Lawrence
South Dakota

What stands out

If you had to describe Lawrence County in numbers, start here: unemployment is in the bottom 3% of American counties (1.9%), population growth is in the top 3% of American counties (+3.0% a year), and violent crime is in the bottom 5% of American counties (2.9 per 1,000). Within South Dakota it ranks 21st of 66 counties for unemployment, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Lawrence County, South Dakota. 26,047 people live here with you. The population grew 3.0% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +857).

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 $62,977 a year, higher than 57% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,201. Unemployment runs 1.9%, lower than 97% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 18 minutes each way.

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

Home

The median home costs $451K, pricier than 90% of American counties, about 3.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $916 a month. Property tax is 0.97% of home value, roughly $2,605 a year on that median home, higher than 58% of American counties. 66% 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. Drug overdoses killed 11 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 79.8 years, longer than 90% of American counties. There are 55 active physicians in the county, about 21.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 9.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.17 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 72% of American counties. 95% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 31 points. 67% 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 44°F, highs near 57 and lows near 31, colder than 93% of American counties. About 28 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 63 out of 100, riskier than 63% of American counties; the county has had 17 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 199 Mbps down, faster than 50% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 5 breweries, 8 museums.