Dewey County
SD · Pop. 5,230 · Rural County
Dewey County, South Dakota covers 2,302 square miles with a population of 5,230 and a density of 2.3 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, wheat, corn. A median home price of $75,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.34% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 142-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.3°F and average winter lows of 9.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 19 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Cheyenne River Hospital is 22.6 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 85.9% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $75,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, wheat, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 2.3 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 142-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 19 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.34% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- The nearest hospital, Cheyenne River Hospital, is 22.6 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Dewey County, SD is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 35/100
- Median home price
- $75k
- Property tax
- 1.34%
- Growing season
- 142 days (zone 4b)
- Annual rainfall
- 19"
- Broadband
- 85.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Cheyenne River Hospital, 22.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Dewey County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Dewey County?
- Dewey County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 142-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.3°F, and average winter lows of 9.9°F. The established crops are hay, wheat, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $75,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.34%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 85.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Cheyenne River Hospital is 22.6 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore South Dakota Resources
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LandWatch
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More counties in South Dakota
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The closest counties to Dewey County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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