Haakon
South Dakota

What stands out

Three things set Haakon County apart from the other 3,142 counties: unemployment is in the bottom 2% of American counties (1.9%), high-school completion is in the top 2% of American counties (96%), and the share working from home is in the top 4% of American counties (17%). Within South Dakota it ranks 10th of 66 counties for unemployment, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Haakon County, South Dakota. 1,755 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 0.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +18).

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 $53,109 a year, lower than 72% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,525. Unemployment runs 1.9%, lower than 98% of American counties. 17% 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 $948 a month. Property tax is 0.72% of home value, roughly $1,006 a year on that median home, lower than 63% 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 84% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 79.1 years, longer than 85% of American counties. There are 4 active physicians in the county, about 22.8 per 10,000 people. 11.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.21 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 79% of American counties. 96% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 81 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 82% 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 48°F, highs near 61 and lows near 36, colder than 80% of American counties. About 23 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 6 out of 100, safer than 94% of American counties; the county has had 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 275 Mbps down, faster than 86% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation.