Lawrence County
SD · Pop. 26,574 · Suburban County
Lawrence County is a suburban county in South Dakota, spanning 800 square miles with 26,574 residents at a density of 33.2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, lettuce. The median home price is $311,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.86%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 126-day growing season, average summer highs of 76.1°F and average winter lows of 16.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 30.5 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Monument Health Lead - Deadwood Hospital is 4.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 87% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.86% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Monument Health Lead - Deadwood Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 4.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 1.9% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 11.8% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 126-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Lawrence County, SD is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 49/100
- Median home price
- $311k
- Property tax
- 0.86%
- Growing season
- 126 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 30.5"
- Broadband
- 87%
- Nearest hospital
- Monument Health Lead - Deadwood Hospital, 4.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Lawrence County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Lawrence County?
- Lawrence County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 126-day growing season, average summer highs of 76.1°F, and average winter lows of 16.9°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, lettuce.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $311,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.86%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 87% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Monument Health Lead - Deadwood Hospital is 4.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 3 hospitals in the county.
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 Lawrence 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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