Cost of Living in Hand County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hand County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hand County ranks #35 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hand County, South Dakota
Hand County: South Dakota's affordability champion
Hand County achieves a remarkable 9.2% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest among these eight counties and significantly better than the state average of 13.8%. With $553 median rent against a $72,054 median income, the county offers genuinely exceptional housing affordability.
Cheapest rents, best affordability ratio statewide
Hand County's $553 median rent ranks among South Dakota's lowest, paired with the strongest rent-to-income ratio (9.2%) in this county set. The combination of depressed rents and respectable incomes creates outstanding affordability compared to state peers.
Clear affordability advantage across the region
Hand County's $553 rent undercuts every neighboring county in this analysis, with the next-closest being Gregory County at $614. The 9.2% affordability ratio stands as the best in the region, offering renters unmatched purchasing power for their housing dollar.
Exceptionally low rents unlock household flexibility
Hand County renters spend just $553 monthly while homeowners pay $760, leaving substantial income room against the $72,054 median. At 9.2% of income dedicated to rent, households retain 90.8% of earnings for all other needs—extraordinary flexibility.
Unmatched affordability for rent-conscious movers
Hand County is South Dakota's best-kept housing affordability secret, with rents significantly below state averages and outstanding rent-to-income ratios. If keeping housing costs minimal is your priority, no county in this set offers better value.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hand County
Affordability Verdict
Hand County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $553/month — about 9.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $553/month rent versus $760/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $207/month cheaper — a 27% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $22,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,571/year. With a median household income of $72,054, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Hand County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Gregory County where rent averages $614/month, Hand County is approximately 10% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hand County
Rent Burden
9.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,681
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Hand County
Median home value is $152,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,214 vs. your max of $1,681.
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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