South Dakota · Property Tax & Closing Costs
South Dakota property tax by county
Property tax rates, median home values, and closing cost estimates for all 66 counties in South Dakota. The average effective rate across the state is 1.03%, ranking South Dakota 16 of 51 (above-average property taxes). Data is sourced from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates.
Average rate
1.03%
across 66 counties
National rank
#16
of 51, highest rate first
Median home value
$166,500
county median in state
Rate range
0.38%–1.81%
Oglala Lakota County → Todd County
Same home, different county
On a $166,500 home (the typical county median in South Dakota), the annual property tax bill depends heavily on where you buy:
Difference
$2,386/yr
$199/mo · $23,859 over 10 years
Estimate: purchase price × each county's effective rate. Actual bills depend on assessed value, local levies, and exemptions.
Lowest property tax rates in South Dakota
The five South Dakota counties with the lowest effective property tax rates, useful for buyers comparing total cost of ownership across the state.
| County | Rate |
|---|---|
| Oglala Lakota County | 0.38% |
| Buffalo County | 0.40% |
| Ziebach County | 0.61% |
| Faulk County | 0.62% |
| Jackson County | 0.65% |
Highest property tax rates in South Dakota
The five South Dakotacounties with the highest effective property tax rates. High rates often reflect strong school district funding or municipal services rather than weakness, but they materially change a buyer's monthly carrying cost.
| County | Rate |
|---|---|
| Todd County | 1.81% |
| McPherson County | 1.55% |
| Dewey County | 1.51% |
| Corson County | 1.45% |
| Potter County | 1.42% |
South Dakota real estate transfer tax
South Dakota charges a combined transfer tax of about 0.10% of the purchase price. On a $166,500 home, that is roughly $167 in total.
| Paid by | Rate | On $166,500 |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer | 0.00% | $0 |
| Seller | 0.10% | $167 |
$0.50/$500 (0.1%) Real Estate Transfer Fee per SDCL 43-4-21, seller-paid. Uniform statewide.
Official South Dakota source → · Verified April 2026
Closing costs in South Dakota
Across South Dakota's 66 counties, buyer closing costs run $2,271 to $8,463 at each county's median home value with 20% down. Cash needed at closing, with closing costs and the down payment, runs $12,851 to $82,853. Pick your county for your own figures.
South Dakota closing cost calculatorSouth Dakota property tax exemptions
Ways buyers in South Dakota may reduce their annual property tax. These programs apply statewide; verify county specifics with your local assessor.
Assessment Freeze for Elderly & Disabled
Freezes property assessment for homeowners 65+ or disabled. 2026 income limits: $56,595 single / $66,885 multi-member household. Home market value must be under $514,500.
View official source →Owner-Occupied Classification
Primary residences are taxed at a reduced rate vs. non-owner-occupied. Must own and occupy the property as of November 1.
View official source →Paraplegic / Disabled Veteran Exemption
Full property tax exemption for paraplegic veterans and fully disabled veterans, as defined by the Social Security Act, on the primary residence.
View official source →Last verified April 2026. Exemption amounts and eligibility change frequently. Always confirm with your county assessor before claiming.
All 66 counties in South Dakota
Effective property tax rate, median home value, and median annual taxes paid for every county in South Dakota. Click a county to open its full property tax calculator and closing cost breakdown.
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates, tables B25077 (median home value) and B25103 (median real estate taxes paid). Effective rate is computed as median taxes paid divided by median home value at the county level and represents the typical owner-occupied home. Actual bills vary by purchase price, exemptions, and special assessments.