Aurora County, SD Property Tax: $1,393/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Aurora County is 1.08% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $129,000, that works out to about $1,393 per year, or $116 per month. Aurora County is located in central South Dakota, and is home to approximately 2,573 residents.
About Aurora County
Aurora County covers approximately 708.5 square miles in South Dakota. The county is home to about 2,573 residents living in roughly 1,227 housing units, of which 64.9% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $74,130, and the median home was built in 1959.
Aurora County borders Brule County, Charles Mix County, Davison County, Douglas County, Jerauld County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in South Dakota
Property taxes in South Dakota are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in South Dakota offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Aurora County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Aurora County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora County, SD | 1.08% | $129,000 | $1,393 |
| South Dakota state average | 1.09% | — | $1,406* |
| Brule County | 0.85% | $205,500 | $1,744 |
| Charles Mix County | 1.08% | $169,200 | $1,823 |
| Davison County | 1.24% | $190,000 | $2,361 |
| Douglas County | 1.17% | $125,000 | $1,466 |
| Jerauld County | 0.95% | $127,000 | $1,212 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Aurora County's median home value of $129,000. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Aurora County's property tax rate compare to the rest of South Dakota?
At 1.08%, Aurora County is lower than the South Dakota state average of 1.09%. On a home at the county median of $129,000, that means about $1,393 per year — versus $1,406 at the state average rate, a difference of $13 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Aurora County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Aurora County?
For a home at the county median value of $129,000, the annual property tax in Aurora County is approximately $1,393 — or about $116 per month. For a home worth $193,500, expect around $2,090 per year. For a $258,000 home, approximately $2,786 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Aurora County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Aurora County are handled by the Aurora County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Aurora County?
South Dakota counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 1.08% shown here. Contact the Aurora County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File