Property Tax in South Dakota (2026): Rates, Exemptions, and Real Numbers

South Dakota Property Tax Rates by County

Highest and lowest effective rates within South Dakota

Property Tax Calculator — South Dakota

Pre-loaded with South Dakota's 1.01% effective rate and $306,500 median price

Property Tax by City in South Dakota

Annual and monthly property tax by city, based on local median prices and the statewide effective rate

South Dakota Homestead Exemption

How South Dakota Assesses Property Values

Assessment cycle: Annual assessment by county directors of equalization at 85% of market value.

Property Tax's Impact on Your True Monthly Cost

On a $306,500 home in South Dakota

Property tax represents 10% of the true monthly cost in South Dakota.

Mortgage Calculator Including Property Tax — South Dakota

See your full PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) payment

How South Dakota's Property Tax Affects Affordability

$258/month in property tax reduces the home price you can afford. Use the affordability calculator to see the real impact.

Property Tax After Refinancing in South Dakota

Refinancing changes your P&I but not your property tax. If your home was reassessed at a higher value, your tax bill increases regardless of your rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in South Dakota?

South Dakota's effective property tax rate is 1.01%, ranking #21 nationally. The median annual property tax bill is $3,096 ($258/month). Rates range from 0.66% in Haakon County to 1.20% in Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls). Source: Tax Foundation Property Taxes by State 2024.

Does South Dakota have a homestead exemption?

Yes — South Dakota offers a homestead exemption for primary residences. Owner-Occupied Assessment Freeze: freezes the assessed value for qualifying owner-occupied properties — prevents increases when property is not improved or sold. Elderly and Disabled Assessment Freeze for homeowners 70+ or disabled with income under $30,000. No income tax and no sales tax on food (limited sales tax overall).. Apply through your county assessor's office after purchasing your home.

How often is property reassessed in South Dakota?

South Dakota reassesses property on a annual assessment by county directors of equalization at 85% of market value. basis. When your property is reassessed, your tax bill changes based on the new assessed value multiplied by the applicable rate. If you believe your assessment is too high, you can appeal — most counties allow 30-90 days after receiving your assessment notice.

How is property tax calculated in South Dakota?

Property tax = Assessed Value × Mill Rate (or effective rate). In South Dakota, the effective rate is 1.01% of market value. On a $306,500 home: $306,500 × 1.01% = $3,096/year. Assessments may use a fraction of market value — the effective rate accounts for this.

Can I appeal my property tax assessment in South Dakota?

Yes. If your assessed value is higher than comparable sales in your area, you can file an appeal with your county assessment board. Steps: (1) Get your assessment notice, (2) Research comparable recent sales, (3) File an appeal by the deadline (typically 30-90 days from assessment notice). Studies show 20-40% of appeals result in a reduction. The process is free and you represent yourself — no attorney required.

Are property taxes included in my mortgage payment in South Dakota?

Most lenders require an escrow account that collects $258/month ($3,096/year ÷ 12) along with your mortgage payment, then pays the county on your behalf. If your loan-to-value is below 80%, you may be able to opt out of escrow and pay taxes directly. Note: if your assessed value rises, your escrow payment adjusts and your total monthly cost increases.

What South Dakota counties have the highest and lowest property taxes?

South Dakota's highest effective rate is in Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls) at 1.20%. The lowest is Haakon County at 0.66%. That's a 0.54% spread — on a $306,500 home, the difference is $1,655/year.