Todd County
SD · Pop. 9,293 · Rural County
Todd County sits in South Dakota across 1,389 square miles, home to 9,293 people at 6.7 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 $45,000, with an effective property tax rate of 2.23%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 143-day growing season, average summer highs of 84°F and average winter lows of 13°F. Annual rainfall averages 20.5 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Rosebud Hospital is 7.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 51.3% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $45,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Rosebud Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 7.9 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 6.7 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 143-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 2.23% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Broadband reaches only 51.3% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
At a glance
Todd County, SD is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 28/100
- Median home price
- $45k
- Property tax
- 2.23%
- Growing season
- 143 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 20.5"
- Broadband
- 51.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Rosebud Hospital, 7.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Todd County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Todd County?
- Todd County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 143-day growing season, average summer highs of 84°F, and average winter lows of 13°F. The established crops are hay, wheat, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $45,000 and the effective property tax rate is 2.23%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 51.3% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Rosebud Hospital is 7.9 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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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in South Dakota
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The closest counties to Todd 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.