Cost of Living in Buffalo County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Buffalo County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Buffalo County ranks #212 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 7%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Buffalo County, South Dakota
Buffalo offers lowest costs, lowest income
Buffalo County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio appears reasonable until you examine the median household income of just $47,000—nearly $28,000 below the national average. Renters paying $535 monthly benefit from rock-bottom housing costs, but limited local earning potential presents a larger challenge.
Buffalo combines affordability with income stress
While Buffalo's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio matches the South Dakota average, the median household income of $47,000 significantly trails state peers, marking Buffalo as economically disadvantaged. Housing may be cheap, but earning potential is the real constraint.
Buffalo leads in affordability, lags in income
Buffalo County's $535 median rent ranks lowest among these eight counties and its $108,000 median home value reflects rural affordability. However, the $47,000 household income trails all neighbors except Bennett County, indicating limited local job quality.
Low costs can't offset low incomes
Renters pay just $535 monthly (13.7% of income) and homeowners only $328 for ownership—remarkably low figures—yet the $47,000 median household income constrains overall financial security. Housing affordability matters little if you can't earn living wages locally.
Buffalo requires independent income sources
Buffalo's exceptional housing costs suit relocators with remote work, pensions, or substantial savings, but not those depending on local employment. Consider Buffalo only if you bring stable income from outside the county economy.
Cost of Living Advisory: Buffalo County
Affordability Verdict
Buffalo County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $535/month — about 13.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $535/month rent versus $328/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $207/month cheaper — a 39% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $21,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $14,057/year. With a median household income of $47,000, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Buffalo County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within South Dakota, Buffalo County is more affordable than Harding County by roughly 12% ($535/mo vs $478/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Buffalo County
Rent Burden
13.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,097
per month
Owner Cost Burden
8.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Buffalo County
Median home value is $108,000. Estimated monthly cost: $862 vs. your max of $1,097.
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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