Roberts
South Dakota

What stands out

If you had to describe Roberts County in numbers, start here: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), the school test score is in the bottom 2% of American counties (2.28 where 3.0 is grade level), and the average commute is in the bottom 7% of American counties (15 minutes). Within South Dakota it ranks 10th of 66 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Roberts County, South Dakota. 10,242 people live here with you. The population grew 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +35).

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 $59,022 a year, lower than 55% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $45,278. Unemployment runs 3.3%, lower than 54% of American counties. 7% 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 $236K, pricier than 51% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $621 a month. Property tax is 1.07% of home value, roughly $1,372 a year on that median home, higher than 65% of American counties. 68% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 54% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 73.4 years, shorter than 77% of American counties. There are 8 active physicians in the county, about 7.8 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 12.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.39 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 98% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 13 points. 58% 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 55 and lows near 34, colder than 92% of American counties. About 29 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 53 out of 100, riskier than 53% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 147 Mbps down, slower than 72% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.