Hutchinson
South Dakota

What stands out

Against every county in America, Hutchinson County is unusual in three ways: the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000), violent crime is in the bottom 5% of American counties (2.9 per 1,000), and the school test score is in the top 6% of American counties (3.46 where 3.0 is grade level). Within South Dakota it ranks 49th of 66 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Hutchinson County, South Dakota. 7,401 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +41).

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 $69,139 a year, higher than 72% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,418. Unemployment runs 2.3%, lower than 90% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 16 minutes each way.

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

Home

The median home costs $226K, cheaper than 53% of American counties, about 1.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $690 a month. Property tax is 1.21% of home value, roughly $1,734 a year on that median home, higher than 73% of American counties. 77% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 2.9 per 1,000 residents, lower than 95% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 78.7 years, longer than 82% of American counties. There are 9 active physicians in the county, about 12.2 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 5.0 of 5 stars. 8.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.37 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 94% of American counties. 92% 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. 69% 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 49°F, highs near 61 and lows near 37, colder than 79% of American counties. About 26 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 65 out of 100, riskier than 65% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 248 Mbps down, faster than 73% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.