Cost of Living in Aurora County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Aurora County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Aurora County ranks #492 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 16%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Aurora County
Affordability Verdict
Aurora County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $739/month — about 12.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $739/month rent versus $804/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $65/month cheaper — a 8% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,457/year. With a median household income of $74,130, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 17.0% of renter households in Aurora County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Haakon County where rent averages $688/month, Aurora County is approximately 7% more expensive.
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
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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