Potter
South Dakota

What stands out

Three things set Potter County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), high-school completion is among the highest in America (97%), and violent crime is in the bottom 2% of American counties (2.8 per 1,000). Within South Dakota it ranks 10th of 66 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Potter County, South Dakota. 2,587 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 1.4% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -24).

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 $71,786 a year, higher than 78% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $46,301. Unemployment runs 2.3%, lower than 89% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $225K, cheaper than 54% of American counties, about 1.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $583 a month. Property tax is 1.20% of home value, roughly $1,558 a year on that median home, higher than 73% of American counties. 78% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 2.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 98% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 81.9 years, longer than 98% of American counties. There is 1 active physician in the county, about 3.9 per 10,000 people. 6.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.42 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 93% of American counties. 97% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 66 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 78% 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 45°F, highs near 58 and lows near 33, colder than 90% of American counties. About 23 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 13 out of 100, safer than 87% of American counties; the county has had 41 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 2.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.