Fall River County
SD · Pop. 7,179 · Rural County
Fall River County, South Dakota covers 1,740 square miles with a population of 7,179 and a density of 4.1 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, corn, wheat. A median home price of $176,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.06% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 133-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.3°F and average winter lows of 12.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 16.9 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Fall River Hospital is 13.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 85.5% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $176,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 4.1 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.7% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 133-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 16.9 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- A poverty rate of 19.7% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- Average winter lows of 12.9°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Fall River County, SD is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 44/100
- Median home price
- $176k
- Property tax
- 1.06%
- Growing season
- 133 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 16.9"
- Broadband
- 85.5%
- Nearest hospital
- Fall River Hospital, 13.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Fall River County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Fall River County?
- Fall River County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 133-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.3°F, and average winter lows of 12.9°F. The established crops are hay, corn, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $176,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.06%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 85.5% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Fall River Hospital is 13.6 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
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More counties in South Dakota
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The closest counties to Fall River 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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