Buffalo
South Dakota

What stands out

Against every county in America, Buffalo County is unusual in three ways: homeownership is in the bottom 2% of American counties (49%), violent crime is in the top 4% of American counties (5.0 per 1,000), and the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000). Within South Dakota it ranks 2nd of 66 counties for homeownership, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Buffalo County, South Dakota. 1,859 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 1.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +33).

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 $42,917 a year, lower than 91% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,972. Unemployment runs 4.5%, higher than 82% of American counties. 12% of workers work from home.

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

Home

A two-bedroom rents for around $1,204 a month. Property tax is 0.56% of home value, roughly $576 a year on that median home, lower than 82% of American counties. 49% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 96% of American counties.

There is 1 active physician in the county, about 5.4 per 10,000 people. 10.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

82% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 31 points. 44% 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 48°F, highs near 61 and lows near 35, colder than 82% of American counties. About 20 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 16 out of 100, safer than 84% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.