Cost of Living in Brule County, South Dakota

$700/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$205,500
Median Home Value

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$700/mo
7% below state average
Median Home Value
$205,500
27% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
22.0%
% 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 Brule County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Brule County$700/mo
South Dakota Average$756/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$700/mo
Median Gross Rent
$205,500
Median Home Value
$739/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
22.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

National Ranking

Affordability Rank

Brule County ranks #1,961 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 38%)

Most AffordableLeast Affordable

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Brule County, South Dakota

Brule delivers South Dakota's best rental deal

Brule County's 11.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among America's most affordable, with $700 monthly rents against a $74,043 median household income that nearly matches national averages. This rare combination—low rents plus competitive incomes—puts Brule in elite affordability company.

Brule leads South Dakota on affordability

At 11.3% rent-to-income, Brule County ranks below the state average of 13.8%, making it one of South Dakota's most renter-friendly counties overall. The solid median household income ($74,043) strengthens its competitive position.

Brule combines low rents with strong income

Brule's $700 median rent undercuts most regional peers, while the $74,043 median household income exceeds Aurora ($74,130 is virtually identical) and clearly outpaces lower-income counties. This combination makes Brule genuinely exceptional.

Housing costs enable financial flexibility

Renters spend $700 monthly (11.3% of income) and homeowners $739 (12.0% of income), both well-managed figures against the $74,043 median household income. These rates leave substantial room for savings and other expenses.

Brule offers rare affordability-income balance

If you're seeking genuine financial breathing room without sacrificing income, Brule County merits serious consideration—few South Dakota counties match this combination. Strong incomes plus low housing costs create a sustainable foundation for relocation.

Cost of Living Advisory: Brule County

Affordability Verdict

Housing in Brule County is affordable. The median rent is $700/month against a median household income of $74,043, putting rent at 11.3% of income.

Rent vs. Own

Renters in Brule County pay $700/month on average, compared to $739/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 5%.

Income Needed

To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,671/year. With a median household income of $74,043, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Brule County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.

Regional Context

Within South Dakota, Brule County is more affordable than Campbell County by roughly 10% ($700/mo vs $635/mo).

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Brule County

$

Rent Burden

11.3%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,728

per month

Owner Cost Burden

12.0%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Brule County

Median home value is $205,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,641 vs. your max of $1,728.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio11.3%
Recommended max30.0%

Income Needed Calculator

See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing

$
Rent Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr
Can you afford it? Yes
Your income: $74,043Needed: $28,000
Owner Cost Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr
Can you afford it? Yes
Your income: $74,043Needed: $31,671
Mortgage Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr
Can you afford it? Yes
Your income: $74,043Needed: $47,825

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

What is the cost of living in Brule County, South Dakota?
Brule County, South Dakota has a median monthly rent of $700/mo and a median home value of $205,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 22.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Brule County?
The median gross rent in Brule County is $700/mo. This is 7% below state average for South Dakota.
Is Brule County affordable?
Brule County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 22.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Brule County's rent compare to the state average?
Brule County's median rent of $700/mo is 7% below state average of $756/mo for South Dakota.
What is the median home value in Brule County?
The median home value in Brule County, South Dakota is $205,500. This is 27% below the national median home value of $281,900.

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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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