Brule
South Dakota

What stands out

Three things set Brule County apart from the other 3,142 counties: home internet speed is among the slowest in America (24 Mbps), unemployment is among the lowest in America (1.7%), and the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000). Within South Dakota it ranks 2nd of 60 counties for home internet speed, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Brule County, South Dakota. 5,247 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -12).

South Dakota has no income tax, no estate tax and no corporate income tax, and it is the country's largest trust jurisdiction because of its favorable trust law. Sales tax applies to groceries and most services. Sioux Falls and Rapid City carry most of the growth; the state's winters are long and its plains are exposed to severe storms. Property taxes are moderate.

Money

The typical household here brings in $64,821 a year, higher than 62% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $41,127. Unemployment runs 1.7%, lower than almost every county in America. 12% of workers work from home.

South Dakota has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $254K, pricier than 57% of American counties, about 2.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $626 a month. Property tax is 0.90% of home value, roughly $1,685 a year on that median home, higher than 53% of American counties. 65% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.1 per 1,000 residents, lower than 87% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 77.9 years, longer than 74% of American counties. There are 8 active physicians in the county, about 15.2 per 10,000 people. 12.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.29 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 90% of American counties. 86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 43 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 64% of eligible voters turned out. Under South Dakota law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 49°F, highs near 62 and lows near 36, colder than 78% of American counties. About 22 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 22 out of 100, safer than 78% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 24 Mbps down, slower than almost every county in America. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.