Cost of Living in Fall River County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Fall River County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Fall River County ranks #1,939 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Fall River County, South Dakota
Fall River faces significant affordability pressure
Fall River County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these eight counties and substantially exceeds South Dakota's 13.8% state average. The $866 monthly rent combined with a median household income of just $61,056 creates notable housing stress for renters.
Fall River ranks among South Dakota's priciest markets
At 17.0%, Fall River County's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds South Dakota's 13.8% state average, placing it among the state's most affordability-challenged counties. This elevated burden reflects both higher-than-average rents and below-average incomes.
Fall River demands the highest rent-to-income sacrifice
Fall River County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds every other county in this analysis—Dewey (14.8%) is the next closest. With $866 monthly rent and only $61,056 median income, Fall River renters allocate more of their earnings to housing than any peer county.
Fall River puts housing costs front and center
Renters allocate $866 monthly while homeowners invest $849, with median home values at $176,300—among the highest in this cohort. Housing consumes 17% of median household income, leaving Fall River households with limited flexibility for savings and other expenses.
Fall River requires careful financial planning
Fall River County's high rent-to-income ratio makes it challenging for renters; homebuyers may find better value here, but incomes don't easily support the region's housing costs. Relocators should strongly consider Day, Deuel, or Davison counties for superior affordability before choosing Fall River.
Cost of Living Advisory: Fall River County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Fall River County is affordable. The median rent is $866/month against a median household income of $61,056, putting rent at 17.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $866/month rent versus $849/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $17/month cheaper — a 2% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,386/year. With a median household income of $61,056, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 38.0% of renter households in Fall River County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hyde County where rent averages $921/month, Fall River County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Fall River County
Rent Burden
17.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,425
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Fall River County
Median home value is $176,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,407 vs. your max of $1,425.
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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