Cost of Living in Harding County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Harding County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Harding County ranks #14 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 0%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Harding County, South Dakota
Harding County: Extreme affordability, remote location
Harding County achieves the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this entire set at 7.7%—less than half the national stress threshold—with an exceptional $478 monthly rent. The median household income of $74,766 essentially matches the national average, making Harding's affordability advantage all about extraordinarily low rents.
South Dakota's most affordable county by far
Harding County's 7.7% rent-to-income ratio shatters the state average of 13.8%, and its $478 median rent is the lowest across all eight counties. The dramatic affordability gap reflects Harding's remote location and rural character, offering renters unparalleled value in South Dakota.
Dramatically lower rents than all peers
Harding County's $478 rent dramatically undercuts every comparison county, with the next-closest being Gregory at $614—a $136 monthly difference. The 7.7% rent-to-income ratio stands alone in this analysis, offering renters exceptional purchasing power.
Minimal rent, maximum household flexibility
Harding County renters spend just $478 monthly while homeowners pay $674, both exceptionally low amounts against the $74,766 median income. At 7.7% of income dedicated to rent, households retain 92.3% of earnings for all other purposes—extraordinary financial freedom.
Unbeatable affordability for remote-work relocators
Harding County is South Dakota's ultimate affordability outlier, with rents nearly 37% below the state average and an unmatched 7.7% rent-to-income ratio. If remote work enables location flexibility and housing cost minimization is your goal, Harding County delivers extraordinary value with the trade-off of isolation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Harding County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Harding County is affordable. The median rent is $478/month against a median household income of $74,766, putting rent at 7.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $478/month rent versus $674/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $196/month cheaper — a 29% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $19,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,886/year. With a median household income of $74,766, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 9.0% of renter households in Harding County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Buffalo County where rent averages $535/month, Harding County is approximately 11% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Harding County
Rent Burden
7.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,745
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Harding County
Median home value is $156,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,249 vs. your max of $1,745.
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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