Property taxes on owner‑occupied homes have climbed faster than inflation in most South Dakota counties over the past five years — including nearly every county West River — according to a KELOLAND News analysis of state revenue data.
Midwest inflation rose 22.11% from 2019 to 2024, but taxes payable on owner‑occupied homes outpaced that in 57 of 66 counties. Several West River counties saw some of the state’s steepest increases, driven by reassessments, rising home prices, and local tax decisions.
- Ziebach County recorded the largest jump in the state, with taxes payable rising 183.5% after a full countywide reassessment — its first since the early 1990s.
- Harding County saw taxes climb 83.9%, one of the highest increases statewide.
- Butte, Meade, Lawrence, Custer, and Fall River counties all posted significant increases, with assessments rising between 89% and 105% and taxes increasing between 26% and 48%.
- Pennington County, home to Rapid City, saw owner‑occupied values rise 78.5% and taxes increase 40.4%.
Equalization directors across West River counties cited similar causes: long‑overdue reassessments, strong housing markets, new construction, and shifts in property classifications. In some counties, new levies or voter‑approved bond issues added to the tax burden.
The findings come as lawmakers prepare for the 2026 session, where property‑tax relief is expected to be a major focus. Last year’s creation of the Property Tax Task Force and passage of SB 216 signaled growing pressure to address rising homeowner costs.
Reporting courtesy of KeloLand TV
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