McPherson County, SD Property Tax: $1,218/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in McPherson County is 1.55% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $78,400, that works out to about $1,215 per year, or $101 per month. McPherson County is located in northern South Dakota, and is home to approximately 2,278 residents.
About McPherson County
McPherson County covers approximately 1,136.7 square miles in South Dakota. The county is home to about 2,278 residents living in roughly 1,247 housing units, of which 58.2% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $62,024, and the median home was built in 1958.
McPherson County borders Dickey County, McIntosh County, Brown County, Campbell County, Edmunds 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 McPherson County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
McPherson County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| McPherson County, SD | 1.55% | $78,400 | $1,215 |
| South Dakota state average | 1.09% | — | $855* |
| Dickey County | 0.92% | $167,100 | $1,538 |
| McIntosh County | 1.08% | $80,300 | $867 |
| Brown County | 1.20% | $212,900 | $2,553 |
| Campbell County | 1.44% | $87,900 | $1,266 |
| Edmunds County | 0.87% | $163,600 | $1,417 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at McPherson County's median home value of $78,400. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does McPherson County's property tax rate compare to the rest of South Dakota?
At 1.55%, McPherson County is higher than the South Dakota state average of 1.09%. On a home at the county median of $78,400, that means about $1,215 per year — versus $855 at the state average rate, a difference of $360 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, McPherson County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in McPherson County?
For a home at the county median value of $78,400, the annual property tax in McPherson County is approximately $1,215 — or about $101 per month. For a home worth $117,600, expect around $1,823 per year. For a $156,800 home, approximately $2,430 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a McPherson County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in McPherson County are handled by the McPherson 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 McPherson 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 1.55% shown here. Contact the McPherson 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