Butte
South Dakota

What stands out

What stands out about Butte County: unemployment is in the bottom 3% of American counties (1.9%), the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000), and the school test score is in the bottom 10% of American counties (2.59 where 3.0 is grade level). Within South Dakota it ranks 23rd of 66 counties for unemployment, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Butte County, South Dakota. 10,369 people live here with you. The population grew 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +54).

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 $58,106 a year, lower than 58% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $45,795. Unemployment runs 1.9%, lower than 97% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 19 minutes each way.

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

Home

The median home costs $355K, pricier than 80% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $954 a month. Property tax is 1.06% of home value, roughly $1,996 a year on that median home, higher than 64% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.2 per 1,000 residents, lower than 84% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 77.1 years, longer than 65% of American counties. There are 6 active physicians in the county, about 5.8 per 10,000 people. 15.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.70 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 90% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 58 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 62% 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 47°F, highs near 60 and lows near 34, colder than 84% of American counties. About 22 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 48 out of 100, safer than 52% of American counties; the county has had 23 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 188 Mbps down, slower than 55% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.2 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.