Mellette County Property Taxes

Mellette County, South Dakota

Effective Tax Rate

0.00%

46.1% below state avg

Median Annual Tax

$0

$80/mo escrow

#63 of 65 counties in South Dakota

Estimate Your Tax

$
$50K$2M

Annual Tax

$0

Monthly

$0

Eff. Rate

1.53%

vs. South Dakota Avg46.1% below
vs. National Avg64.2% below

At a Glance

Median Home Value

$63,000

State avg $166,971

Tax w/ Mortgage/yr

$1,250

$104/mo escrow

Tax w/o Mortgage/yr

$925

$77/mo

State Tax Rate Rank

#63

of 65 counties (1 = lowest)

Data Story

About Property Taxes in Mellette County, South Dakota

Mellette County has very high rate

Mellette County's effective tax rate of 1.529% is nearly double the national median of 0.84%, placing it among the most tax-heavy counties nationwide. The median property tax of $963 remains relatively modest due to the lowest median home value in the region at $63,000.

Third-highest rate in South Dakota

Mellette County ranks 3rd among South Dakota's 66 counties with an effective tax rate of 1.529%, significantly exceeding the state average of 1.094%. Only McPherson County (1.554%) and Lincoln County (1.181%) have higher rates.

Second-highest rate in eight-county region

Mellette County's 1.529% rate trails only McPherson County's 1.554% among all regional neighbors, making it one of the most punitive jurisdictions locally. The county's low home values help keep absolute tax bills manageable despite the high rate.

What $63,000 home costs annually

The median Mellette County home valued at $63,000 generates approximately $963 in annual property taxes—the lowest absolute amount in the region. With mortgage, residents pay $1,250; without, $925.

Verify your assessment immediately

Despite modest absolute tax bills, Mellette County's extreme 1.529% rate means even small assessment reductions yield meaningful savings. Filing an appeal is essential for homeowners questioning their valuations.

How Mellette County Compares

Median Annual Property Tax

Mellette County$963
South Dakota State Average$1,785
National Average$1,924

Mellette County

1.53%

Effective rate

South Dakota Avg

1.07%

Effective rate

National Avg

0.91%

Effective rate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in Mellette County, South Dakota?
The effective property tax rate in Mellette County, South Dakota is 1.53%. This rate is calculated by dividing the median property tax payment by the median home value in the county.
How much are property taxes in Mellette County?
The median annual property tax payment in Mellette County is $963. Homeowners with a mortgage pay a median of $1,250, while those without a mortgage pay $925.
How does Mellette County compare to the South Dakota average?
Mellette County's effective tax rate of 1.53% is higher than the South Dakota state average of 1.07%. The median annual property tax in Mellette County is $963, compared to the state average of $1,785.
What is the median home value in Mellette County, South Dakota?
The median home value in Mellette County, South Dakota is $63,000, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.
Why is Mellette County property tax rate higher than the South Dakota average?
Mellette County's effective property tax rate of 1.53% is higher than the South Dakota average of 1.07%. This difference of 0.46% can be attributed to local funding needs for schools, infrastructure, and municipal services. Higher rates often correlate with more urbanized areas or counties with greater public service demands.
How does Mellette County rank for property taxes in South Dakota?
Mellette County ranks #63 out of 65 counties in South Dakota by effective property tax rate (1 = lowest). With a rate of 1.53% and median annual tax of $963, it falls in the upper third of counties statewide.

Counties with Similar Tax Rates

Nearby Counties

Other Counties in South Dakota

Data updated: March 2026

Data from U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Effective tax rate is calculated as median property tax divided by median home value.