Cost of Living in Bennett County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bennett County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bennett County ranks #2,287 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bennett County, South Dakota
Bennett faces severe affordability stress
Bennett County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio masks a deeper crisis: the median household income of just $44,569 trails the national average by $30,186. Renters paying $616 monthly—while seemingly low—consume a devastating share of earnings, reflecting structural economic challenges.
Bennett is South Dakota's affordability outlier
Bennett County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio and $44,569 median income represent the most stressed household finances among South Dakota's counties examined here. The combination signals persistent economic headwinds despite modest rents.
Bennett rents are lowest, incomes lower still
While Bennett's $616 median rent ranks lowest across these eight counties, the median household income of $44,569 is devastatingly low—nearly $30,000 below Aurora or Brookings. This income disadvantage, not low rents, drives Bennett's affordability crisis.
Income shortfall, not rent, is the problem
Bennett renters pay $616 monthly (16.6% of income) and homeowners $628, seemingly affordable numbers until set against the $44,569 median household income. The real issue is insufficient earnings relative to basic living costs and regional standards.
Bennett requires strong income planning
Consider relocating to Bennett only if you bring above-median earning potential or have stable remote income, as local wages lag significantly. The county's low housing costs offer little relief if your household income matches the regional median.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bennett County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Bennett County is affordable. The median rent is $616/month against a median household income of $44,569, putting rent at 16.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Bennett County pay $616/month on average, compared to $628/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 2%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $24,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,914/year. With a median household income of $44,569, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Bennett County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Bennett County sits 9% more expensive than Jerauld County ($565/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bennett County
Rent Burden
16.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,040
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.9%
of gross income
The median home in Bennett County may be a stretch
Median home value is $138,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,106 vs. your max of $1,040.
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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