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Yankton County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#59 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
42.9
County Score
Health 76.6Income & Jobs 75.3Soil Quality 62.7

County Report Card

About Yankton County, South Dakota

Yankton Scores Below the National Median

Yankton County earns a composite score of 42.9, which sits below the national median of 50.0. This indicates the county faces more livability challenges than the average American community.

Trailing the South Dakota State Average

The county's 42.9 composite score trails the South Dakota state average of 55.9. This performance places Yankton among the lower-ranked counties in the state for overall quality of life.

High Incomes and Strong Health Access

Health and income are the county's primary drivers, with scores of 76.6 and 75.3 respectively. Residents enjoy a solid median household income of $73,855, which is well above many rural peers.

Safety Concerns and Tax Pressures

Public safety and taxes present the biggest hurdles, with a safety score of 15.9 and a tax score of 29.4. The effective tax rate of 1.127% represents a heavier burden than many other South Dakota counties.

Best for High-Earning Healthcare Seekers

Yankton suits established professionals who prioritize high-quality health services and competitive wages. It offers a trade-off where higher earnings balance out elevated taxes and safety concerns.

Score breakdown

Tax29.4Cost49.8Safety15.9Health76.6Schools41.6Income75.3Risk36.7Water41.3Weather39.3
🏛29.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼75.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧41.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨62.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.6
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

Yankton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Yankton County

via TaxByCounty

Yankton taxes slightly above national norm

Yankton County's effective tax rate of 1.127% sits above the national median of 0.84%, placing it in roughly the 60th percentile nationally. Property owners here pay a median of $2,347 annually—lower than the national median of $2,690—because Yankton's homes are valued below the national average of $281,900.

Yankton ranks mid-pack among South Dakota counties

At 1.127%, Yankton's effective rate exceeds South Dakota's state average of 1.094%, making it slightly more tax-burdened than typical for the state. The county's median property tax of $2,347 is substantially higher than the state median of $1,785, reflecting both its higher home values and tax rate.

Yankton taxes outpace rural county peers

Compared to Ziebach County to the north, Yankton residents pay nearly four times the property tax ($2,347 vs. $595 annually), driven by both higher home values and a significantly higher effective rate (1.127% vs. 0.585%). This difference reflects Yankton's position as a more developed, urban-adjacent county in eastern South Dakota.

Median Yankton home costs $195 yearly in taxes

On Yankton's median home value of $208,200, the effective tax rate of 1.127% translates to roughly $2,347 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $2,409, while those without pay $2,234, depending on exemptions and mortgage interest deductions.

Yankton homeowners should verify assessments

Many homeowners across South Dakota, including Yankton County, are overassessed and can recover thousands by filing a property tax appeal with the county assessor. Since assessments directly drive your tax bill, it's worth reviewing your valuation—especially if similar homes in your area sold for significantly less.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Yankton County

via CostByCounty

Yankton's Housing Beats National Average

Yankton County residents spend just 12.6% of their income on rent, well below the national average of roughly 13-14% and comfortably under the threshold that housing experts consider affordable. The county's median household income of $73,855 nearly matches the national median of $74,755, giving renters genuine breathing room in their budgets.

South Dakota's Most Affordable County

Yankton ranks among South Dakota's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 12.6% that beats the state average of 13.8%. At $777 per month, median rent is only $21 above the state average, but the county's stronger household income makes all the difference in affordability.

Yankton Stands Out Regionally

Yankton County's median rent of $777 is competitive with other South Dakota communities, and its combination of affordable housing and solid incomes makes it more accessible than many rural alternatives. The county's median home value of $208,200 reflects a balanced market for both renters and buyers seeking stability.

Where Your Housing Dollar Goes

Renters in Yankton pay $777 monthly while homeowners carry $1,002 in monthly ownership costs—both reasonable fractions of the $73,855 median household income. Combined, housing takes up roughly 22-23% of household income for buyers, leaving families substantial resources for other essentials and savings.

Considering a Move to Yankton?

Yankton County offers genuine affordability paired with stable incomes—a rare combination in rural America. If you're weighing relocation options, Yankton's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio makes it a practical choice for renters and homebuyers alike.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Yankton County

via IncomeByCounty

Yankton keeps pace with nation

Yankton County's median household income of $73,855 runs nearly neck-and-neck with the U.S. median of $74,755—a difference of less than $900. This places the county in the middle of the national income distribution, slightly ahead of rural peers but in line with the broader American household.

Above-average income in South Dakota

At $73,855, Yankton County's median household income tops South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by $6,929, or about 10 percent. This strong showing ranks Yankton among the state's higher-earning counties, reflecting a relatively robust local economy.

Outpacing Ziebach by $26,500

Yankton County households earn $73,855 compared to Ziebach County's $47,333—a gap of $26,522 that reflects significant economic differences across South Dakota's regions. Yankton's diversified economy and stronger employment base support higher household earnings than more rural, agricultural-dependent counties.

Housing costs stay comfortably affordable

Yankton County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.6 percent falls well below the affordability threshold of 28 percent, meaning typical households spend roughly one-eighth of income on rent. With a median home value of $208,200, homeownership remains accessible for middle-income earners in the county.

Build on Yankton's income strength

With median household income near the national average and manageable housing costs, Yankton County residents have room to invest in financial security and long-term wealth. Consider maximizing retirement contributions, building emergency savings, and exploring investment strategies to compound your earnings over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Yankton County

via CrimeByCounty

Yankton County Aligns With National Safety Trends

Yankton County maintains a total crime rate of 2,325.1 per 100,000 residents, which sits just below the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a safety score of 96.3 out of 100, indicating a secure environment relative to the broader United States.

Safety Scores Trail South Dakota State Averages

While the county remains safer than many national peers, its total crime rate significantly exceeds the South Dakota state average of 788.1 per 100,000. Yankton's safety score of 96.3 also falls slightly behind the impressive state average of 98.8.

Comparing Yankton to Regional Neighbors

Local data shows Yankton navigates higher activity than more rural South Dakota counterparts, though it stays competitive with neighboring regional hubs. The presence of two reporting agencies ensures a more comprehensive look at local incidents than in many single-agency jurisdictions nearby.

Property Offenses Drive Local Crime Figures

Property crimes account for 1,986.2 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crime remains lower at 338.9 per 100,000. These figures mirror national distributions, where non-violent offenses represent the vast majority of law enforcement activity.

Proactive Security Enhances Yankton Neighborhoods

Residents can bolster their community's 96.3 safety score by investing in smart home technology and outdoor lighting. Simple steps like locking doors and joining neighborhood watch programs help keep property crime rates trending downward.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Yankton County

via HealthByCounty

Yankton County's Health Advantage

Yankton County residents live to 79.2 years on average, nearly 5 years longer than the U.S. median of 74.6 years. Only 12.7% report poor or fair health—well below the national rate of 17%—signaling stronger overall wellness in this South Dakota community.

South Dakota's Health Leader

Yankton County's 79.2-year life expectancy ranks among South Dakota's healthiest counties, outpacing the state average of 75.4 years by nearly 4 years. This positions residents ahead of most peers statewide in longevity and chronic disease prevention.

Outperforming Regional Peers

Yankton County's life expectancy of 79.2 years significantly exceeds neighboring Ziebach County's 65.8 years, a 13.4-year gap that reflects major differences in health infrastructure and population health. The county's robust primary care capacity of 103 providers per 100,000 residents supports preventive care and early intervention.

Insurance and Provider Access Strong

Yankton County's uninsured rate of 10.1% sits just below South Dakota's 11.1% average, meaning most residents have healthcare coverage. Mental health providers are abundant at 782 per 100,000 residents, far exceeding typical rural county capacity and ensuring accessible behavioral health care.

Make Sure You're Covered

With nearly 1 in 10 Yankton County residents uninsured, now is the time to explore your options through the South Dakota marketplace or Medicaid. Local providers and community health centers can help you find a plan that fits your needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Yankton County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Major Educational Hub in Southeast SD

Yankton County manages a significant student population of 3,345 across 10 public schools. The infrastructure is robust, featuring six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. Three different districts collaborate to provide comprehensive education for the county's diverse needs.

Exceptional Graduation and High Efficiency

Yankton County achieves a remarkable 92.7% graduation rate, which is over 10 percentage points higher than the state average. This is accomplished with a lean per-pupil expenditure of only $5,777, the lowest in the region and far below the national average of $13,000. Despite the low spending, the county maintains a solid school score of 52.3.

Yankton School District's Broad Reach

The Yankton School District 63-3 is the dominant provider, serving 3,036 students across six schools. Smaller districts like Menno and Gayville-Volin also play vital roles, serving around 290 students each. There are no charter schools in Yankton County, meaning these traditional districts are the pillars of the community.

Large Town Schools and Rural Outposts

The county features six schools in town settings and four in rural areas, with an average school size of 335 students. Yankton High School is the largest facility by far with 942 students, creating a more traditional "large school" experience. This variety allows for both large-scale programs and more intimate rural elementary settings.

Secure Your Future in Yankton's Top Schools

Families are consistently drawn to Yankton County for its high-performing schools and diverse educational environments. Whether you want the resources of the large Yankton High or the community feel of Gayville-Volin, this county has it all. Browse local listings to find your next home in this high-graduation-rate county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Yankton County

via RiskByCounty

Yankton faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 63.36, Yankton County sits well above the national average and carries a Relatively Low rating overall. This score reflects exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly severe weather events that affect much of the Great Plains. Understanding your specific risks helps you prepare where it matters most.

Among South Dakota's riskier counties

Yankton's composite risk score of 63.36 significantly exceeds South Dakota's state average of 26.84, making it one of the more hazard-prone counties in the state. This elevated score is driven primarily by tornado and wildfire risks that outpace statewide norms. The county's location and geography create conditions for these recurring weather threats.

Higher risk than nearby Ziebach

Yankton County's composite score of 63.36 contrasts sharply with neighboring Ziebach County's score of 25.19, reflecting different geographic vulnerability profiles across the region. While both counties face wildfire risk (Yankton at 75.60, Ziebach at 76.56), Yankton carries substantially more tornado danger at 86.67 compared to Ziebach's 11.13. This variation underscores how location shapes disaster preparedness priorities.

Tornadoes and wildfires dominate

Tornado risk represents Yankton's most significant threat with a score of 86.67, far exceeding typical South Dakota exposure and warranting serious storm preparedness planning. Wildfire risk at 75.60 poses a secondary but substantial concern, especially during drought periods common to the region. Together, these two hazards account for the majority of the county's overall disaster exposure.

Prioritize coverage for severe weather

Given Yankton's elevated tornado and wildfire risks, homeowners should verify they have comprehensive coverage that includes wind damage, hail, and—in wildfire-prone areas—structure protection beyond standard policies. A safe room or basement shelter can save lives during tornado events, making home hardening investments worthwhile. Review your policy annually and discuss specific hazard coverage with your insurance agent.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Yankton County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate and Humid for the Plains

Yankton County averages 48.7°F annually, making it one of the more temperate areas in South Dakota. Its 28.7 inches of precipitation is significantly higher than most regional peers.

Warmer and Wetter Than Average

Yankton exceeds the state average temperature of 45.6°F and the state precipitation average of 22.7 inches. This combination makes it one of the most productive agricultural counties.

The Wettest of the Comparison Group

With 28.7 inches of annual precipitation, Yankton is much wetter than Stanley or Walworth. This extra moisture supports a lush landscape compared to the drier western plains.

Humid Summers and Snowy Winters

July is warm at 75.4°F with 33 days of extreme heat per year. Winter is manageable but active, featuring a 20.2°F January average and 38.1 inches of snow.

Plan for High Summer Humidity

Dehumidification and high-capacity cooling are essential for the 73.1°F summer months. Prepare for varied winter weather that regularly drops nearly 40 inches of total snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Yankton County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Alkaline Soils Lead the State Average

Yankton County boasts a soil score of 62.7, which outpaces the South Dakota average of 61.2. The local pH levels average 7.10, placing it slightly above the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 7.05. While specific taxonomic orders are unlisted, the overall chemistry suggests a productive environment for regional agriculture.

High Silt Levels Define the Local Landscape

The soil profile consists of 49.3% silt, 28.2% clay, and 22.5% sand. This high silt concentration creates a smooth texture that facilitates better nutrient retention than sandier regions. Growers benefit from a mix that provides a stable structure for root development and crop stability.

Strong Organic Matter Fuels Growth Potential

Organic matter reaches 3.50%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.187 in/in also beats the state average of 0.182 in/in. These figures indicate a high potential for moisture retention and natural fertility in the field.

Functional Drainage for Diverse Land Use

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unclassified for this county in current datasets. However, the high silt and clay content suggests a soil that holds water longer than average sandy soils. Farmers and builders should verify local percolation rates before starting major projects.

Gardening Success in Zone 5a

Yankton County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, providing a hospitable climate for corn, soybeans, and hardy fruit trees. The combination of high organic matter and favorable water capacity makes this an ideal spot for a home vegetable garden. Start your planting season early to take advantage of these fertile South Dakota soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Yankton County

via LawnByCounty

Yankton Matches National Averages for Lawn Ease

Yankton County earns a lawn difficulty score of 50.6, placing it right at the national median of 50.0. While slightly more challenging than the South Dakota average of 51.1, the Hardiness Zone 5a climate provides a familiar environment for standard northern turf.

High Heat Challenges Yankton's Above-Average Rainfall

With 28.7 inches of annual precipitation, Yankton is wetter than the state average of 22.8 inches, though it remains below the 30-inch ideal for lawns. The county endures 33 extreme heat days per year, significantly higher than the state average of 24 days, which increases moisture stress during July.

Balanced Soil pH Simplifies Yankton Lawn Prep

The local soil pH of 7.10 is very close to the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0, meaning most homeowners can skip heavy lime or sulfur treatments. The mix of 28.2% clay and 22.5% sand provides a stable foundation, though the lack of local drainage data means homeowners should monitor for standing water.

Persistent Drought Demands Smart Watering Tactics

Yankton has faced 40 weeks of drought over the past year, with 43.4% of the county currently under severe drought conditions. To protect turf during these dry spells, residents should maintain a taller mowing height to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Zone 5a Favorites Thrive in Yankton

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are excellent choices for the 3169 growing degree days found here. Homeowners should aim to seed after the last frost on April 27 or in late summer to ensure roots establish before the first fall frost on October 11.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yankton County's county score?
Yankton County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 42.9 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 Yankton County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Yankton County ranks #59 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 Yankton County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Yankton County is $2,347, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Yankton County a tax score of 29.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Yankton County?
The median household income in Yankton County, South Dakota is $73,855 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Yankton County earns an income score of 75.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Yankton County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Yankton County scores 42.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Yankton 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 Yankton County with other counties side by side.

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