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Ziebach County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#18 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
63.9
County Score
Safety 97.5Water Quality 86Cost of Living 80.2

County Report Card

About Ziebach County, South Dakota

Ziebach Outperforms the National Median

Ziebach County achieves an impressive composite score of 63.9, significantly exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high score suggests an exceptional quality of life across several key metrics.

Leading the South Dakota Average

With a 63.9 score, Ziebach comfortably beats the South Dakota state average of 55.9. It ranks as a top-tier performer within the state's diverse geography.

Elite Safety and Low Living Costs

The county boasts an elite safety score of 97.5 and a robust affordability score of 80.2. With a low 0.585% effective tax rate and median home values of $101,700, Ziebach is a bargain for residents.

Economic and Healthcare Gaps

The local economy and healthcare systems show significant room for improvement, with scores of 9.9 and 12.8 respectively. A median household income of $47,333 reflects a lack of high-paying local industry.

Ideal for Retirees and Remote Workers

Ziebach is perfect for those who prioritize security and extreme affordability over local career ladders. It serves as a quiet, budget-friendly haven for people with portable incomes or fixed retirement funds.

2040608010075.980.297.512.852.89.974.88635.3Tax75.9Cost80.2Safety97.5Health12.8Schools52.8Income9.9Risk74.8Water86Weather35.363.9/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Ziebach County DNA

D+overall

How Ziebach County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Ziebach County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Income (9.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
75.9+23.900000000000006
Cost
80.2+32.2
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
12.8-37.2
Schools
52.8
Income
9.9-41.1
Risk
74.8+27.799999999999997
Water
86+28
Weather
35.3-20.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$101,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$715/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$101,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,333/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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Nearby counties

Haakon County
South Dakota
65.5
Dewey County
South Dakota
54.1
Stanley County
South Dakota
60.1
Sully County
South Dakota
70
Meade County
South Dakota
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Corson County
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Perkins County
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Pennington County
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27.8

Deep Dives

Ziebach County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ziebach County

via TaxByCounty

Ziebach has among America's lowest tax rates

Ziebach County's effective tax rate of 0.585% ranks in the nation's lowest quartile, well below the national median of 0.84%. Despite this favorable rate, the county's median property tax of just $595 annually reflects both its low tax rate and the state's lowest median home values at $101,700.

Ziebach is South Dakota's most tax-friendly county

At 0.585%, Ziebach's effective rate is dramatically lower than South Dakota's state average of 1.094%—making it the most affordable county for property taxes in the state. Residents pay a median of only $595 annually, less than one-third of the state median tax of $1,785.

Ziebach undercuts all nearby counties on taxes

Ziebach County's effective rate of 0.585% is less than half that of neighboring Yankton County (1.127%), resulting in annual taxes of $595 versus $2,347 on comparable-value homes. This dramatic difference makes Ziebach one of the most tax-advantaged rural counties in the Upper Midwest.

Median Ziebach home costs just $50 yearly in tax

On Ziebach's median home value of $101,700, the effective tax rate of 0.585% results in roughly $595 in annual property taxes—among the lowest in America. Homeowners with mortgages average $586, while those without pay $609, reflecting minimal variation across the county's assessed properties.

Even low assessments deserve verification

Ziebach homeowners should still verify their property assessments periodically, as errors can occur regardless of county tax rates. Filing an appeal with the county assessor costs nothing and can further reduce your already-favorable tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ziebach County

via CostByCounty

Ziebach Faces Serious Affordability Strain

Ziebach County residents spend 18.1% of their income on rent—nearly 5 percentage points higher than the national average and well into the territory where housing cost burdens pinch household budgets. The median household income of $47,333 is significantly lower than the national median of $74,755, creating real pressure on renters.

South Dakota's Most Challenged County

Ziebach's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% substantially exceeds South Dakota's state average of 13.8%, placing it among the least affordable counties in the region. The gap signals that Ziebach residents face meaningfully tighter housing constraints than their peers statewide.

Ziebach's Income Challenge

While Ziebach's median rent of $715 is actually $41 lower than the state average, the county's median household income of $47,333 is the real constraint. This income-to-rent mismatch makes Ziebach one of South Dakota's most strained markets for renters despite nominally lower rents.

Housing Takes the Biggest Share

Renters in Ziebach pay $715 monthly while homeowners pay $651—but these costs hit much harder on a median income of just $47,333. Housing accounts for roughly 18% of renter income and 16% of owner income, consuming a substantially larger share than regional norms.

Considering Ziebach? Know the Trade-offs

Ziebach County offers the lowest homeownership costs in this comparison at $651 monthly, which may appeal to buyers with limited equity. However, renters should carefully evaluate whether their income can comfortably support the county's 18.1% rent burden—among South Dakota's highest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ziebach County

via IncomeByCounty

Ziebach lags behind national income

Ziebach County's median household income of $47,333 falls $27,422 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower fifth of American counties. This significant gap reflects economic challenges common to rural, sparsely populated regions with limited employment diversification.

One of South Dakota's lowest earners

Ziebach County's median household income of $47,333 trails South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by nearly $19,600, or about 29 percent. The county ranks among the state's lower-income regions, with per capita income of $26,500 also well below the state average of $35,667.

Economic gap widens vs. Yankton

Ziebach County households earn $47,333 while Yankton County residents earn $73,855—a $26,522 gap that underscores sharply different economic conditions across South Dakota. Ziebach's smaller population and more limited job market create structural challenges that depress household earnings.

Housing costs squeeze tight budgets

Ziebach County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1 percent consumes a larger share of household income than Yankton's 12.6 percent, leaving less room for other essentials. With lower incomes and a median home value of $101,700, homeownership requires careful financial planning and often remains out of reach for renters.

Prioritize financial resilience and growth

Lower incomes in Ziebach County make emergency savings and debt reduction critical first steps before investing for long-term wealth. Focus on stable employment, access to training and skills development, and exploring community resources that can help expand earning potential and build financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ziebach County

via CrimeByCounty

Ziebach County Reports Exceptional Safety Metrics

Ziebach County enters the data record with a perfect safety score of 100.0 and a reported crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents. This far outpaces the national total crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100,000 reported in 2022.

Leading South Dakota in Statistical Safety

With its reported rate of zero crimes, Ziebach County ranks at the top of the state for safety metrics. It easily exceeds the South Dakota state average safety score of 98.8 and the average crime rate of 788.1 per 100,000.

Analyzing Figures With Regional Caution

While the data suggests Ziebach is statistically safer than its neighbors, the report comes from a single agency and should be interpreted with caution. Residents in these rural areas often see different reporting frequencies than those in more populated South Dakota counties.

A Clean Sheet for Violent and Property Crimes

Official records for 2022 show zero reported violent or property crimes per 100,000 residents in Ziebach County. In comparison, the national violent crime rate is 369.8, making Ziebach's figures remarkable for this reporting period.

Maintaining Vigilance in a Safe Community

Even with a perfect safety score, maintaining home security remains a wise practice for every household. Keeping homes well-lit and staying connected with neighbors ensures that Ziebach County remains a secure place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Ziebach County

via SchoolsByCounty

Ziebach County’s Small-Scale Rural School System

Ziebach County operates four public schools across two distinct districts, serving a total enrollment of 647 students. This infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school to cover all grade levels.

High Per-Pupil Investment Outpaces State Averages

The county invests $13,420 per pupil, significantly exceeding the South Dakota state average of $7,409 and even the national average of $13,000. While the school score of 61.4 is well above the state median, the 78.6% graduation rate trails both the state and national benchmarks.

Focused Leadership in Two Core Districts

Education is managed by the Dupree School District 64-2 with 405 students and the Eagle Butte School District 20-1 with 362 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning 100% of the school population attends traditional public institutions.

Small Rural Campuses Define Local Education

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating an intimate educational environment with an average school size of 162 students. Eagle Butte Upper Elementary is the largest campus with 242 students, while Dupree Jr. High offers a highly personalized experience with only 50 students.

Discover Homes Near Top-Performing Rural Schools

Families looking for high per-pupil investment and small class sizes should explore housing options within the Dupree and Eagle Butte districts. Evaluating local school quality remains a vital step for homebuyers seeking a supportive educational community in Ziebach County.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ziebach County

via RiskByCounty

Ziebach has minimal disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 25.19 and a Very Low rating, Ziebach County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure. This favorable standing reflects relatively low exposure across most major hazard types, though no county is entirely risk-free. The county's profile makes it one of the safer communities for natural disaster vulnerability in the nation.

Among South Dakota's safest counties

Ziebach's composite risk score of 25.19 is nearly identical to South Dakota's state average of 26.84, placing it squarely in the middle of statewide risk distribution. This balanced profile means Ziebach residents face typical Great Plains hazard exposure without the elevated vulnerabilities seen in more exposed counties. The county's disaster risk remains manageable and well-understood.

Significantly safer than Yankton

Ziebach County's composite score of 25.19 is less than half that of neighboring Yankton County's 63.36, reflecting notably different geographic vulnerability patterns across the region. While both counties face comparable wildfire risk (76.56 vs. 75.60), Ziebach's tornado risk of 11.13 is dramatically lower than Yankton's 86.67. This contrast highlights how adjacent communities can have vastly different disaster profiles.

Wildfire is the primary concern

Wildfire represents Ziebach's dominant natural hazard with a risk score of 76.56, making it the county's most important preparedness priority despite very low overall composite risk. All other major hazards—tornado (11.13), earthquake (10.43), and flood (8.94)—pose minimal threat to the county. Residents should focus their disaster planning and home hardening efforts on wildfire prevention and preparation.

Focus on wildfire preparedness

Ziebach homeowners should prioritize wildfire insurance coverage and create defensible space around their homes through vegetation management and debris removal. While tornado and flood risks remain very low, ensuring basic coverage for these hazards maintains comprehensive protection at reasonable cost. Consult your insurance provider about specialized wildfire policies appropriate for your specific property location.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Ziebach County

via WaterByCounty

Ziebach County Maintains Perfect Drinking Water Compliance

Ziebach County earns an A grade for reporting zero health-based violations over the past five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents is significantly better than the South Dakota state average of 47.6.

Federal Watershed Health Data Currently Limited

Water bodies in Ziebach County have not yet been assessed under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. Consequently, there is no official record of impairment percentages or specific pollutant causes for this county in the current reporting cycle.

Sampling Sites Capture Metals and Nutrient Trends

Two monitoring sites in the county have recorded 125 measurements during the last five years. These records provide critical baseline data for physical characteristics, nutrients, and metal concentrations in the local environment.

Cheyenne River Flows Significantly Below Typical Levels

The Cheyenne River near Plainview currently flows at 218 cfs, representing just 30% of its long-term mean of 731 cfs. This low discharge indicates much drier conditions than usual for this 21,351 square mile drainage area.

Monitor Water Supplies During Low Streamflow Periods

Although drinking water compliance is excellent, the Cheyenne River's current flow at 30% of typical levels warrants conservation and awareness. Residents should monitor how these dry conditions might affect the concentration of metals and general source water availability.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ziebach County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool semi-arid climate in the northern plains

Ziebach County’s average annual temperature of 45.9°F sits nearly 9 degrees below the national median of approximately 54.4°F. This semi-arid region experiences significantly less precipitation than the U.S. average, totaling just 19.2 inches annually.

Typical South Dakota temperatures in Ziebach

The county’s annual temperature of 45.9°F is nearly identical to the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. While its temperature remains consistent with state norms, its 19.2 inches of annual precipitation is about 15% lower than the statewide average of 22.7 inches.

Dry conditions across the Cheyenne River region

Ziebach aligns closely with neighboring Dewey and Corson counties, sharing a landscape defined by low humidity and high seasonal variability. Like much of north-central South Dakota, the county faces drier conditions than the more humid eastern border counties.

Intense summer heat meets heavy winter snow

Residents experience sharp contrasts, with 29 extreme heat days reaching above 90°F during the 73.3°F July average. Winters are harsh and snowy, featuring a January average of 18.8°F and a substantial 44.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for extreme fluctuations and heavy snow

High-efficiency HVAC systems are essential here to handle both the 90-degree summer spikes and sub-zero winter blasts. Reliable snow removal equipment and winter vehicle kits are vital for navigating the nearly 45 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ziebach County

via SoilByCounty

Rugged Entisols Define the Western Landscape

Ziebach County features young Entisols with a pH of 7.20, which is more alkaline than the 6.5 national median. The county’s soil score of 43.5 reflects a more challenging environment compared to the state average of 61.2. These gravelly sandy loams represent a raw, developing soil profile typical of the region.

A Gritty Mix of Gravel and Sand

The soil composition includes 32.8% sand, 37.3% silt, and 28.4% clay. This gravelly texture ensures the soil remains easy to work and resists compaction. However, the higher sand content means the soil may struggle to hold onto vital nutrients compared to heavier silt-clay blends.

Lower Water Capacity Requires Careful Management

Organic matter stands at 2.22%, hovering just above the national average but falling short of the 3.75% state average. The available water capacity of 0.153 in/in is lower than the state mark of 0.182 in/in. Plants in this soil often require more frequent monitoring for moisture stress during the summer months.

Rapid Drainage Through Hydrologic Group A

This soil is classified as excessively drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group A. Water moves through the profile very quickly, which prevents flooding but can lead to rapid drying. This classification is excellent for building foundations but requires irrigation for most intensive farming.

Hardy Planting in Zone 4b

Ziebach County is located in Hardiness Zone 4b, where drought-tolerant native grasses and hardy shrubs thrive. Home gardeners should focus on cool-season crops like cabbage and root vegetables that can handle the alkaline pH. With proper mulching to preserve moisture, these soils can support a productive and resilient garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ziebach County

via LawnByCounty

High Scores for Lawn Success in Ziebach

Ziebach County features a lawn difficulty score of 53.6, making it easier to maintain a healthy lawn here than the national or state average. This Hardiness Zone 4b region offers a surprisingly resilient environment for northern grass varieties.

Low Precipitation Requires Efficient Water Use

The county receives just 19.2 inches of rain annually, which is lower than the South Dakota average of 22.8 inches. Homeowners must manage 29 extreme heat days per year, requiring supplemental irrigation to keep turf from entering summer dormancy.

Gravelly Loam Provides Fast Drainage in Ziebach

The soil is classified as an excessively drained gravelly sandy loam with 32.8% sand content. This rapid drainage, combined with a slightly alkaline pH of 7.20, suggests that light, frequent watering and targeted fertilization are more effective than heavy, infrequent applications.

Current Conditions Favorable Despite Regional Dryness

While neighboring areas struggle, Ziebach currently reports 0% drought coverage and experienced only 10 weeks of drought in the past year. Maintaining this resilience is easier when using mulch-mowing to return nitrogen and moisture back to the soil.

Tough Grasses for a Short Growing Season

Fine Fescue and Buffalo Grass are well-suited for the 2696 growing degree days in this northern climate. Plan your planting window between the last spring frost on May 8 and the first fall frost on October 1 to ensure a successful start.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ziebach County's county score?
Ziebach County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 63.9 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 Ziebach County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Ziebach County ranks #18 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 Ziebach County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Ziebach County is $595, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Ziebach County a tax score of 75.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ziebach County?
The median household income in Ziebach County, South Dakota is $47,333 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ziebach County earns an income score of 9.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ziebach County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Ziebach County scores 63.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Ziebach 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 Ziebach County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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