South Dakota · Off-grid & homestead potential

Dewey County

63BoltScore / 100
#51 of 66 in South Dakota

Dewey County is a solid bolthole (63/100). Its strengths are deep isolation — 231 mi to the nearest city and cheap land ($1,109/acre). The trade-offs: elevated natural-hazard exposure and poor cropland soil.

How Dewey County scores

Hazard Safety21
Freedom69
Food23
Isolation100
Sovereignty81
Water49
Affordability100
Typical home
1.3%Property tax
$1,109Land / acre
18.7"Annual rain
14.7% of yrsSevere drought
231 miNearest metro
2.3People / sq mi
6.8%Federal land
45.1°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in Dewey County, South Dakota

Is Dewey County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Dewey County is a solid bolthole (63/100). Its strengths: deep isolation — 231 mi to the nearest city and cheap land ($1,109/acre). Watch-outs: elevated natural-hazard exposure and poor cropland soil.

How much does land cost in Dewey County, South Dakota?

Land in Dewey County runs about $1,109 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Dewey County?

Dewey County gets about 18.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 14.7% of years.

How remote is Dewey County?

The nearest major metro is about 231 miles away, and population density is 2.3 people per square mile.

How Dewey compares in South Dakota

See all 66 South Dakota counties ranked →