Bolthole Index

Jerauld County, South Dakota

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Jerauld County, South Dakota

49Index Score / 100
#31 of 66 in South Dakota

Unincorporated Jerauld County, South Dakota requires a building permit for new structures, moves, additions, principal-use changes, and replacement structures or decks1. The county also administers zoning on rural unincorporated land2. Household septic systems are exempt from the county building permit when they follow state rules, but the reviewed sources do not confirm whether a separate septic permit is required3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for specified construction, moves, additions, use changes and replacements in rural unincorporated areas1
Zoning
County zoning applies in rural unincorporated Jerauld County2
Permit fees
Published schedule starts at $25 for projects costing up to $25,0004
Septic
State minimum rules apply; compliant household systems are exempt from the county building permit3
RV and tiny-home living
Long-term occupancy rules were not confirmed; ask the Zoning Administrator before buying2
Owner electrical work
A qualifying owner-occupant may wire a residence or farmstead with a homeowner permit and inspections5
Agricultural structures
Specified semi-portable agricultural structures are exempt from the county building permit6
Wells
The proposed use may require a state water-right permit before drilling7

Who to call

Zoning

Jerauld County Equalization / Zoning Administrator

Building permits, conditional use permits, variances, rezoning, and plat approval assistance for rural unincorporated Jerauld County

605-539-9701

[email protected]

205 Wallace Ave S, Wessington Springs, SD 57382

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Jerauld County, South Dakota?

Yes. Unincorporated Jerauld County requires a building permit to erect or move a structure, add to a structure, change its principal use, or replace an old structure or deck1. Submit a blueprint and estimated project cost with the application8. The published fee is $25 for a project costing up to $25,000 and $50 for one costing more than $25,000 but less than $50,000; above $50,000, add $0.50 per $1,000 over that amount4. Starting construction before purchasing the permit brings a $200 penalty, and work must stop until the permit is issued1. Specified semi-portable farm structures are exempt, but that exemption does not erase other zoning or state requirements6.

Who issues Jerauld County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Jerauld County Planning and Zoning operates from the Equalization Office, where the Zoning Administrator issues rural building permits and assists with conditional uses, variances, rezoning, and plat approvals9. Reach the office at 605-539-9701 or [email protected], or visit 205 Wallace Ave S, Wessington Springs, SD 573829. The office has no online permit portal listed, so call before visiting to confirm the current application method. The Planning Commission reviews plats as well as conditional uses, variances, and rezoning requests10. The reviewed county sources do not establish a general building-inspection schedule or a certificate-of-occupancy requirement, so ask the Zoning Administrator what inspections and final sign-off apply to the proposed project.

Does Jerauld County have zoning?

Yes. Jerauld County Planning and Zoning manages physical growth in the rural unincorporated area, and the Zoning Administrator assists with conditional-use permits, variances, and rezoning11. The county zoning ordinance organizes land into districts and identifies principal, accessory, conditional, and prohibited uses and structures for each district12. The available sources do not establish the rules inside incorporated municipalities or provide the current district names and zoning map212. Ask the Zoning Administrator for the parcel's district, setbacks, minimum lot size, dwelling size, height, lot coverage, and current ordinance before relying on a listing description. South Dakota's default design-standard exclusion for qualifying farmsteads and accessory structures applies to covered construction begun after July 1, 2026, but it is not a blanket waiver of local zoning, permits, or occupancy rules13.

How do septic permits work in Jerauld County?

Jerauld County exempts a household septic system from the county building permit when the system follows state onsite-wastewater rules1. South Dakota DANR administers statewide minimum requirements, and local governments may impose stricter requirements3. That county building-permit exemption does not answer whether a separate septic permit or inspection is required; the reviewed sources did not confirm either point. Contact the Equalization / Zoning Administrator and DANR before installation for the current approval path. Site conditions deserve early attention because only 2.8% of Jerauld County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field14. Treat that countywide soil statistic as a screening signal, then obtain a parcel-specific site evaluation before choosing a system.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Jerauld County?

The reviewed official material does not confirm whether long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping, or tiny-home occupancy is allowed on private land in rural Jerauld County. Because the county administers zoning in unincorporated areas, ask the Zoning Administrator how the current ordinance classifies the proposed unit and use2. Also ask about the parcel's district, setbacks, minimum dwelling size, utilities, and whether moving or placing the unit requires a building permit. Jerauld County expressly requires a permit for moving a structure, but the available claim does not establish that every RV is a structure1. Do not assume the absence of a published answer means unrestricted occupancy. For owner-performed wiring, South Dakota's exemption is limited to qualifying owner-occupied residences or farmsteads and still requires a homeowner permit and inspections5.

Building a home in Jerauld County: the steps, in order

  1. Call the Zoning Administrator to identify the parcel's zoning district and determine whether a conditional use, variance, rezoning, or plat review is needed1110.
  1. Confirm septic approval with the county and DANR because state minimum rules apply, while the reviewed sources do not settle the separate-permit question3.
  1. Determine whether the proposed water use needs a state water-right permit; when required, obtain approval before drilling7.
  1. Submit the blueprint and estimated cost to the Equalization Office and purchase the building permit before construction8.
  1. Arrange state electrical and plumbing approvals that apply. Qualifying owner wiring needs a homeowner permit, rough-in inspection before covering, and final inspection before occupancy515. Plumbing outside cities with their own program requires an installation certificate and inspection16.

What should you check before buying land in Jerauld County?

Start with written confirmation of the parcel's zoning district, permitted use, setbacks, and access because the available sources confirm county zoning but do not provide the district schedule11. Investigate septic feasibility early: only 2.8% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field14. For a well, confirm whether the intended water use requires a water-right permit and use a licensed driller unless you are drilling your own well7. Check mapped flood risk; in South Dakota communities participating in the NFIP, all floodplain development requires a permit, but the reviewed material does not confirm Jerauld County's local floodplain process17. Finally, verify legal road access and driveway approval; a new or modified connection to a state highway needs South Dakota Department of Transportation permission before construction18.

Watch-outs

  • Starting construction before purchasing the Jerauld County building permit triggers a $200 penalty and requires construction to stop until the permit is issued1.
  • The county building-permit exemption for compliant household septic systems does not establish whether a separate septic permit or inspection is required; confirm the approval path before installation3.
  • Jerauld County's RV, tiny-home, setbacks, minimum lot size, and minimum dwelling-size rules remain unconfirmed in the reviewed material; obtain the current ordinance and parcel answer from the Zoning Administrator11.

Sources

  1. Equalization - Jerauld County SD, quoted and re-checked
  2. Equalization - Jerauld County SD, quoted and re-checked
  3. One-Stop Permitting and Regulation Guide (2025 Edition), quoted and re-checked
  4. Jerauld County Permit Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  5. South Dakota Electrical Commission - Homeowner Wiring (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  6. Jerauld County Permit Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  7. South Dakota Water Rights - Drilling a Well, quoted and re-checked
  8. Equalization - Jerauld County SD, quoted and re-checked
  9. Jerauld County Equalization / Zoning Administrator (jerauldcountysd.com)
  10. Equalization - Jerauld County SD, quoted and re-checked
  11. Equalization - Jerauld County SD, quoted and re-checked
  12. Equalization - Jerauld County, South Dakota, quoted and re-checked
  13. South Dakota Codified Law Chapter 11-10: Building Codes and Standards (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  15. South Dakota Electrical Commission - Homeowner Wiring (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. South Dakota Plumbing Commission - Inspections (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. National Flood Insurance Program (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Instructions: Applying for permission for driveway or intersection on a South Dakota state highway (South Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written September 28, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Jerauld County in South Dakota

49
County map
Jerauld County highlighted among the South Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Jerauld County scores

Seclusion89100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency2199% ev.
Admin Boringness49100% ev.
Durability37100% ev.
Property Autonomy67100% ev.
Carry Cost8296% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$225kTypical home
1%Property tax
$2,678Land / acre
23.9"Annual rain
12.7% of yrsSevere drought
11.2 / yr (+8.6)Mid-century 100°F days
21.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.36" (+5.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.51×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,547Home insurance / yr
3.5% / yrInsurance growth
1.18%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
174People within 30 min
111,405People within 2 hr
2,051Radius comparison (15 mi)
3.2People / sq mi
22.6%Federal land
95.7%Land at 15% slope or less
2.8%Septic soil without severe limits
9,244 acWorkable land screen
1%Wooded land
22.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
46°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Jerauld County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Jerauld County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building permits for rural and unincorporated Jerauld County structures and specified changes of use.

    • Required for erecting a new structure or building, moving a structure or building, adding to a structure or building, changing the principal use, and replacing an old structure or deck with a new one.
    • A blueprint and estimated project cost must be submitted with the application.
    • A $200 penalty applies when construction starts before the permit is purchased; the fee schedule states construction must cease until the permit is issued.
    • Exceptions include semi-portable agricultural structures, remodeling that does not increase size, fences and signs, planting trees and shrubs, private wells, stock dams, irrigation facilities, rural water service lines, and household septic systems provided they follow DENR rules.

    pre-permit construction penalty: 200 USD (Penalty applies if construction begins before the permit is purchased.)

    “Building permits are required in Rural Jerauld County for the following:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New structures, moved structures, additions, principal-use changes, and replacement structures or decks in rural Jerauld County.
      “Building permits are required in Rural Jerauld County for the following: 1. Erecting a NEW structure or building 2. Moving a structure or building 3. Adding to a structure or building. 4. Changing the principle use of a structure or building. 5. Replacing an old structure or deck with a new one.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Planning and zoning in rural, unincorporated Jerauld County.

    • The source limits the described county planning and zoning role to the unincorporated area and rural Jerauld County.
    • The page states that the Zoning Administrator assists with conditional-use permits, variances, and rezoning.
    “The Jerauld County Planning and Zoning is located in the Equalization Office. They are responsible for managing the physical growth of the unincorporated area of the County. The Zoning Administrator issues Building Permits and assists property owners with Conditional Use Permits, Variances and Rezoning in rural Jerauld County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning administered by Jerauld County Planning and Zoning in rural and unincorporated Jerauld County.
      “They are responsible for managing the physical growth of the unincorporated area of the County.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County-administered zoning in rural, unincorporated Jerauld County.

    • Incorporated city areas may follow city-government procedures; the plat guidelines state that plats within city limits go before city government.
    “The Jerauld County Planning and Zoning is located in the Equalization Office. They are responsible for managing the physical growth of the unincorporated area of the County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Local zoning in the rural and unincorporated area of Jerauld County.
      “The Zoning Administrator issues Building Permits and assists property owners with Conditional Use Permits, Variances and Rezoning in rural Jerauld County.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    The zoning district framework administered for unincorporated and rural Jerauld County.

    • The county's official page states that Planning and Zoning manages physical growth in the unincorporated area and that the Zoning Administrator assists with conditional use permits, variances, and rezoning.
    • An official regional planning document confirms that a Jerauld County Zoning Ordinance controls where growth and development can occur within the county.
    • The exact district names, district schedule, and official zoning map were not located in the official webpages opened; incorporated municipalities may have separate zoning rules.
    • The hazard mitigation plan states that the county had contacted Planning & Development District III to begin updating the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance; no effective date for a revised ordinance was stated.

    zoning ordinance status: published by reference in an official planning document; district schedule not located

    “The Jerauld County Planning and Zoning is located in the Equalization Office. They are responsible for managing the physical growth of the unincorporated area of the County. The Zoning Administrator issues Building Permits and assists property owners with Conditional Use Permits, Variances and Rezoning in rural Jerauld County.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — County zoning in Jerauld County's unincorporated and rural areas.
      “The Zoning Ordinance explains the different zoning districts, as well as the permitted principal uses and structures, permitted accessory uses and structures, conditional uses, and prohibited uses and structures for each district.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Listed semi-portable agricultural structures in rural Jerauld County.

    • The county page lists feed bunks, water tanks, calving sheds, and portable grain storage facilities as examples.
    • The page does not state that every agricultural building is exempt.
    “Building permits are NOT required for the following: Semi-Portable Agriculture Structure (example: Feed Bunks, Water Tanks, Calving Sheds, Portable Grain Storage Facility.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — County building-permit exemptions for specified semi-portable agricultural structures in rural and unincorporated Jerauld County.
      “Building permits are NOT required for the following: 1. Semi-Portable Agriculture Structure”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Plat approval and recording for property in unincorporated Jerauld County.

    • A preliminary plat should be sent to the Director of Equalization for review.
    • The original and copies must be signed by the surveyor and signed and notarized by landowners.
    • Planning Commission and County Commissioner approvals are required for county plats.
    • Required signatures include the Treasurer, Highway Authority, Director of Equalization, Planning Commission, County Commissioners, and Register of Deeds.
    • Plats within city limits go before the city government instead.

    plat filing fee: 150 USD (The fee schedule separately lists recording fees as payable at recording.)

    “After approval by Planning Commission, the Zoning Administrator will present before the County Commissioners for their approval (regular meetings are the first Tuesday of the month). The Auditor will sign as well.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Plat and subdivision review in rural and unincorporated Jerauld County.
      “The Planning Commission reviews Conditional Use Permits, Variances, Rezoning and Plats.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Jerauld County building, plat, conditional-use, variance, and rezoning fees.

    • Building permits costing up to $25,000 are $25.
    • Building permits costing more than $25,000 but less than $50,000 are $50.
    • For construction costing over $50,000, the schedule adds $0.50 per $1,000 of cost over $50,000.
    • A $200 penalty applies if the permit is not obtained before construction starts, and construction ceases until issuance.

    permit fee up to $25000: 25 USD · permit fee over $25000 and under $50000: 50 USD · fee over $50000: per 0.5 USD per $1000 (Cost over $50,000) · plat filing fee: 150 USD · conditional use permit: 250 USD · variance: 250 USD · rezoning: 250 USD

    “A building permit for a structure constructed or built costing up to $25,000 shall be $25. A building permit for a structure constructed or built costing more than $25,000, but less than $50,000, shall be $50. A building permit for a structure constructed or built shall be an additional $0.50 each per $1,000 of cost over $50,000.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Published Jerauld County Planning and Zoning fees for building permits, plats, conditional uses, variances, and rezoning.
      “Plat Filing = $150 Conditional Use Permit = $250 Variance = $250 Re-Zoning = $250”
  • Permit processPublished

    Jerauld County building-permit application process in rural Jerauld County.

    • Permits may be purchased at the County Equalization Office.
    • A blueprint and estimated project cost must be submitted at application.
    • Construction before permit purchase results in a $200 fine.
    “Building permits may be purchased at the Jerauld County Equalization Office. A blueprint and estimated cost of the project shall be submitted at the time of application. If a building permit is NOT purchased before construction begins a $200 fine will be imposed.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Jerauld County building-permit application process for rural and unincorporated property.
      “A blueprint and estimated cost of the project shall be submitted at the time of application.”

South Dakota rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An individual owner personally installing electrical wiring and fixtures in a residence or farmstead owned and resided in by that individual.

    • The exemption is from electrical licensure requirements, not from permitting or inspection.
    • An approved homeowner permit must be obtained before electrical work begins.
    • The exemption does not apply to commercial or rental property.
    • Mobile-home and modular-home installations are allowed only when the unit is on an owner-occupied lot at the time of installation; otherwise a licensed South Dakota electrical contractor is required.
    • A final inspection is required before occupancy.
    “an "owner's exemption" as an exemption from licensure requirements”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Plumbing installations in South Dakota outside cities that administer their own plumbing inspection requirements.

    • The exception is for cities with their own inspection requirements.
    • Inspection requests generally require at least 72 hours advance notice, excluding weekends and holidays.
    • Inspections occur after a plumbing installation certificate is secured.

    installation certificate fee: 20 USD · single-family inspection fee: 110 USD · small-structure inspection fee: 100 USD (Five or fewer fixtures.) · large-structure inspection fee: 275 USD (Six or more fixtures.)

    “You must have a plumbing inspection certificate for all plumbing installations.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    On-site wastewater systems serving Jerauld County, subject to any more-stringent local requirements.

    • South Dakota DANR regulations are the state minimum requirements.
    • Local governments may impose more stringent requirements.
    • The county page says household septic systems are exempt from the county building permit when they follow DENR rules; that statement does not eliminate state wastewater requirements.
    “These regulations are the state’s minimum requirements and standards, but local governments may have more stringent regulations.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — South Dakota on-site wastewater rules applicable in Jerauld County.
      “South Dakota's regulations for on-site wastewater systems are found in the Administrative Rules of South Dakota, Chapter 74:53:01 at this link.”
    • State — Individual and small on-site wastewater systems statewide in South Dakota.
      “The authority for regulating on-site wastewater systems is found in SDCL Chapter 34A-2.”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Unconventional off-grid sanitation systems where a water or electrical system is unavailable statewide.

    • Vault privies, chemical toilets, incinerator toilets, or composting units must be used when a water or electrical system is unavailable.
    • Except for vault privies, all unconventional systems are experimental systems and require plans and specifications submitted to the secretary for approval before installation.
    “all unconventional systems are considered experimental systems”
  • Well permitLimited

    Water-well drilling and proposed water uses statewide in South Dakota.

    • A water-right permit is required only for proposed water uses that fall within the permitting requirements; the official page directs applicants to the Using Water in SD page to determine whether a permit is needed.
    • When a water-right permit is required, state law requires approval before well drilling.
    • The chief engineer may permit construction of a test well before obtaining the water-right permit; the test well may serve as the production well if the application is approved.
    • A water-right permit, when required and approved, provides five years to construct the water-use system and an additional four years to place all water to beneficial use.
    • A well driller's license is required before drilling any well or contracting to drill a well.

    construction period after water-right permit approval: 5 years · period to place water to beneficial use: 4 years

    “If a water right permit is needed, state law requires the permit to be approved prior to doing any well drilling.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Driveway accessLimited

    New or modified driveways and intersections connecting to South Dakota state highways.

    • Permission from the South Dakota Department of Transportation is required for access to a state highway.
    • The application may require an access approach design, vicinity map, estimated traffic volumes, three copies of a site plan, traffic-control plan, liability insurance, development plan, drainage plan, traffic-impact study, and revegetation plan.
    • Construction cannot begin until the access permit is issued.
    • The permittee pays construction, maintenance, and removal costs.
    • The permit expires if access is not under construction within one year, subject to one written one-year extension.
    • Access construction must be completed within 45 days after initiation within the highway right-of-way.

    application review update threshold: 30 days (If the application is not completed within 30 days, a Department employee will contact the applicant with an update.) · construction completion period: 45 days (Measured from initiation of construction within the highway right-of-way.)

    “Construction of the access shall not proceed until the access permit is issued. The access shall be completed in an expeditious and safe manner and shall be finished within 45 days from the initiation of construction within the highway right-of-way.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in floodplains within South Dakota communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, including incorporated and unincorporated areas administered separately by local governments.

    • Participating communities must adopt and enforce a flood-damage-prevention ordinance.
    • Permits are required for all types of development in the floodplain.
    • New or substantially improved homes and manufactured homes must be elevated above the Base Flood Elevation.
    • Non-residential buildings must be elevated or flood-proofed.
    • Elevation Certificates are required to document compliance.
    • NFIP participation and eligibility are established separately for incorporated and unincorporated areas; the source does not establish a single uniform permit process for every South Dakota location.
    “Require permits for all types of development in the floodplain.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    South Dakota county boards' authority to adopt zoning ordinances, including for unincorporated county land.

    • The authority is granted for promoting the health, safety, or general welfare of the county.
    • The statute authorizes regulation of building and land-use characteristics including height, number of stories, building and structure size, lot coverage, yards, courts, open spaces, population density, and locations and uses of buildings, structures, and land.
    • The authorized purposes expressly include trade, industry, residence, flood plain, and other purposes.
    • This claim identifies statewide enabling authority; whether a particular county has adopted an ordinance is a separate local question.
    “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, or the general welfare of the county the board may adopt a zoning ordinance to regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that may be occupied, the size of the yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, flood plain, or other purposes.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Building code adopted — Building-code adoption by Jerauld County.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for structures in rural and unincorporated Jerauld County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in rural and unincorporated Jerauld County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in rural and unincorporated Jerauld County.
  • Setbacks — Setback requirements in rural and unincorporated Jerauld County.
11 more unanswered
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Jerauld County, South Dakota

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

Jerauld County scores 49/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 174 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (23.9″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.

Do you need a building permit in Jerauld County, South Dakota?

Jerauld County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Land in Jerauld County runs about $2,678 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Jerauld County?

Jerauld County gets about 23.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 12.7% of years.

How remote is Jerauld County?

A representative private-land location has about 174 people within a 30-minute drive and 111,405 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Jerauld County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Jerauld compares in South Dakota

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