Cost of Living in Brown County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Brown County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Brown County ranks #2,331 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Brown County, South Dakota
Brown County balances value and amenities
Brown County's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national comfort threshold and nearly matches South Dakota's average, driven by reasonable rents ($794) against a solid median household income of $70,239. The county offers affordable urban living compared to most U.S. peers.
Brown ranks near middle for affordability
At 13.6% rent-to-income, Brown County sits just below the state average of 13.8%, making it competitive with South Dakota's most livable counties. The balance of $794 rents and $70,239 incomes reflects a mature, stable housing market.
Brown offers middle-ground housing costs
Brown County's $794 median rent sits between regional extremes—higher than rural counties like Aurora ($739) and Bon Homme ($620), but lower than growth-pressured Brookings ($874). It positions Brown as a reasonable urban option without Brookings-level price premiums.
Homeownership requires larger commitment
Renters pay $794 monthly (13.6% of income), while homeowners face $1,126 monthly costs (19.3% of the $70,239 median income) for homes valued near $213,000. Renting offers noticeably better affordability than purchasing in Brown County.
Brown suits practical relocators
Brown County works well if you want regional services and a stable job market without Brookings' premium pricing or rural counties' income limitations. The balanced rent-to-income ratio and diverse employment base make it a solid relocation choice.
Cost of Living Advisory: Brown County
Affordability Verdict
Brown County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $794/month representing approximately 13.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 23.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $794/month rent versus $1,126/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $332/month cheaper — a 29% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $48,257/year. With a median household income of $70,239, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Brown County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Marshall County where rent averages $743/month, Brown County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Brown County
Rent Burden
13.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,639
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.2%
of gross income
The median home in Brown County may be a stretch
Median home value is $212,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,700 vs. your max of $1,639.
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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