| Metric | Harding County School District 31-1 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 224 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 5 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $11,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | ↓ 34% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 9/10 — Excellent | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harding County School District 31-1 (this district) | 9/10 | 81st | 224 |
| Pierre School District 32-2 | 7/10 | 65th | 3,400 |
| Sioux Falls School District | NR | — | 25,000 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 144 rated districts in SD → 81st percentile → 9/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Harding County School District 31-1
Harding County School District 31-1 is the public school district assigned to zip code 57720 in Buffalo, South Dakota. Serving students from K–12, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 57720. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in South Dakota spend approximately $11,000 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), below the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Below-average funding can mean larger class sizes, fewer elective offerings, and limited extracurricular programs. Families with specialized needs should verify specific program availability directly with the district. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 5 schools, Harding County School District 31-1 operates as a mid-sized district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 224 students in total. Mid-sized districts strike a balance between community-scale relationships and sufficient program breadth. Most offer core academic tracks, basic extracurricular programs, and adequate student support services.
Understanding the 9/10 Rating
Harding County School District 31-1 has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 9/10, placing it in the top-tier tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because South Dakota is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Harding County School District 31-1 ranks among the highest-performing public school districts in South Dakota on state assessments, with reading and math proficiency rates in roughly the top 10–20% statewide. Homes in and around zip code 57720 often carry a measurable premium relative to neighboring areas served by lower-rated districts. Families moving here for academic strength will find a district whose students test well above the state norm. Even within top-rated districts, individual school performance varies — confirm your specific school assignments directly with the district.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 57720
Children in zip code 57720 are assigned to Harding County School District 31-1 for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 57720, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Harding County School District 31-1 at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — South Dakota districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Buffalo
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Harding County School District 31-1 serves zip code 57720, homes in and around zip code 57720 often carry a measurable premium over comparable properties in adjacent lower-rated districts. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In South Dakota, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Harding County School District 31-1 programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 57720.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Harding County School District 31-1 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 57720 data.