Bennett County
SD · Pop. 3,354 · Rural County
Bennett County sits in South Dakota across 1,185 square miles, home to 3,354 people at 2.8 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, wheat, corn. The median home price is $139,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.03%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 138-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.3°F and average winter lows of 13.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 19.5 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Bennett County Hospital and Nursing Home is 2.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 82.9% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $139,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Bennett County Hospital and Nursing Home, with an emergency room, is just 2.9 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, wheat, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 2.8 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.6% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 138-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 19.5 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- A poverty rate of 31.9% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- Average winter lows of 13.7°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Bennett County, SD is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 56/100
- Median home price
- $139k
- Property tax
- 1.03%
- Growing season
- 138 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 19.5"
- Broadband
- 82.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Bennett County Hospital and Nursing Home, 2.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Bennett County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Bennett County?
- Bennett County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 138-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.3°F, and average winter lows of 13.7°F. The established crops are hay, wheat, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $139,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.03%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 82.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Bennett County Hospital and Nursing Home is 2.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore South Dakota Resources
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More counties in South Dakota
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The closest counties to Bennett 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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