countyscore

Walworth County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#46 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
50.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 78.6Soil Quality 63.6

County Report Card

About Walworth County, South Dakota

Consistent Performance on the National Scale

Walworth County earns a composite score of 50.6, maintaining a steady position right at the national median. It provides a reliable quality of life that avoids the extremes found in more volatile regions. This consistency makes it a safe bet for many relocating families.

Middle-Tier Standout in South Dakota

The county's score of 50.6 is slightly below the state average of 55.9 but remains competitive in key areas. It performs well in safety and water quality compared to its immediate neighbors. Walworth is a solid representative of the state's central-northern corridor.

Clean Water and Community Safety

Walworth County excels in water quality with a score of 86.0 and safety with a score of 78.6. The community provides a secure environment for residents to live and work. Home values are also quite accessible, with a median price of $130,000.

Navigating High Property Tax Rates

The tax score of 15.8 is a concern, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.435%. While income and school scores are in the 40s, they suggest that economic and educational investments could yield high returns. Balancing the tax burden with services remains a local priority.

A Reliable and Safe Choice

Walworth County is best suited for those who value clean infrastructure and personal safety. The $62,722 median income provides a comfortable lifestyle given the low $130,000 home values. It is a great location for individuals seeking a dependable, safe community with easy access to nature.

Score breakdown

Tax15.8Cost43.1Safety78.6Health60.4Schools42.3Income47.3Risk60.5Water86Weather37.9
🏛15.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡78.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡60.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.8
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

Campbell County
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62.9
Potter County
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Edmunds County
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Deep Dives

Walworth County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Walworth County

via TaxByCounty

Walworth's rate exceeds national median

Walworth County's 1.435% effective rate sits above the national median of 1.56%, positioning it in the nation's higher-tax tier. The median property tax of $1,866 falls short of the national median of $2,690, reflecting Walworth's moderate home values despite its elevated rate.

Walworth ranks among state's highest

Walworth's 1.435% rate significantly exceeds South Dakota's state average of 1.094%, placing it among the state's more heavily taxed counties. The median tax of $1,866 surpasses the state average of $1,785, driven by Walworth's above-average effective rate.

Walworth taxes heavily versus peers

Walworth's 1.435% rate trails only Stanley County's 1.426%, vastly exceeding Sully (0.854%), Tripp (0.902%), and Turner (1.041%) in the surrounding region. Among neighboring counties, Walworth represents the second-heaviest tax burden, beaten only by Stanley.

Median Walworth home: $1,866 yearly tax

A typical Walworth County home valued at $130,000 generates $1,866 in annual property taxes at the current rate. Including mortgage adjustments, total tax liability reaches $2,299—among the region's highest burdens relative to home values.

Assessment appeals combat high rates

Walworth County residents facing elevated effective rates should prioritize assessment appeals to challenge potential overvaluations. Properties in high-rate jurisdictions like Walworth benefit most from successful appeals, where rate compounds multiply savings from even modest assessment reductions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Walworth County

via CostByCounty

Walworth County faces severe rental strain

At 18.4%, Walworth County's rent-to-income ratio stands well above the South Dakota state average of 13.8%, signaling acute housing affordability challenges. With median household income at $62,722 and median rent reaching $962 monthly, renters spend nearly one dollar in every five on housing—a burden that exceeds national affordability thresholds.

South Dakota's most strained rental market

Walworth County ranks among the least affordable counties in South Dakota for renters, with a rent-to-income ratio substantially above the state average. The combination of below-average household incomes and above-average rents creates one of the state's most challenging housing affordability situations.

Walworth rents lead the region

Walworth County's median rent of $962 is the second-highest in this group after Union County ($1,055), yet household income of $62,722 ranks near the region's bottom. This mismatch—high costs, moderate incomes—makes Walworth among the least affordable counties in the region.

Housing dominates household spending

Renters in Walworth allocate a concerning 18.4% of income to housing, while homeowners spend roughly 15.5% on ownership costs ($811 against $62,722 income). Both renting and buying strain household budgets more severely in Walworth than in most surrounding counties.

Walworth County requires strong earnings

Walworth County's high rent-to-income ratio and elevated housing costs make it a challenging destination for budget-conscious relocators. Prospective movers should secure employment paying well above the county median of $62,722 to ensure housing affordability—or compare alternatives in neighboring counties with lower cost burdens.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Walworth County

via IncomeByCounty

Walworth lags behind U.S. income

Walworth County's median household income of $62,722 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 16%, placing it among the nation's lower-income rural counties. Per capita income of $37,717 runs about 7% above the national average, suggesting income concentration among fewer earners.

Below-average earner in South Dakota

Walworth County's median household income runs 6% below South Dakota's state average of $66,926, ranking it in the lower third of counties statewide. This underperformance reflects Walworth's limited economic diversity and dependence on agriculture and small-scale enterprise.

Walworth struggles among peers

Walworth's $62,722 income ranks sixth among the eight counties examined, outpacing only Todd ($39,148) and Tripp ($58,854) while falling well short of Stanley ($77,000) and Union ($84,137). This position signals Walworth's economic vulnerability within the region.

Housing affordability becomes critical

Walworth's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% represents the state's highest burden, consuming nearly one-fifth of household earnings on housing costs despite a modest median home value of $130,000. This strain suggests many Walworth families must make difficult trade-offs between housing and other essential expenses.

Walworth needs economic diversification

Households earning $62,722 with housing consuming 18% of income have limited surplus for savings or investment; Walworth residents must focus first on cost reduction and income growth. Explore skills training, remote work opportunities, and local business development to break free from housing affordability pressures.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Walworth County

via CrimeByCounty

Walworth County is Statistically Secure

The total crime rate in Walworth County is 507.8 per 100,000, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This low rate secures an excellent safety score of 99.2 for the county.

Better Than the State Average

Walworth County's crime rate of 507.8 is significantly lower than the South Dakota average of 788.1. Its safety score of 99.2 also surpasses the state average of 98.8, indicating a high quality of life.

Comparing Well to Nearby Jurisdictions

Walworth County maintains a consistent safety profile compared to its neighbors, with data provided by two reporting agencies. This multi-agency reporting provides a reliable picture of local public safety efforts.

Low Rates of Violent Crime

Violent crime is low at 75.2 per 100,000, which is nearly half the state average of 131.6. Property crime remains the most common issue at 432.6, though it still falls well below national figures.

Securing Your Walworth Home

Most local incidents are property-related, so basic deterrents are your best defense. Consider a home security system and ensuring all windows and doors are properly locked at night.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Walworth County

via HealthByCounty

Walworth's longevity slightly below national norm

At 76.9 years, Walworth County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average by about one year. Nearly 15.2% report poor or fair health, modestly higher than national benchmarks.

In line with South Dakota's health profile

Walworth's life expectancy of 76.9 years is 1.5 years above South Dakota's 75.4-year average. The county performs slightly better than the state overall, though challenges remain.

Best-resourced primary care in the region

Walworth boasts 114 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in this group. Mental health providers number 209 per 100K, also well above regional averages.

Uninsured rate above state average

Walworth's uninsured rate of 12.3% exceeds South Dakota's 11.1%, meaning coverage gaps affect more residents than in most state counties. Abundant providers offer potential, but insurance barriers may prevent access for some.

Close coverage gaps in Walworth

With 12.3% uninsured, Walworth County has room to improve. Visit Healthcare.gov to explore your options and ensure your family can access the county's strong provider network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Walworth County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Schooling in Walworth County

Walworth County features seven public schools that serve a total of 754 students across two school districts. The system includes three elementary, two middle, and two high schools, ensuring a complete educational path for local youth. This network provides a solid foundation for the county's small-town and rural communities.

Strong Graduation Outcomes in Walworth

The county boasts a 90.8% graduation rate, surpassing both the South Dakota average of 82.4% and the national average of 87%. Per-pupil spending stands at $6,609, which is about $800 less than the state average but still produces a competitive school score of 53.1. These metrics suggest a highly effective educational system that prepares students well for the workforce or college.

Mobridge-Pollock Leads the District Landscape

The Mobridge-Pollock 62-6 district is the largest in the county, managing 574 students across four schools. The Selby Area School District 62-5 serves the remaining 180 students in three schools. No charter schools exist in the county, keeping all public education focused within these two well-established local districts.

A Blend of Town and Rural Learning

Walworth County's schools are divided between four town-based and three rural locales. The average school size is 108 students, with Mobridge High School being the largest at 182 students. Smaller environments like Selby Elementary, with 91 students, offer a more intimate setting for early childhood education.

Join a High-Achieving School Community

For families looking to move, Walworth County offers high graduation rates in both town and rural settings. Properties within the Mobridge-Pollock or Selby Area districts are excellent choices for those who value academic performance and small-town charm. Start your search for the perfect home near these quality schools today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Walworth County

via RiskByCounty

Walworth County faces elevated disaster risks

Walworth County scores 39.50 on the composite risk scale, substantially above the national average and ranked as Very Low. This represents one of the higher-risk profiles in the county's region.

Walworth is South Dakota's riskiest profiled county

At 39.50, Walworth County ranks highest among the eight counties profiled and exceeds the state average of 26.84 by nearly 50 percent. It faces the most complex and compounded natural disaster exposure in this group.

Walworth leads the high-risk corridor

Walworth County's 39.50 surpasses all peer counties in this analysis, including Union (37.12), Todd (36.61), and Tripp (36.45). It represents the highest-risk area in a zone of elevated hazard exposure.

Wildfire and flood risks reign supreme

Wildfire risk leads at 80.69, with substantial flood exposure at 34.76 and moderate tornado risk (27.67) completing the hazard profile. Residents face particular vulnerability to fire and water-related disasters.

Build robust, layered insurance protection

Walworth County homeowners should invest in comprehensive coverage for fire, flood, wind, and hail—ideally through both standard and supplemental policies. Annual policy reviews and property improvements focused on fire mitigation are essential in this high-risk environment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Walworth County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold and Dry Northern Plains

Walworth County averages 45.0°F, placing it firmly in the cold-temperate zone. Its 18.2 inches of precipitation is well below the national median, characterizing it as a semi-arid region.

Slightly Cooler Than the State Average

The county's average temperature falls just below the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. It is also significantly drier than the state average for precipitation.

Very Dry Compared to Eastern Peers

With only 18.2 inches of rain, Walworth is much drier than Spink County's 22.8 inches. This limited moisture influences the local vegetation and agricultural choices.

Frigid Januaries and Clear Summers

January is very cold with a 15.2°F average, while summer highs reach a comfortable 70.6°F. The county sees 22 days of extreme heat and 33.6 inches of snow annually.

Invest in Efficient Home Heating

Prioritize home heating efficiency to manage the 18.3°F winter average. Xeriscaping is a practical choice for the yard to thrive in the low 18.2-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Walworth County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced and Productive Soils

Walworth County soil sits at a pH of 7.06, which is consistent with the state average. The county maintains a soil score of 63.6, placing it above the South Dakota baseline for quality.

Reliable Agricultural Texture

A healthy 46.1% silt and 23.3% clay define the texture, supported by 30.6% sand. This composition ensures the soil is neither too heavy nor too porous for standard agricultural or garden use.

Healthy Organic and Water Reserves

The 3.37% organic matter is well above the national 2.0% average. Furthermore, the available water capacity of 0.189 in/in exceeds the South Dakota average, promising good drought resilience.

Stable Ground for Planting

No specific drainage or hydrologic group data are currently available for this county. However, the balanced silt and sand percentages typically indicate moderate, reliable drainage for most plants.

Hardy Crops for the North

Hardiness Zone 4b is ideal for growing corn, soybeans, and hardy garden vegetables. Your soil’s high water capacity makes this an excellent location to start a successful and resilient backyard garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Walworth County

via LawnByCounty

Walworth County Tops State Averages

Walworth County scores 54.8 on the lawn difficulty index, making it easier to maintain than the state average of 51.1. This Hardiness Zone 4b region offers a manageable environment for dedicated homeowners.

Dry Climate with 22 Heat Days

Annual precipitation is low at 18.2 inches, meaning lawns rely heavily on the sprinkler system. The 2,671 growing degree days are accompanied by 22 days of 90°F heat, slightly lower than the South Dakota average.

Excellent pH Balance for Growth

The soil pH of 7.06 is nearly ideal for standard turfgrasses like Bluegrass and Ryegrass. With a blend of 23.3% clay and 30.6% sand, the soil provides a middle-ground texture that supports root health.

Resilient Performance in Walworth

The county only faced ten weeks of drought in the past year and currently reports zero drought conditions. This stability makes it one of the more reliable counties in South Dakota for establishing new turf.

Timing Your 4b Planting

Your primary growing season starts after May 5th and ends with the first frost around October 4th. Focus on cold-hardy varieties that can withstand the low precipitation levels during the peak summer months.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Walworth County's county score?
Walworth County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 50.6 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 Walworth County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Walworth County ranks #46 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 Walworth County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Walworth County is $1,866, with an effective tax rate of 1.44%. This earns Walworth County a tax score of 15.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Walworth County?
The median household income in Walworth County, South Dakota is $62,722 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Walworth County earns an income score of 47.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Walworth County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Walworth County scores 50.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Walworth 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 Walworth County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.