Cost of Living in Lawrence County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lawrence County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lawrence County ranks #2,196 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 30%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lawrence County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Lawrence County is affordable. The median rent is $923/month against a median household income of $66,766, putting rent at 16.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Lawrence County is $923/month, while owner costs run $913/month. Owning saves approximately $10/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $39,129/year. With a median household income of $66,766, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Lawrence County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Lawrence County sits 6% more expensive than Potter County ($869/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lawrence County
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
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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