Moody County
SD · Pop. 6,371 · Rural County
Moody County, South Dakota covers 519 square miles with a population of 6,371 and a density of 12.3 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, hay. A median home price of $206,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.08% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 142-day growing season, average summer highs of 79.1°F and average winter lows of 6.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 27 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Avera Flandreau Hospital is 5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 100% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- Broadband reaches 100% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Avera Flandreau Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 5 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on corn, soybeans, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 12.3 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.4% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A 142-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Average winter lows of 6.6°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Moody County, SD is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 53/100
- Median home price
- $206k
- Property tax
- 1.08%
- Growing season
- 142 days (zone 4b)
- Annual rainfall
- 27"
- Broadband
- 100%
- Nearest hospital
- Avera Flandreau Hospital, 5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Moody County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Moody County?
- Moody County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 142-day growing season, average summer highs of 79.1°F, and average winter lows of 6.6°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $206,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.08%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 100% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Avera Flandreau Hospital is 5 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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More counties in South Dakota
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The closest counties to Moody 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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