Lake
South Dakota

What stands out

If you had to describe Lake County in numbers, start here: violent crime is in the bottom 2% of American counties (2.7 per 1,000), life expectancy is in the top 3% of American counties (81.8 years), and unemployment is in the bottom 5% of American counties (2.1%). Within South Dakota it ranks 14th of 66 counties for violent crime, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Lake County, South Dakota. 11,207 people live here with you. The population grew 0.8% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +83).

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 $74,884 a year, higher than 82% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $56,802. Unemployment runs 2.1%, lower than 95% of American counties. 9% 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

The median home costs $317K, pricier than 73% of American counties, about 2.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $789 a month. Property tax is 1.19% of home value, roughly $2,333 a year on that median home, higher than 72% 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 7 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 81.8 years, longer than 97% of American counties. There are 14 active physicians in the county, about 12.5 per 10,000 people. 9.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.29 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 85% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 28 points. 59% 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 47°F, highs near 58 and lows near 35, colder than 86% of American counties. About 25 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 54 out of 100, riskier than 54% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 218 Mbps down, faster than 58% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.2 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.