Cost of Living in Aurora County, South Dakota

$739/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$129,000
Median Home Value
2% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$739/mo
2% below state average
Median Home Value
$129,000
54% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
17.0%
% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating
Unaffordable
Rent over 50% of income

How Aurora County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Aurora County$739/mo
South Dakota Average$756/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$739/mo
Median Gross Rent
$129,000
Median Home Value
$804/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
17.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Aurora County, South Dakota

Aurora rents are remarkably affordable

Aurora County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.0% sits well below the national sweet spot of 30%, meaning renters here spend far less of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans. With a median rent of $739 monthly against a median household income of $74,130, Aurora offers genuine affordability that most U.S. counties can't match.

Best rental affordability in South Dakota

Aurora County ranks among South Dakota's most affordable counties for renters, with a 12.0% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average of 13.8%. This advantage stems from modest rents ($739/month) paired with solid household incomes ($74,130)—a rare balance in rural America.

Aurora undercuts neighboring counties

Aurora's $739 median rent runs $17 below the state average and significantly cheaper than Beadle County ($834) or Brown County ($794). For renters prioritizing affordability, Aurora delivers some of the best value in the region.

Housing costs stay manageable here

Renters spend $739 monthly while homeowners pay $804, both reasonable figures against the $74,130 median household income. Whether renting or buying, Aurora residents keep housing costs below 11% of income—a financially healthy benchmark.

Consider Aurora for sustainable living

If you're relocating to balance affordability with stable income, Aurora County warrants serious consideration. The combination of low housing costs and comparable household earnings makes it one of South Dakota's more livable counties for budget-conscious families.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Aurora County

$

Rent Burden

12.0%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,730

per month

Owner Cost Burden

13.0%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Aurora County

Median home value is $129,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,030 vs. your max of $1,730.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio12.0%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Aurora County, South Dakota?
Aurora County, South Dakota has a median monthly rent of $739/mo and a median home value of $129,000. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 17.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Aurora County?
The median gross rent in Aurora County is $739/mo. This is 2% below state average for South Dakota.
Is Aurora County affordable?
Aurora County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 17.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Aurora County's rent compare to the state average?
Aurora County's median rent of $739/mo is 2% below state average of $756/mo for South Dakota.
What is the median home value in Aurora County?
The median home value in Aurora County, South Dakota is $129,000. This is 54% below the national median home value of $281,900.
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.