Todd
South Dakota

What stands out

Against every county in America, Todd County is unusual in three ways: life expectancy is among the shortest in America (61.4 years), the school test score is among the lowest in America (1.76 where 3.0 is grade level), and the property tax rate is among the highest in America (2.48%). Within South Dakota it ranks 2nd of 60 counties for life expectancy, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Todd County, South Dakota. 9,353 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -140).

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 $33,792 a year, lower than 97% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $49,365. Unemployment runs 3.7%, higher than 62% of American counties. 4% 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 $492 a month. Property tax is 2.48% of home value, roughly $1,006 a year on that median home, higher than almost every county in America. 43% 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 61.4 years, shorter than almost every county in America. There is 1 active physician in the county, about 1.1 per 10,000 people. 10.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 1.79 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than almost every county in America. 80% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 56 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 43% 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 49°F, highs near 62 and lows near 36, colder than 77% of American counties. About 22 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 45 out of 100, safer than 55% of American counties; the county has had 13 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 63 Mbps down, slower than 96% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation.