Faulk
South Dakota

What stands out

Against every county in America, Faulk County is unusual in three ways: home internet speed is among the slowest in America (27 Mbps), the home price against local income is in the bottom 4% of American counties (1.3 years of income), and the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000). Within South Dakota it ranks 3rd of 60 counties for home internet speed, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Faulk County, South Dakota. 2,140 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 1.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +31).

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 $56,734 a year, lower than 62% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $42,528. Unemployment runs 2.0%, lower than 95% of American counties. 16% 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 $675 a month. Property tax is 0.82% of home value, roughly $944 a year on that median home, lower than 54% of American counties. 83% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.0 per 1,000 residents, lower than 92% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 80.8 years, longer than 94% of American counties. There is 1 active physician in the county, about 4.7 per 10,000 people. 11.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.79 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 96% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 65 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 65% 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 45°F, highs near 58 and lows near 32, colder than 91% of American counties. About 22 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 13 out of 100, safer than 87% of American counties; the county has had 19 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 27 Mbps down, slower than almost every county in America. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.