Lake County, SD Property Records
Property records in Lake, South Dakota include documents and data such as deeds, mortgages, plats, parcel descriptions, ownership history, assessed values, property tax information, and transfer records. These records are useful for confirming ownership, researching property boundaries, reviewing tax obligations, preparing real estate transactions, and conducting title or historical property research.
Official Lake property records are typically maintained by Lake County offices, including the Register of Deeds for recorded land documents, the Director of Equalization for assessment and parcel information, and the Treasurer for property tax records. Users can find office details, contact information, and available record services through the official Lake County property records offices.
Lake County, SD Property Records & Statistics
Lake County has a median rent of $759.50, above the South Dakota median of $708 but below the national median of $840.25. Only 12.16% of occupied homes are renter-occupied, far below the state share of 21.46% and the national share of 21.81%, so this is one of the more owner-oriented markets in the region.
The median home value is $191,300, well above the state median of $137,075 and the national median of $173,750. The median property tax rate is 0.87%, lower than the state rate of 1.09% but above the national rate of 0.74%. Homes cost more here than in most of South Dakota, though the tax rate eases some of that burden for owners.
Median household income is $89,602, substantially higher than the state median of $65,677.25 and the national median of $65,108. Unemployment is 0.86%, below the state rate of 1.72% and the national rate of 2.87%.
Together, these figures describe a prosperous county with high incomes, strong home values, low unemployment, and a housing market dominated by homeowners. Higher prices are matched by higher earnings, and the below-state property tax rate helps keep ownership costs manageable.
Median Rent
Median Property Tax Rate
Median Home Value
Median Income
Unemployment Rate
Renter Occupied Housing
Property Records, Assessments, and Valuations in Lake
Lake County property records include tax assessments and valuation data. The county has 10,883 total parcels, including 5,716 residential and 731 commercial parcels, with tax records covering 93.63% of the population for the 2024 assessment year and valuation data for 624 properties.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Parcels | 10,883 |
| Residential Parcels | 5,716 |
| Commercial Parcels | 731 |
| Other Parcels | 4,436 |
| Tax Record Coverage | 93.63% |
| Assessment Year | 2024 |
| Last Assessor Update | February 19, 2025 |
| Properties with Valuation Data | 624 |
| Latest Valuation Update | August 19, 2025 |
How to Search Lake County, SD Property Records
Lake County's property records include assessment data for 10,883 parcels, with 5,716 residential and 731 commercial parcels, and valuation data for 624 properties. The county's assessor most recently updated its records on February 19, 2025.
Deeds and other recorded documents are handled by the Lake County Register of Deeds Office at 200 E Center Street in Madison. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and can be reached at 605-256-7614.
To search recorded instruments online, use the South Dakota public index of register of deeds records, where you can look up documents by name, date, or document type. For background on assessment and taxation across the state, the South Dakota Department of Revenue Property Tax Division is a useful reference.
Begin with the property address, owner name, or legal description. Search with the most specific detail, review the results, and confirm that the document matches the parcel you are researching. For assessed values and parcel details, contact the Lake County Director of Equalization at the courthouse in Madison.
Lake Registrar of Deeds
The Lake County Probate Office is located at 200 E Center Street, Madison, SD, 57042 and can be reached at 605-256-7614. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Records can be accessed through southdakota.thepublicindex.org or the official website lake.sd.gov.
Lake County Register of Deeds Office
Lake County Property Records FAQ
How can I search Lake County property records by address?
Assessment records for Lake County's 10,883 parcels are kept by the county Director of Equalization in Madison, so start there with the street address or legal description. For recorded documents tied to a property, call the Register of Deeds Office at 605-256-7614 or search the statewide index online.
How can I find property owners in Lake County?
Owners appear on assessment records and on deeds filed with the Register of Deeds. Search deeds by name through the South Dakota public index, or visit the office at 200 E Center Street in Madison, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
How can I check a property's assessed value in Lake County?
Assessed values come from the county Director of Equalization. Lake County's records show an assessment year of 2024, with the latest assessor update on February 19, 2025. Contact the Madison office about a specific parcel, and see the Department of Revenue for how assessments and appeals work.
Where can I find Lake County property tax bills and payment records?
Property tax bills are issued and collected by the Lake County Treasurer at the courthouse in Madison. Contact that office with a parcel number or owner name to ask about a bill, payment history, or receipt. The Department of Revenue offers general information on how South Dakota property taxes work.
How can I find deeds and other recorded documents in Lake County?
Deeds, mortgages, and other instruments are recorded at the Lake County Register of Deeds Office, 200 E Center Street, Madison, phone 605-256-7614. You can also search by name and date online through the South Dakota public index.
Where can I access Lake County parcel maps and GIS information?
Parcel mapping for Lake County is maintained through the county's equalization and assessment offices. Contact the courthouse in Madison and ask for a parcel map or aerial view of a specific property. Parcel maps are a reference tool and are not a substitute for a licensed survey.
How can I check permits and zoning information in Lake County?
Zoning and building permits in Lake County are handled locally. Contact the county's planning and zoning office at the courthouse in Madison to learn what approvals a project needs. If the property is within the city of Madison or another municipality, check with that city about its own rules too.
How can I create a list of property owners in Lake County?
Individual lookups are available through the Director of Equalization and the South Dakota public index. For a list covering many parcels, call the Register of Deeds Office at 605-256-7614 or the Director of Equalization to ask what bulk records can be released and whether fees apply.