Hunt & Live

Yankton County, SD

23,373 residents · 521 sq mi · 44.8/sq mi · 31% rural

Climate
47.8°F
27.6" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.25
Hardiness
Zone 7a
Winter low ~0.1°F

About Yankton County

Yankton County is a county in the U.S. state of South Dakota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 23,310, making it the 9th most populous county in South Dakota. Its county seat is Yankton. Yankton County comprises the Yankton, SD Micropolitan Statistical Area.

31
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2654 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and moderate climate, with an annual mean temperature of 47.8°F and about 27.6 inches of rain per year. The growing season is supported by USDA zone 7a, allowing for a variety of crops to be cultivated. The terrain is predominantly flat, which can facilitate agricultural activities. However, the humid climate may require careful water management, especially during drought conditions, which is rated high on the FEMA hazard list.

The county faces several natural hazards, notably drought (FEMA rank 94) and winter weather challenges (rank 92), which can impact food production and daily living. Tornadoes and hail are also risks, ranked at 87 and 85, respectively. While the population density is moderate at 44.8 people per square mile, the violence percentile is relatively low at 25, suggesting a safer environment. However, the median home price of $190,400 may be a barrier for some seeking affordable housing.

This area may suit individuals or families looking for a quieter, rural lifestyle with agricultural opportunities, particularly those who can adapt to seasonal weather challenges. However, those seeking a robust urban infrastructure or who are sensitive to natural hazards might find it less appealing. A potential dealbreaker could be the risk of drought, while a hidden gem is the community's median household income of $68,847, which supports a reasonable standard of living.

AI-generated analysis based on county data (climate, hazards, density, housing, economy). For general orientation only.

Key Facts

Ranked #1,303 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#59 of 66 in SD
Ranked #59 of 66 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: drought
FEMA ranks drought risk at 94/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
44.8 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 47.8°F annual mean and 27.6" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $190,400.

Score Breakdown

Violence
94
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
63
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
50
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
63.4
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 73
Drought 94
Earthquake 29
Hail 85
Heat Wave 63
Riverine Flood 57
Ice Storm 82
Landslide 69
Lightning 79
Strong Wind 58
Tornado 87
Wildfire 76
Winter Weather 93

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
85.5°F
Winter low
10.1°F
Heating degree days
7,088
Cooling degree days
873

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$190,400
Median HH income
$68,847
Price to income
2.8×
Property tax rate
1.14%
~$2,165/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.7
Homeownership
70.4%
Poverty rate
8%
Unemployment
1.6%

Connectivity

Broadband households
70%
No internet access
11.2%

Explore Yankton County Further

Similar Counties

Data sources. Prepper scores are national percentile ranks of firearm fatalities (County Health Rankings 2024 / CDC WONDER), FEMA National Risk Index 2023 composite disaster score, and population density (ACS 2022 + TIGER 2022 land area). Climate from NOAA nClimDiv 1991–2020 normals. Hardiness zone is estimated from climate data and may differ from the official USDA PHZM. Demographics and housing from Census ACS 5-year 2022. All scores are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute advice about where to live.