Ziebach County
SD · Pop. 2,410 · Rural County
Ziebach County, South Dakota covers 1,961 square miles with a population of 2,410 and a density of 1.2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, wheat, sunflower. A median home price of $102,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.59% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 137-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.5°F and average winter lows of 10.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 18.3 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Cheyenne River Hospital is 20.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 89.8% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.59% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $102,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, wheat, sunflower means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 1.2 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.9% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 137-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 18.3 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- The nearest hospital, Cheyenne River Hospital, is 20.4 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- A poverty rate of 38.2% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Ziebach County, SD is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 60/100
- Median home price
- $102k
- Property tax
- 0.59%
- Growing season
- 137 days (zone 4b)
- Annual rainfall
- 18.3"
- Broadband
- 89.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Cheyenne River Hospital, 20.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Ziebach County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Ziebach County?
- Ziebach County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 137-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.5°F, and average winter lows of 10.9°F. The established crops are hay, wheat, sunflower.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $102,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.59%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 89.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Cheyenne River Hospital is 20.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
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More counties in South Dakota
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The closest counties to Ziebach 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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