Tripp
South Dakota

What stands out

Against every county in America, Tripp County is unusual in three ways: unemployment is among the lowest in America (1.7%), the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000), and the share working from home is in the bottom 8% of American counties (3%). Within South Dakota it ranks 5th of 66 counties for unemployment, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Tripp County, South Dakota. 5,607 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 0.8% 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 $56,758 a year, lower than 62% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $49,583. Unemployment runs 1.7%, lower than almost every county in America. 3% 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 $198K, cheaper than 63% of American counties, about 1.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $768 a month. Property tax is 0.99% of home value, roughly $1,270 a year on that median home, higher than 59% of American counties. 71% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.6 per 1,000 residents, lower than 67% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 74.9 years, shorter than 60% of American counties. There are 10 active physicians in the county, about 17.8 per 10,000 people. 14.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.03 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 53% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 62 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 66% 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 37, colder than 76% of American counties. About 22 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 23 out of 100, safer than 77% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 187 Mbps down, slower than 55% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.1 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.