Hughes County, South Dakota

County Distress Index: Healthy · 22.9 | 17,624 people · 40th most distressed in South Dakota
American Default Research

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Hughes County, SD ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 22.9 — 3013th nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Housing Cost Burden, where housing remains relatively affordable compared to local incomes. Within South Dakota, it ranks 40th of 66 counties. Its score is in the middle of its 4 neighboring counties.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Hughes County's primary driver is Housing Cost Burden at 32.5 — above the national median.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 32.5
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 38
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 8
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 76
Homeownership Rate 46
Consumer Credit Distress 24.1
Debt in Collections 19
Medical Debt 35
Auto Loan Delinquency 25
Credit Card Delinquency 12
Uninsured Rate 41
Subprime Credit Population 25
Structural Poverty 14.8
Unemployment Rate 5
Poverty Rate 10
Income vs. State Median 24
Child Poverty Rate 14
Disability Rate 20
Transfer Income Dependency 11
Economic Vitality 14.1
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 9
Rent-to-Income Ratio 8
Business Formation Rate 31
House Price Change (YoY) 27
Legal Distress 13.1
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 13

Scores are percentile-based: 50 = national median, higher = more distressed.

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Hughes County
Hughes County, SD 22.9 Healthy —
Lyman County, SD 38.7 Normal +15.8
Stanley County, SD 32.8 Healthy +9.9
Hyde County, SD 20.2 Healthy -2.8
Sully County, SD 16.2 Healthy -6.8

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Hughes County
Wyoming County, NY 22.9 Healthy -0.1
Effingham County, IL 22.9 Healthy -0.1
Benton County, IA 22.8 Healthy -0.1
Kewaunee County, WI 22.6 Healthy -0.3
Cumberland County, IL 23.3 Healthy +0.4

Download Data

Export all distress indicators for Hughes County as a CSV file.

Find Help in Hughes County

HUD-Approved Housing Counselors

Free foreclosure prevention and financial counseling near Hughes County.

SOUTH DAKOTA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
PIERRE
605-773-3181 Website

See all counselors in South Dakota →

Find an Attorney

State Bar of South Dakota Lawyer Referral Service offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

State Bar of South Dakota Lawyer Referral Service 605-224-7554

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Hughes County residents at no cost.

East River Legal Services 1-800-952-3015
Dakota Plains Legal Services 1-800-658-2297

American Default Research does not endorse, rate, or rank any provider. Verify attorney credentials with your state bar.

Need legal help? Find a foreclosure defense attorney in South Dakota →

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the distress score for Hughes County, South Dakota?

    Hughes County has a County Distress Index score of 22.9 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 3,013th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 40th in South Dakota out of 66 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Hughes County?

    The primary driver of distress in Hughes County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 32.5 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Rent-Burdened (30%+), Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+), Mortgage-Burdened (30%+).

  • How does Hughes County compare to neighboring counties?

    Hughes County (22.9) can be compared to its 4 neighboring counties: Lyman County, SD (38.7); Stanley County, SD (32.8); Hyde County, SD (20.2).

  • How is the County Distress Index calculated?

    The County Distress Index uses PCA-weighted percentile scoring across five statistically derived factors: Consumer Credit Distress (47.5%), Housing Cost Burden (22.3%), Structural Poverty (13.6%), Economic Vitality (9.2%), and Legal Distress (7.4%). Each county's indicators are ranked against all 3,144 U.S. counties. A score of 50 means the county is at the national median; higher scores indicate greater distress.

  • How often is the CDI updated?

    Annually, aligned to Census American Community Survey and Urban Institute Debt in America release windows — the slowest-moving source inputs. Between annual refreshes, faster-cadence indicators (BLS unemployment, QCEW wages) may drive light mid-year updates if a specific component moves meaningfully. Current data compiled April 14, 2026; next full refresh early 2027.

  • What does the Healthy zone mean?

    The CDI divides counties into five zones: Healthy (below 46), Normal (46–55), Elevated (55–71), Serious (71–86), and Crisis (86 and above). Hughes County's score of 22.9 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

  • What data sources power Hughes County's CDI score?

    Hughes County's CDI score draws on Urban Institute Debt in America (Equifax credit-bureau panel), U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-year, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics (LAUS, QCEW), U.S. Courts Administrative Office (F-5A bankruptcy filings), and HUD Fair Market Rents. Every number on this page traces to one of these public sources.

  • What is the population of Hughes County?

    Hughes County, South Dakota has a population of approximately 17,624 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a small county.