Fall River
South Dakota

What stands out

Against every county in America, Fall River County is unusual in three ways: rainfall is in the bottom 6% of American counties (15 inches a year), the restaurant count per person is in the top 8% of American counties (1.3 per 1,000), and unemployment is in the bottom 12% of American counties (2.3%). Within South Dakota it ranks 1st of 66 counties for rainfall, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Fall River County, South Dakota. 7,079 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +86).

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 $54,886 a year, lower than 67% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $51,214. Unemployment runs 2.3%, lower than 88% of American counties. 11% 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 $285K, pricier than 66% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $919 a month. Property tax is 1.11% of home value, roughly $1,759 a year on that median home, higher than 67% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.3 per 1,000 residents, lower than 77% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 14 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 74.0 years, shorter than 71% of American counties. There are 13 active physicians in the county, about 18.4 per 10,000 people. 12.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.99 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 68% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 45 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 73% 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 50°F, highs near 64 and lows near 35, colder than 77% of American counties. About 15 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 36 out of 100, safer than 64% of American counties; the county has had 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 222 Mbps down, faster than 60% of American counties. There are 7 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 4 museums.