Hughes
South Dakota

What stands out

What stands out about Hughes County: unemployment is among the lowest in America (1.7%), high-school completion is among the highest in America (97%), and violent crime is in the bottom 2% of American counties (2.7 per 1,000). Within South Dakota it ranks 4th of 66 counties for unemployment, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Hughes County, South Dakota. 17,812 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -85).

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 $83,750 a year, higher than 91% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $61,739. Unemployment runs 1.7%, lower than almost every county in America. 6% 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 $298K, pricier than 69% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $896 a month. Property tax is 1.14% of home value, roughly $2,462 a year on that median home, higher than 69% of American counties. 73% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 2.7 per 1,000 residents, lower than 98% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 8 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 75.9 years, longer than 51% of American counties. There are 32 active physicians in the county, about 18.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 6.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.13 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 60% of American counties. 97% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 30 points. 66% 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 35, colder than 83% of American counties. About 21 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 47 out of 100, safer than 53% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 214 Mbps down, faster than 56% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.