McCook
South Dakota

What stands out

What stands out about McCook County: unemployment is among the lowest in America (1.7%), violent crime is among the lowest in America (2.7 per 1,000), and homeownership is in the top 10% of American counties (82%). Within South Dakota it ranks 7th of 66 counties for unemployment, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in McCook County, South Dakota. 5,714 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +36).

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 $74,873 a year, higher than 82% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,576. Unemployment runs 1.7%, lower than almost every county in America. 9% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 23 minutes each way.

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

Home

The median home costs $297K, pricier than 69% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $850 a month. Property tax is 1.03% of home value, roughly $1,927 a year on that median home, higher than 63% of American counties. 82% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 2.7 per 1,000 residents, lower than almost every county in America. Drug overdoses killed 8 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 75.7 years, shorter than 51% of American counties. There are 4 active physicians in the county, about 7.0 per 10,000 people. 9.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.38 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 81% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 45 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 73% 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 60 and lows near 36, colder than 82% of American counties. About 25 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 69 out of 100, riskier than 69% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 191 Mbps down, slower than 54% of American counties. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.