South Dakota · Off-grid & homestead potential

Hughes County

70BoltScore / 100
#29 of 66 in South Dakota

Hughes County is a strong bolthole (70/100). Its strengths are deep isolation — 169 mi to the nearest city and low natural-disaster risk. The trade-offs: middling conditions for growing food and modest rainfall (19.7″/yr).

How Hughes County scores

Hazard Safety84
Freedom78
Food33
Isolation98
Sovereignty81
Water41
Affordability73
$298kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$2,614Land / acre
19.7"Annual rain
10.4% of yrsSevere drought
169 miNearest metro
23.8People / sq mi
12.8%Federal land
46.3°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in Hughes County, South Dakota

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

Hughes County is a strong bolthole (70/100). Its strengths: deep isolation — 169 mi to the nearest city and low natural-disaster risk. Watch-outs: middling conditions for growing food and modest rainfall (19.7″/yr).

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

Land in Hughes County runs about $2,614 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Hughes County?

Hughes County gets about 19.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.4% of years.

How remote is Hughes County?

The nearest major metro is about 169 miles away, and population density is 23.8 people per square mile.

How Hughes compares in South Dakota

See all 66 South Dakota counties ranked →