Cost of Living in Clay County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Clay County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Clay County ranks #2,747 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clay County, South Dakota
Clay renters feel national affordability squeeze
Clay County renters spend 15% of household income on rent—above the national comfort zone of 12-14%—while median income of $58,794 sits $16,000 below the national median. The combination of lower income and higher-than-average rent creates meaningful affordability pressure for Clay County renters.
Tightest rents in South Dakota
Clay County's 15% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's worst affordability metrics, exceeding the South Dakota average of 13.8% by more than a percentage point. At $736 monthly, rents are $20 below state average but hit harder on a lower-than-average income base.
Expensive rents, costly homes
Clay County's $736 rent exceeds neighboring Campbell ($635) and Charles Mix ($727), while its $1,230 monthly homeowner cost significantly outpaces all peer counties. The median home value of $221,800 ranks among the region's highest, competing with Butte ($207,700) and Codington ($218,000) for premium pricing.
Housing crisis for modest earners
Renters dedicate $736 monthly while homeowners shoulder $1,230—a dramatic gap—against a $58,794 median income, the lowest in this profile. Housing consumes 15% of renter income and over 25% for homeowners, far exceeding healthy affordability thresholds.
Clay County: affordability warning
Clay County presents real affordability challenges, especially for renters and homebuyers, with the state's tightest rent-to-income ratio and expensive homes. If relocating here, ensure your income substantially exceeds the county median of $58,794 to maintain comfortable housing margins.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clay County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Clay County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $736/month in gross rent, with 25.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $736/month rent versus $1,230/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $494/month cheaper — a 40% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $52,714/year. With a median household income of $58,794, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Clay County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Clay County sits 7% less expensive than Brown County ($794/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clay County
Rent Burden
15.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,372
per month
Owner Cost Burden
25.1%
of gross income
The median home in Clay County may be a stretch
Median home value is $221,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,771 vs. your max of $1,372.
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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