Gregory
South Dakota

What stands out

Against every county in America, Gregory County is unusual in three ways: unemployment is in the bottom 2% of American counties (1.9%), the restaurant count per person is in the top 3% of American counties (1.9 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 14th of 66 counties for unemployment, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Gregory County, South Dakota. 3,983 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +20).

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 $48,272 a year, lower than 82% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $39,901. Unemployment runs 1.9%, lower than 98% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 15 minutes each way.

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

Home

A two-bedroom rents for around $599 a month. Property tax is 1.26% of home value, roughly $1,371 a year on that median home, higher than 75% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.2 per 1,000 residents, lower than 85% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 74.3 years, shorter than 67% of American counties. There are 5 active physicians in the county, about 12.6 per 10,000 people. 13.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.14 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 64% of American counties. 90% 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. 71% 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 62 and lows near 37, colder than 76% of American counties. About 24 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 17 out of 100, safer than 83% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 174 Mbps down, slower than 61% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.