Cost of Living in Jackson County, South Dakota

$460/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$111,500

Median Home Value

39% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$460/mo

39% below state average

Median Home Value

$111,500

60% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

26.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Jackson County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Jackson County$460/mo

South Dakota Average$756/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$460/mo

Median Gross Rent

$111,500

Median Home Value

$593/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

26.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Jackson County, South Dakota

Jackson County faces severe affordability crisis

Renters in Jackson County spend 20.7% of their income on housing—nearly 50% higher than the national benchmark and far above South Dakota's 13.8% average. With a median household income of just $26,686, residents here struggle significantly more than peers elsewhere in the state and nation.

Least affordable county in South Dakota

Jackson County's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio represents the most severe housing affordability burden in South Dakota, driven by extremely low household incomes rather than high rents. This ranking reflects deeper economic challenges that extend beyond the housing market.

Income gap drives affordability crisis

While Jackson's $460 monthly rent is actually the lowest in the region, the county's median household income of $26,686 is roughly one-third that of neighboring counties like Hutchinson or Kingsbury. This income-rent mismatch creates the state's worst housing affordability situation.

Housing dominates household budgets here

Renters allocate $460 monthly to housing from a $26,686 annual income, consuming 20.7% of earnings and leaving limited funds for essentials. Homeowners face a $593 monthly payment, which represents 26.6% of income—a severely unaffordable level.

Weigh opportunity before moving to Jackson

Jackson County's affordability crisis stems from economic conditions, not housing costs alone—prospective residents should carefully assess employment and income opportunities before relocating. While rents are low, the median household income suggests limited local earning potential compared to other South Dakota counties.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Jackson County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

20.7%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$623

per month

Owner Cost Burden

26.7%

of gross income

The median home in Jackson County may be a stretch

Median home value is $111,500. Estimated monthly cost: $890 vs. your max of $623.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio20.7%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Jackson County, South Dakota?

Jackson County, South Dakota has a median monthly rent of $460/mo and a median home value of $111,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 26.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Jackson County?

The median gross rent in Jackson County is $460/mo. This is 39% below state average for South Dakota.

Is Jackson County affordable?

Jackson County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 26.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Jackson County's rent compare to the state average?

Jackson County's median rent of $460/mo is 39% below state average of $756/mo for South Dakota.

What is the median home value in Jackson County?

The median home value in Jackson County, South Dakota is $111,500. This is 60% below the national median home value of $281,900.