Cost of Living in Lawrence County, South Dakota

$923/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$310,800

Median Home Value

22% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$923/mo

22% above state average

Median Home Value

$310,800

10% above 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 Lawrence County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Lawrence County$923/mo

South Dakota Average$756/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$923/mo

Median Gross Rent

$310,800

Median Home Value

$913/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

26.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Lawrence County, South Dakota

Lawrence County rents stretch budgets significantly

Renters in Lawrence County spend 16.6% of their income on housing—nearly double the national average and well above South Dakota's 13.8% benchmark. A $923 median rent paired with a $66,766 income signals tight affordability challenges for renters in this county.

Least affordable for renters in this cohort

Lawrence County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the worst in South Dakota, exceeded only by Jackson County's crisis situation. The county's above-average rents combined with below-average household incomes create significant housing pressure for renters.

Most expensive rents in the region

Lawrence's $923 median rent ranks second-highest regionally after nearby Jackson's lower incomes, reflecting the county's status as a more developed market. However, median home values of $310,800—the highest in the comparison—suggest renters face elevated costs in an expensive market.

Renters shoulder nearly 17% income burden

Renters allocate $923 of their $66,766 income to housing, consuming 16.6% of monthly earnings and straining household budgets. Homeowners face an even steeper $913 monthly payment, which represents 16.4% of income—an affordability threshold many households struggle with.

Lawrence County demands careful budget planning

Lawrence County's elevated rents and home values require prospective residents to have solid incomes and savings cushions before relocating. The county's affordability challenges suggest it's best suited for relocators with above-median earnings or significant financial reserves.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Lawrence County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

16.6%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,558

per month

Owner Cost Burden

16.4%

of gross income

The median home in Lawrence County may be a stretch

Median home value is $310,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,481 vs. your max of $1,558.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio16.6%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Lawrence County, South Dakota has a median monthly rent of $923/mo and a median home value of $310,800. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 26.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Lawrence County?

The median gross rent in Lawrence County is $923/mo. This is 22% above state average for South Dakota.

Is Lawrence County affordable?

Lawrence 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 Lawrence County's rent compare to the state average?

Lawrence County's median rent of $923/mo is 22% above state average of $756/mo for South Dakota.

What is the median home value in Lawrence County?

The median home value in Lawrence County, South Dakota is $310,800. This is 10% above the national median home value of $281,900.