Jerauld County

Jerauld County is located in south-central South Dakota, on the eastern edge of the state’s Missouri River region, with terrain shaped by open prairie and gentle, rolling farmland. The county was established in the late 19th century during South Dakota’s period of railroad expansion and agricultural settlement. It is small in population, with roughly 2,000 residents, and communities are dispersed across a largely rural landscape. Agriculture forms the core of the local economy, with crop and livestock production supporting related services and small-town commerce. The county’s settlement pattern reflects the region’s grid of farmsteads and modest towns, with a culture closely tied to Great Plains rural life and seasonal agricultural cycles. The county seat is Wessington Springs, which functions as the primary local center for government, education, and basic services.

Jerauld County is a rural county in central South Dakota, located west of the James River and anchored by the county seat, Wessington Springs. It is part of the state’s largely agricultural interior region.

Population Size

According to the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts for Jerauld County, South Dakota, the county had a population of 2,070 (2020).

Age & Gender

County-level age distribution and gender ratio are published by the U.S. Census Bureau. The most directly citable, county-specific summaries are available via QuickFacts (Jerauld County), which reports:

• Age distribution (selected measures): median age and broad age-group shares (as provided on QuickFacts)
• Gender: sex composition (male/female shares, as provided on QuickFacts)

For detailed age-by-single-year and sex cross-tabulations, the U.S. Census Bureau’s data.census.gov provides tables for Jerauld County from the American Community Survey and decennial census products.

Racial & Ethnic Composition

The U.S. Census Bureau provides county-level race and Hispanic/Latino ethnicity measures for Jerauld County through QuickFacts, including:

• Race (standard Census categories)
• Hispanic or Latino (of any race)

These are reported as shares of the total population and are sourced from Census Bureau programs (decennial census and/or ACS, as indicated on QuickFacts).

Household & Housing Data

Household and housing indicators for Jerauld County are published by the U.S. Census Bureau in QuickFacts, including commonly used local-profile measures such as:

• Number of households and persons per household
• Homeownership rate
• Housing units and selected occupancy/vacancy-related measures (as provided on QuickFacts)

For local government and planning resources, visit the Jerauld County official website.

Jerauld County is a sparsely populated, largely rural county in south-central South Dakota, where long distances between towns can raise last‑mile network costs and make reliable home internet access less uniform than in metro areas. Direct county-level email usage statistics are generally not published; email access is therefore summarized using proxy indicators such as broadband subscriptions, computer availability, and age structure.

Digital access indicators (household broadband subscription and computer access) are available from the U.S. Census Bureau’s data.census.gov (ACS tables covering “Computer and Internet Use”) and provide the closest publicly available measures tied to routine email access.

Age distribution is reported by the U.S. Census Bureau; a higher share of older residents typically corresponds to lower adoption of newer digital services and greater reliance on limited-access modes (shared devices, assisted use), influencing email prevalence indirectly.

Gender composition is also available via the U.S. Census Bureau, though it is generally a weaker predictor of email access than age and connectivity.

Connectivity constraints for rural counties are documented in federal broadband availability reporting, including the FCC National Broadband Map, which can highlight coverage gaps affecting email reliability.

Jerauld County is a sparsely populated, predominantly rural county in central South Dakota, with small communities (including Wessington Springs as the county seat) and large areas of agricultural land. Low population density and long distances between population centers are structural factors that tend to reduce the business case for dense cell-site deployment, which in turn can affect both mobile coverage quality and the availability of newer radio technologies along highways versus off-road areas.

Data availability and limitations (county-level)

County-specific statistics for “mobile penetration” are not commonly published in a single measure. Public datasets more often report (a) network availability (coverage), (b) internet subscription/adoption at the household level, and (c) broader regional indicators such as device ownership at the state or multi-county survey level. As a result, Jerauld County discussion relies on:

• Network availability: Federal Communications Commission mobile broadband coverage reporting and mapping.
• Household adoption: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) internet subscription measures (which do not isolate “mobile-only” adoption in a way that is consistently robust at very small geographies).
• State context: South Dakota broadband planning and mapping resources.

Network availability (coverage) vs. household adoption (use)

Network availability describes whether mobile broadband service is reported as available in an area. Household adoption describes whether residents subscribe to and use internet services (which can include fixed broadband, mobile broadband, or a combination), and it is influenced by cost, device ownership, digital skills, and perceived need in addition to coverage.

Network availability in and around Jerauld County

4G LTE availability

• In rural counties across the Great Plains, including central South Dakota, 4G LTE is generally the baseline technology for wide-area mobile broadband. LTE coverage typically concentrates along population centers and primary transportation corridors, with variability in signal strength and indoor coverage in more remote areas.
• The most direct public source for reported mobile broadband coverage is the FCC’s national broadband maps. The FCC map distinguishes between providers and technologies and can be viewed at address level for availability reporting rather than measured performance. See the FCC’s mapping portal via the FCC National Broadband Map.

5G availability

• 5G availability in rural South Dakota is often uneven relative to urban areas, with deployments more likely to appear first in larger towns and along higher-traffic corridors. In low-density areas, 5G may be present but not universal, and where present it may rely on lower-band spectrum with coverage advantages but less dramatic speed gains compared with dense urban 5G deployments.
• The FCC map is also the primary public source for provider-reported 5G availability by location; consult the FCC National Broadband Map for current provider reporting in Jerauld County.

Performance vs. availability

• FCC availability layers indicate where service is reported as offered, not what users consistently experience. Local terrain (rolling plains), vegetation, building construction, and distance from towers can materially affect real-world performance, especially indoors and at the edges of coverage.

Household adoption indicators (internet subscription and mobile access)

Census internet subscription measures (household adoption)

• The U.S. Census Bureau’s ACS provides county estimates for household internet subscription categories (such as cable, fiber, DSL, satellite, and cellular data plans), but the reliability of very granular categories can be constrained in small-population counties due to sampling and margins of error.
• County-level ACS tables and profiles can be accessed through Census.gov data tools. Relevant ACS subject areas include “Computer and Internet Use” and “Internet Subscription.”

What ACS can and cannot cleanly show for “mobile penetration”

• ACS data can indicate the share of households reporting cellular data plans and those reporting no internet subscription, but it does not provide a direct “mobile phone penetration” rate. It also does not consistently separate “mobile-only” households in a way that is always stable for small counties.
• Because Jerauld County has a small population base, county estimates for specific subscription types can have wide uncertainty. This limits definitive statements about exact mobile-only reliance at the county level without citing a specific ACS year/table and margin of error.

Mobile internet usage patterns (typical rural profile)

At a county level, public reporting more reliably supports technology availability statements (LTE/5G presence) than detailed usage-pattern metrics (streaming, hotspot dependence, data consumption). Typical rural patterns documented in national and state broadband literature include:

• Higher reliance on cellular coverage as a supplement where fixed broadband options are limited or costly.
• Use of smartphone tethering/hotspots in areas with gaps in fixed service availability.
• Greater sensitivity to data caps and pricing, which can constrain high-bandwidth use even when coverage exists.

For South Dakota planning context and statewide mapping initiatives, the South Dakota broadband office provides program and mapping resources, though county-level mobile-usage detail is not always published as a standalone statistic.

Common device types (smartphones vs. other devices)

• In the United States, smartphones are the dominant personal mobile device for internet access, with tablets and dedicated hotspots used as secondary access methods in some households. This is well established in national survey research, but county-specific device-type shares are generally not published for small counties.
• The ACS “Computer and Internet Use” topic provides indicators for the presence of computing devices in households (desktop/laptop, smartphone, tablet), accessible via Census.gov. For Jerauld County, device-type estimates may be available but can be statistically noisy due to small sample size, and they should be interpreted alongside margins of error.

Demographic and geographic factors influencing mobile usage in Jerauld County

• Population density and settlement pattern: Sparse settlement increases per-user infrastructure costs, often producing larger coverage cells and more variable indoor coverage compared with urban networks.
• Land use and distance: Agricultural land and long travel distances can increase the importance of continuous coverage along state and county roads, while also making it harder to justify dense 5G deployments off main routes.
• Income and age structure (adoption-side factors): Household income and age distribution influence adoption and device replacement cycles. These demographic characteristics are available from the ACS via Census.gov, but translating them into precise mobile adoption rates at county level is limited by the absence of a direct “mobile subscription” measure and by sampling variability in small counties.
• Provider market and backhaul: Rural network experience depends not only on radio coverage but also on backhaul capacity and tower siting. Public maps generally do not disclose detailed backhaul constraints.

Practical distinction summary (what is known reliably)

• Network availability (reliably sourced): Provider-reported LTE/5G availability and coverage footprints can be checked location-by-location using the FCC National Broadband Map.
• Household adoption (partially available): Household internet subscription and device presence indicators are available through the ACS on Census.gov, but precision is limited for small counties and “mobile penetration” is not reported as a single definitive county metric.
• Usage patterns (limited at county level): Detailed mobile usage behavior is not typically published at the county level for small rural counties; statewide and national sources provide context but not definitive Jerauld County-specific usage rates.

Jerauld County is a sparsely populated county in south‑central South Dakota, with Wessington Springs as the county seat and an economy closely tied to agriculture and small‑town services. Its low population density and rural broadband availability patterns common to the Great Plains help explain why local social media use typically mirrors national age and gender patterns while also being influenced by connectivity constraints documented for rural America.

User statistics (penetration/active use)

• County-specific social media penetration: Not published in major, reputable public datasets at the county level. Most reliable sources report social media use at the national level and sometimes by metro/non‑metro status rather than by individual rural counties.
• Benchmark for adults (U.S.): Roughly 7 in 10 U.S. adults use social media according to Pew Research Center’s Social Media Fact Sheet. This is the best-cited baseline for interpreting expected usage in small rural counties absent direct local measurement.
• Rural access context: Rural residents are less likely than urban residents to have high-speed home broadband, a factor associated with lower intensity of online activity; see Pew Research Center’s Internet/Broadband Fact Sheet.

Age group trends (who uses social media most)

• Highest usage: Young adults consistently report the highest social media use. Pew’s national findings show usage is highest among ages 18–29, and generally declines with age, with 65+ lowest; see Pew Research Center social media use by age.
• Platform-by-age pattern (U.S. benchmarks):
  • Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok: Skew younger (strongest among 18–29).
  • Facebook: More evenly distributed across adult age groups, with substantial use among middle-aged and older adults.
  • YouTube: Broadest reach across age groups (high usage among most adult cohorts). Source: Pew Research Center platform use.

Gender breakdown

• Overall gender pattern (U.S. benchmarks): Pew’s platform data show women are more likely than men to use several social platforms (notably Pinterest; also often slightly higher on Facebook and Instagram), while men tend to be more represented on platforms such as Reddit. Refer to the platform-by-demographics tables in Pew Research Center’s Social Media Fact Sheet.
• County-specific gender split: Not available from reputable public sources at the county level for social media usage; national demographic patterns are the primary defensible reference.

Most-used platforms (percentages where available)

County-level market shares are not published in the standard public research series; the most reliable available percentages are national benchmarks from Pew:

• YouTube: ~83% of U.S. adults
• Facebook: ~68%
• Instagram: ~47%
• Pinterest: ~35%
• TikTok: ~33%
• LinkedIn: ~30%
• WhatsApp: ~29%
• Snapchat: ~27%
• X (formerly Twitter): ~22%
• Reddit: ~22%
  Source: Pew Research Center’s Social Media Fact Sheet (latest reported figures; Pew periodically updates these).

Behavioral trends (engagement patterns and preferences)

• Mobile-first use: Social media use is primarily mobile in the U.S., which is especially relevant in rural areas where mobile broadband can substitute for limited fixed broadband availability; context from Pew Research Center internet access data.
• Video and local information utility: High YouTube reach nationally aligns with common rural usage patterns where video, how‑to content, and local/regional information are frequently consumed via major platforms. (Platform reach: Pew Research Center.)
• Community and events orientation: In rural counties, Facebook tends to function as a general-purpose network for community announcements, local groups, and event coordination; this aligns with Facebook’s broad age distribution in Pew’s platform-by-age findings.
• Younger-cohort split across visual/video apps: Nationally, younger adults concentrate time on Instagram/TikTok/Snapchat; in rural contexts, intensity can be moderated by connection quality and data costs, but the age skew remains consistent in Pew’s age trend reporting.
• Engagement concentration: Social platforms typically exhibit participation inequality (a smaller share of users produces a large share of posts), with many users engaging primarily through viewing, reacting, and sharing rather than posting original content. This pattern is widely documented across social media research literature; demographic reach and usage context are summarized in Pew’s overview.

Jerauld County records related to family events are primarily handled through South Dakota’s statewide vital records system. Birth and death certificates are maintained by the South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. County-level offices commonly assist with locally recorded documents and court filings rather than issuing certified birth/death certificates.

Marriage records are typically recorded at the county level and may be filed with the county Register of Deeds. Access points for county offices are listed through the official county site: Jerauld County, South Dakota (official website). Deeds, liens, and other land-related instruments tied to family matters (such as name changes appearing in recorded documents) are also generally maintained by the Register of Deeds.

Adoptions, guardianships, and many family court actions are maintained as court records through South Dakota’s Unified Judicial System. Court locations and public access information are provided at South Dakota Unified Judicial System.

Public databases vary by record type. State-level vital records information and ordering instructions are available at South Dakota Department of Health – Vital Records. Some court case information is available via the UJS public access tools (scope varies by case type).

Privacy restrictions commonly apply: birth certificates, adoption records, and certain family-court matters are restricted; certified copies generally require statutory eligibility and identity verification. In-person access is typically through the relevant county office or courthouse during business hours, while online access depends on the specific state or county system for that record category.

Types of records available

• Marriage licenses (and marriage records/certificates)
  In Jerauld County, marriages are documented through a marriage license issued by the Jerauld County Register of Deeds and the returned/license record filed after the ceremony is performed.

• Divorce decrees and divorce case files
  Divorces are recorded as court actions in the South Dakota Circuit Court serving Jerauld County (First Judicial Circuit). The final order is a divorce decree (judgment and decree of divorce). Related filings may include the summons/complaint, affidavits, settlement agreements, parenting plans, child support orders, and other pleadings.

• Annulments
  Annulments are also court actions handled by the Circuit Court and result in a court order/judgment reflecting the annulment and any related findings.

Where records are filed and how they can be accessed

• Marriage records (county-level filing and state vital record copy)

  • Jerauld County Register of Deeds maintains the county marriage record created from the license and return. Access is typically provided in person or by written request through the county office, subject to office procedures and fees.
  • South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records maintains statewide vital records and issues certified copies of marriage records under state rules.
    County-level records and state-issued certified copies generally reflect the same event but may be requested through different offices.

• Divorce and annulment records (court filing; state verification)

  • South Dakota Circuit Court (First Judicial Circuit), Jerauld County is the primary custodian of divorce and annulment case records, including decrees and associated filings. Access to case files is provided through the Clerk of Courts by in-person request and, where available, through court record access systems for docket/case information.
  • South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records maintains a divorce record index/verification record (commonly used to verify that a divorce occurred). The Department of Health generally does not provide the full decree; certified copies of the decree are obtained from the court.

Typical information included in these records

• Marriage license/record

  • Full names of the parties (including maiden name where recorded)
  • Date and place of marriage (county/city or venue as recorded)
  • Date the license was issued and date the marriage was returned/recorded
  • Officiant’s name/title and certification/attestation
  • Ages or dates of birth (varies by form/version), residences, and other identifying details recorded at the time of application
  • Witness information may appear depending on the form used

• Divorce decree (judgment and decree)

  • Names of the parties and case number
  • Date the decree was entered and the court/judge
  • Findings/orders terminating the marriage
  • Terms addressing property division, debts, restoration of a prior name (when ordered), and other relief granted
  • Where applicable: custody/parenting time, child support, spousal support, and related orders

• Annulment judgment/order

  • Names of the parties and case number
  • Date entered and the court/judge
  • Findings establishing legal grounds and the order annulling the marriage
  • Orders on related issues (property, support, custody) when included in the judgment

Privacy or legal restrictions

• Marriage records

  • Certified copies issued by the South Dakota Office of Vital Records are governed by state vital records laws and administrative rules, which restrict issuance to eligible requesters and require identity verification.
  • County offices may provide access consistent with South Dakota public records practices and vital records limitations; certified copies are typically subject to statutory eligibility requirements.

• Divorce and annulment court records

  • Court case files and decrees are generally public records, but access can be limited by court rule or order. Common restrictions include:
    • Sealed records (entire case or specific documents) by court order
    • Confidential information protections (e.g., Social Security numbers, certain financial account details, and information involving minors)
  • Copies of decrees are obtained through the Clerk of Courts and may require fees; certified court copies are issued by the court.

• State divorce verification records

  • The South Dakota Office of Vital Records typically provides verification/abstract-type information rather than the full decree and applies statutory requester eligibility requirements.

Relevant agencies:

• Jerauld County Register of Deeds: https://jerauldcountysd.com/
• South Dakota Department of Health — Vital Records: https://doh.sd.gov/records/vital-records/
• South Dakota Unified Judicial System (court information/access): https://ujs.sd.gov/

Jerauld County is a small, rural county in central South Dakota on the eastern edge of the Missouri River region, with Wessington Springs as the county seat and primary service center. The county’s population is small and dispersed across farms, acreages, and a few towns, which shapes school consolidation, long-distance commuting, and a housing stock dominated by single-family homes and rural properties. Publicly reported county-specific indicators are available through federal datasets (ACS/Census) and state reporting systems, but several school-program and housing-market details are reported at the district or city level rather than the county level.

Education Indicators

Public schools (count and names)

Public education for Jerauld County is primarily provided through the Wessington Springs School District and nearby districts serving portions of the county. A commonly listed in-county public school campus is:

• Wessington Springs School (K–12), Wessington Springs

Countywide “number of public schools” can vary by how campuses are counted (elementary/secondary sites vs. unified K–12 buildings). The most consistent directory-style reference for campus lists is the NCES school search (filterable by county/district): NCES Public School Search.

Student–teacher ratios and graduation rates

• Student–teacher ratio (proxy): County-specific ratios are not always published as a standalone metric; district-level ratios are more commonly available through NCES and state report cards. For rural South Dakota districts, ratios frequently fall in the low-to-mid teens students per teacher, reflecting smaller enrollments and combined-grade staffing (proxy noted; verify at district level through NCES).
• Graduation rate: South Dakota publishes cohort graduation rates at the school/district level in state accountability/report-card reporting; countywide rates are not consistently presented as a separate metric. The most direct source for the local graduation rate is the state’s district/school report-card system: South Dakota Department of Education Report Cards.

Adult education levels (county residents)

Adult attainment is best measured via the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS). The primary county profile source is:

• U.S. Census Bureau data.census.gov (ACS county tables)

County-level indicators typically reported include:

• High school graduate or higher (age 25+)
• Bachelor’s degree or higher (age 25+)

Jerauld County’s adult attainment profile is generally consistent with rural South Dakota patterns: a high share with at least a high school diploma and a smaller share with bachelor’s degree or higher than statewide urban counties. Exact current percentages should be taken from the latest 5-year ACS release for Jerauld County (tables such as DP02 / S1501 on data.census.gov).

Notable programs (STEM, CTE, AP)

Program availability is primarily district-reported rather than county-reported.

• Career & Technical Education (CTE): Rural districts commonly participate in regional CTE offerings and statewide CTE pathways; South Dakota’s CTE framework and approved programs are documented by the state: South Dakota DOE Career & Technical Education.
• Advanced coursework (AP/dual credit): Many small South Dakota districts use a mix of dual credit (often via technical colleges/universities) and selected AP offerings; specific course availability is district-specific and typically listed in local curriculum guides or state report-card supplemental data (proxy noted).

School safety measures and counseling resources

School safety and student-support services in South Dakota are generally addressed through district policies and statewide supports rather than county-level reporting. Commonly documented measures include:

• Visitor management, controlled entry, emergency response plans, and coordination with local law enforcement (district policy level; not consistently aggregated by county).
• Student counseling/mental health supports are frequently delivered through school counselors and regional service cooperatives; statewide school safety and support resources are referenced through the state education agency: South Dakota DOE School Safety (availability varies by district; proxy noted).

Employment and Economic Conditions

Unemployment rate (most recent)

The most current county unemployment rates are published through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS). County series are accessible via:

• BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS)

Jerauld County’s unemployment rate typically tracks low and seasonal rural Great Plains patterns (agriculture-related seasonality), but the definitive “most recent year” value should be taken directly from LAUS for Jerauld County.

Major industries and employment sectors

Industry composition is best summarized using ACS “industry by occupation” tables for county residents (not just in-county jobs). In Jerauld County, major sectors commonly include:

• Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (notably crop and livestock operations and related services)
• Educational services, and health care and social assistance (often centered around the county seat and nearby regional hubs)
• Retail trade and local services
• Construction and transportation/warehousing (often tied to regional projects and longer-distance work)

Primary county-level industry shares can be pulled from ACS tables on data.census.gov (e.g., S2403/S2404).

Common occupations and workforce breakdown

Occupational patterns for rural South Dakota counties typically show higher representation in:

• Management, business, and financial operations (small business, farm/ranch management)
• Service occupations (healthcare support, food service in town centers)
• Sales and office occupations (retail and administration)
• Natural resources, construction, and maintenance (ag, equipment operation, skilled trades)
• Production, transportation, and material moving (regional commuting to job sites)

County-specific occupation shares are available through ACS occupational tables (e.g., S2401) on data.census.gov.

Commuting patterns and mean commute times

ACS commuting tables (S0801) provide:

• Primary commuting mode (driving alone is dominant in rural counties; carpooling is modest; public transit is typically negligible)
• Mean travel time to work

For Jerauld County, commuting tends to be vehicle-dependent with moderate-to-long travel times relative to urban counties due to dispersed residences and limited local job concentration. Definitive mean commute time and in-county vs. out-of-county workplace shares are available in the latest ACS 5-year commuting tables on data.census.gov.

Local employment vs. out-of-county work

In small counties with limited job density, it is common for a substantial portion of employed residents to work outside the county (to nearby counties’ towns, regional healthcare/education employers, or construction/industrial sites). The ACS provides a direct measure through “worked in county of residence” vs. “outside county of residence” in commuting flow tables; use ACS commuting profile tables as the definitive source (county-level).

Housing and Real Estate

Homeownership rate and rental share

Homeownership and tenure are reported in ACS housing tables (DP04). Rural South Dakota counties commonly have high homeownership and a smaller rental market concentrated in the county seat. Current county percentages should be taken from the latest ACS 5-year profile on:

• data.census.gov (DP04: Selected Housing Characteristics)

Median property values and recent trends

• Median home value (owner-occupied) is available in ACS (DP04), and trend context can be approximated using multi-year ACS comparisons.
• Recent trends (proxy): Rural South Dakota values have generally risen since 2020, though volatility is higher in thinly traded markets where a small number of sales can shift medians. County-level market-sale trends are often better reflected in aggregated real estate datasets, but the most neutral public measure is ACS median value (not a sales-only metric).

Typical rent prices

• Median gross rent is available in ACS (DP04). In Jerauld County, rents are typically driven by limited supply in Wessington Springs and scattered small multifamily properties; the county’s definitive median gross rent is available via the latest ACS on data.census.gov.

Types of housing

Jerauld County’s housing stock is predominantly:

• Single-family detached homes in town and on acreages
• Farmhouses and rural lots tied to agricultural land use
• Limited small multifamily (duplexes/small apartment buildings) mainly in Wessington Springs Manufactured housing can be present in rural counties, but county-specific shares should be taken from ACS housing-structure tables (DP04) on data.census.gov.

Neighborhood characteristics (proximity to schools/amenities)

• Wessington Springs functions as the principal node for amenities: the K–12 school campus, county services, local retail, and community facilities are typically within short driving distance for in-town residents.
• Outside town, residences are dispersed; access to schools and services generally requires vehicle travel over rural roads. Countywide “neighborhood” characterization is limited because the county does not have large subdivisions; patterns are best described as town-centered services with rural dispersal (proxy noted).

Property tax overview (rate and typical cost)

South Dakota property taxes are administered locally and vary by taxable value, classification, and levies. County-level effective rates are not always summarized in a single official figure; the most definitive information sources are:

• South Dakota Department of Revenue (property tax and assessment information)
• County treasurer/assessor publications (levy and tax information; typically posted through county government channels)

A practical county proxy used in comparative datasets is the effective property tax rate (property taxes paid as a share of home value), but the definitive homeowner cost depends on assessed value and local levies. For typical homeowner tax bills, the most reliable reference is local levy and assessment documentation rather than statewide averages (proxy noted).