McPherson County
SD · Pop. 2,278 · Rural County
McPherson County, South Dakota covers 1,137 square miles with a population of 2,278 and a density of 2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, corn, soybeans. The median home price is $78,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.55%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 136-day growing season, average summer highs of 79.2°F and average winter lows of 6°F. Annual rainfall averages 20.5 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Ashley Medical Center is 19.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 99.9% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $78,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 99.9% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, corn, soybeans means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 2 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.3% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 136-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 20.5 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.55% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Average winter lows of 6°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
McPherson County, SD is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 51/100
- Median home price
- $78k
- Property tax
- 1.55%
- Growing season
- 136 days (zone 4b)
- Annual rainfall
- 20.5"
- Broadband
- 99.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Ashley Medical Center, 19.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in McPherson County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in McPherson County?
- McPherson County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 136-day growing season, average summer highs of 79.2°F, and average winter lows of 6°F. The established crops are hay, corn, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $78,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.55%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 99.9% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Ashley Medical Center is 19.3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore South Dakota Resources
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LandWatch
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AcreTrader
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More counties in South Dakota
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The closest counties to McPherson 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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