reflecting Union's status as the region's most expensive housing market.

High-value properties warrant appeals

Union County homeowners with expensive properties face substantial annual tax bills and stand to save the most from successful assessment appeals. In a high-value market like Union, even minor percentage reductions in assessed value translate to thousands in cumulative tax savings.

Cost of Living in Union County

via CostByCounty

Union County rents remain manageable overall

Despite higher absolute rents, Union County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% reflects the county's stronger median household income of $84,137, which exceeds both the South Dakota and national averages. At $1,055 monthly rent, Union County residents spend a smaller percentage of earnings on housing than income-constrained neighbors.

South Dakota's highest earners live here

Union County ranks among South Dakota's most affluent counties, with median household income significantly above the state average, offsetting relatively high rental costs. The rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% places it slightly above the state average, but strong incomes ease the burden.

Union County commands premium rents

Union County's median rent of $1,055 is the highest in the region, reflecting its positioning as the most prosperous county in this group. However, the median household income of $84,137 also leads the region, allowing residents to afford these premium rents more comfortably.

Homeownership stretches budgets most

Renters spend 15.1% of income on housing, while homeowners allocate roughly 17.9% to monthly ownership costs ($1,255 against $84,137 income). Union County's median home value of $269,500 places it among the state's priciest real estate, requiring substantial household finances to purchase.

Union County for well-compensated relocators

Union County suits remote workers and professionals earning above regional averages, offering higher-end housing options and stronger household incomes. If relocating here, verify that your compensation aligns with the county's elevated housing costs—rents and home values lead the region significantly.

Income & Jobs in Union County

via IncomeByCounty

Union leads South Dakota's earners

Union County's median household income of $84,137 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by 13%, making it one of the nation's stronger-earning rural counties. Per capita income of $49,563 significantly outpaces the national average of $35,300, demonstrating broad-based economic strength.

Highest-income county in South Dakota

Union County ranks #1 statewide for median household income, commanding 26% more than South Dakota's state average of $66,926. This exceptional performance reflects Union's proximity to regional employment hubs and diversified economic base.

Union towers above regional peers

Union County's $84,137 median income substantially exceeds all neighboring counties—outpacing Stanley ($77,000) by 9%, Turner ($75,283) by 12%, and Sully ($70,250) by 20%. Union's commanding income advantage positions it as the clear economic leader across central and eastern South Dakota.

Higher costs offset strong income

Union's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% reflects upward housing pressures despite strong earnings, as median home values reach $269,500—the region's highest. Households earning $84,000 can comfortably afford housing while maintaining robust discretionary income.

Union offers premium wealth-building capacity

Union County households earning $84,137 occupy the state's top income tier, creating exceptional opportunity to build lasting wealth through aggressive saving and investing. Prioritize diversified investment portfolios, estate planning, and exploring business ownership to leverage Union's economic advantages.

Safety in Union County

via CrimeByCounty

Union County Outperforms National Averages

Union County's total crime rate of 802.4 per 100,000 is nearly three times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a strong safety score of 98.7 despite being a busy regional transit point.

Matching South Dakota Trends

Union County's crime rate of 802.4 is slightly higher than the state average of 788.1, likely due to its higher population density. Five reporting agencies provide one of the most accurate and detailed data sets in the state.

Safety Amidst Regional Growth

Compared to similar high-traffic counties, Union County remains highly secure for its size. The presence of five active law enforcement agencies helps manage safety effectively across its various communities.

Property Crime Dominates Local Stats

Violent crime is impressively low at 77.8 per 100,000, far below the state average of 131.6. Property crime accounts for 724.6 of the total rate, making it the primary focus for local law enforcement.

Prioritize Property Protection

With property crime as the main factor, residents should invest in perimeter security. Home security cameras and well-lit entryways can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic in Union County.

Health in Union County

via HealthByCounty

Union County leads the nation in longevity

At 80.8 years, Union County residents have the highest life expectancy in this group and well above the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Only 12.0% report poor or fair health, among the lowest rates nationally.

South Dakota's health leader by far

Union's 80.8-year life expectancy exceeds South Dakota's average of 75.4 years by over five years—the largest advantage in this group. The county consistently ranks at the very top of South Dakota health outcomes.

Balanced, accessible provider infrastructure

Union offers 47 primary care providers and 47 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—balanced availability throughout the care spectrum. This parity supports both preventive and behavioral health access.

Among the nation's best coverage rates

Union's 7.4% uninsured rate is the second-lowest in this group and well below South Dakota's 11.1%, meaning fewer residents face financial barriers to care. Strong insurance coverage amplifies access to Union's available providers.

Protect Union's health advantage

Union County residents enjoy exceptional health outcomes—ensure your family stays covered. Visit Healthcare.gov to verify your insurance or explore options if you're uninsured.

Schools in Union County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Suburban and Rural Network

Union County supports 13 public schools serving a large student body of 3,135 children. The infrastructure includes five elementary, four middle, and four high schools distributed across four school districts. This mix of facilities handles one of the larger student populations in the region.

High Achievement on a Budget

Union County stands out with a 91.9% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 82.4%. Remarkably, the county achieves this with a very low per-pupil expenditure of $6,001, which is over $1,400 less than the state average. The composite school score of 52.4 reflects a high-performing system that maximizes every dollar.

Dakota Valley Leads a Diverse District Mix

The Dakota Valley School District 61-8 is the largest in the county, educating 1,387 students across four schools. Other significant districts include Beresford and Alcester-Hudson, providing a range of educational leadership. There are zero charter schools, meaning these four districts provide 100% of the county's public education.

Suburban Reach Meets Rural Roots

The county offers a unique locale mix with four suburban schools and nine rural schools. Average school size is 241 students, though Dakota Valley High School is the largest with 448 students. This variety allows families to choose between a more traditional rural setting or a growing suburban school environment.

Great Schools as a Home-Buying Factor

Union County's exceptional graduation rates and efficient school districts are a major draw for families. Whether you are looking for a suburban feel near Dakota Valley or a rural homestead near Beresford, school quality is a key benefit here. Explore current real estate listings to find a home near these top-tier South Dakota schools.

Disaster Risk in Union County

via RiskByCounty

Union County faces above-average disaster risk

Union County's composite risk score of 37.12 exceeds the national average and ranks in the Very Low category. This represents elevated multi-hazard exposure compared to typical U.S. counties.

Union ranks among South Dakota's riskiest

At 37.12, Union County significantly exceeds the state average of 26.84, ranking among South Dakota's highest-risk counties. Very few counties statewide face comparable hazard exposure.

Union leads its region in total risk

Union County's 37.12 is the highest among its peer counties, surpassing Todd (36.61) and Tripp (36.45) to form a high-risk cluster. It faces notably greater exposure than safer neighbors like Stanley (5.06) and Sully (6.33).

Tornadoes and wildfires dominate Union's threats

Tornado risk peaks at 69.24—Union County's most severe hazard—with wildfire (77.58) following closely and flood risk (47.49) significant as well. This triple threat of tornadoes, wildfires, and flooding defines the county's disaster landscape.

Secure multi-hazard insurance protection

Union County residents should carry comprehensive homeowners insurance covering wind, fire, flood, and hail damage. Consider separate flood insurance and maintain updated inventory of belongings to expedite claims after disasters.

Soil Quality in Union County

via SoilByCounty

Young Soils of the Entisol Order

Union County features a pH of 7.18 and belongs to the Entisols taxonomic order, representing relatively young soil. The county score of 56.3 reflects its unique geographic position near major river valleys.

Rich Silty Clay Deposits

The soil is characterized as silty clay, containing 51.3% silt and 29.9% clay. This dense mix provides excellent mineral richness but can be heavy to work with when the ground is wet.

Reliable State-Average Performance

Organic matter levels stand at 2.96%, exceeding the 2.0% national average. The available water capacity of 0.180 in/in is nearly identical to the state average, providing dependable moisture for crops.

Slow Drainage Considerations

This area is classified as poorly drained and belongs to hydrologic group D. Water moves slowly through the soil, which is a critical consideration for both farming and basement construction.

Vibrant Growth in 5a

Hardiness Zone 5a allows for a long and productive growing season. Focus on moisture-loving plants or use raised beds to manage the naturally poor drainage of these silty clay soils.

Lawn Care in Union County

via LawnByCounty

Mixed Success for Union County Lawns

Union County scores a 47.1 for lawn difficulty, reflecting a more challenging environment than the state average. This Hardiness Zone 5a area requires specific strategies to overcome local soil and drought issues.

High Rainfall with Mild Summers

At 29.7 inches of annual precipitation, Union County is much wetter than the state average of 22.8 inches. Only 17 extreme heat days occur annually, making the climate relatively friendly for cool-season grasses compared to western neighbors.

Poor Drainage in Silty Clay

The soil is classified as poorly drained and consists of silty clay with nearly 30% clay content. Frequent aeration and the addition of organic matter are necessary to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged or compacted.

Extensive Drought Despite High Rainfall

Despite having higher annual rain, the county endured 40 weeks of drought over the past year. With 100% of the area currently abnormally dry, managing moisture levels in the heavy silty clay is a delicate balance.

Prepare for Clay-Based Growth

Select grass types that can handle occasionally wet feet due to the poor drainage of the silty clay. Tall fescue is a strong candidate for this Hardiness Zone 5a environment and its varied moisture levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Union County's county score?
Union County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 51.5 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 Union County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Union County ranks #42 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 Union County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Union County is $2,997, with an effective tax rate of 1.11%. This earns Union County a tax score of 30.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Union County?
The median household income in Union County, South Dakota is $84,137 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Union County earns an income score of 87.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Union County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Union County scores 51.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Union 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 Union County with other counties side by side.