Douglas
South Dakota

What stands out

Against every county in America, Douglas County is unusual in three ways: unemployment is in the bottom 4% of American counties (2.0%), the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000), and the home price against local income is in the bottom 5% of American counties (1.3 years of income). Within South Dakota it ranks 25th of 66 counties for unemployment, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Douglas County, South Dakota. 2,823 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 1.8% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +36).

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 $75,048 a year, higher than 82% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $45,589. Unemployment runs 2.0%, lower than 96% of American counties. 10% 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 $667 a month. Property tax is 1.11% of home value, roughly $1,337 a year on that median home, higher than 67% of American counties. 77% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 2.9 per 1,000 residents, lower than 95% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 78.9 years, longer than 83% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 7.1 per 10,000 people. 11.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 73 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 78% 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 79% of American counties. About 25 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 32 out of 100, safer than 68% of American counties; the county has had 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 277 Mbps down, faster than 87% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1 brewery.