Cost of Living in Douglas County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Douglas County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Douglas County ranks #471 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 15%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Douglas County, South Dakota
Douglas balances strong income with moderate costs
Douglas County's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio sits just below South Dakota's 13.8% state average, despite carrying the second-highest median household income of $78,125 in this cohort. The $864 monthly rent is higher than average, but strong local earnings keep the proportional burden manageable.
Douglas ranks among South Dakota's better markets
At 13.3%, Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio edges below the state average of 13.8%, placing it in the more affordable half of South Dakota counties. The county's strong median income of $78,125 helps offset its higher rental costs.
Douglas commands higher rent, offset by higher income
Douglas County's $864 rent is the highest among these eight counties, but its $78,125 median income keeps the overall burden at 13.3%—better than Davison, Dewey, and Faulk. This suggests Douglas offers value for higher-earning households willing to accept premium rental prices.
Douglas rewards earned income with affordability
Renters allocate $864 monthly while homeowners invest $712 in ownership costs, with median home values at just $125,000—the second-lowest in this group. Housing consumes 13.3% of household income, making Douglas workable for households earning above the county median.
Douglas suits higher-income relocators
Douglas County works best for relocators earning above $78,000 who can absorb the region's highest rents while maintaining healthy affordability ratios. Compare Douglas to Deuel County if you prioritize absolute lowest costs, or Edmunds if you want mid-range balance.
Cost of Living Advisory: Douglas County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Douglas County is affordable. The median rent is $864/month against a median household income of $78,125, putting rent at 13.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Douglas County is $864/month, while owner costs run $712/month. Owning saves approximately $152/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,514/year. With a median household income of $78,125, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 17.0% of renter households in Douglas County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Tripp County where rent averages $809/month, Douglas County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Douglas County
Rent Burden
13.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,823
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Douglas County
Median home value is $125,000. Estimated monthly cost: $998 vs. your max of $1,823.
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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