Oglala Lakota
South Dakota

What stands out

What stands out about Oglala Lakota County: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), life expectancy is among the shortest in America (60.1 years), and the school test score is among the lowest in America (1.51 where 3.0 is grade level). Within South Dakota it ranks 10th of 66 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota. 13,695 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -121).

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 $32,279 a year, lower than 97% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $53,583. Unemployment runs 4.9%, higher than 88% of American counties. 2% of workers work from home.

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

Home

A two-bedroom rents for around $454 a month. 51% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.5 per 1,000 residents, higher than almost every county in America.

A child born here can expect to live 60.1 years, shorter than almost every county in America. There are 7 active physicians in the county, about 5.1 per 10,000 people. 10.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 1.53 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than almost every county in America. 74% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 79 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 36% 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 50°F, highs near 63 and lows near 36, colder than 76% of American counties. About 17 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 57 out of 100, riskier than 57% of American counties.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 118 Mbps down, slower than 82% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1 National Park Service site.