Union County

South Dakota · SD

#43 in South Dakota
69.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Union County, South Dakota

Union County exceeds national standards

Union County's composite score of 69.8 runs nearly 40 percent above the national median of 50.0, reflecting above-average livability in a rural context. The county's strength lies in health outcomes and income relative to national rural benchmarks.

Slightly below South Dakota median

Union County scores 69.8 against South Dakota's state average of 71.3, ranking near the middle of the state's counties. The narrow margin indicates typical South Dakota rural livability with some distinctive strengths.

Highest incomes and strong health

Union County's income score of 38.3 is the highest among these eight counties, supported by median household income of $84,137. Health outcomes are also excellent at 81.1, reflecting strong access to care and population wellness.

Higher housing costs and disaster risk

Union County's cost score of 70.1 is the lowest among these counties, with median home values of $269,500 and rents at $1,055—notably higher than peers. The risk score of 62.9 also indicates moderate exposure to natural hazards.

Best for higher-income professionals

Union County appeals to established professionals and families with solid incomes who value strong health infrastructure and social amenities. Budget-conscious households should explore lower-cost counties given the premium on housing.

Score breakdown

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

Tax71Cost70.1SafetyComing SoonHealth81.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome38.3Risk62.9WaterComing Soon
🏛71
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠70.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼38.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
81.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
62.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Union County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.