Cost of Living in Lyman County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lyman County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lyman County ranks #642 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 20%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lyman County, South Dakota
Rural affordability shines nationally
Lyman County's 11.8% rent-to-income ratio beats the national standard by 2+ percentage points, making it genuinely affordable by American standards. With median rent of just $603 monthly and household income of $61,169, renters here dedicate one of the smallest shares of earnings to housing in this eight-county cohort.
Best affordability in South Dakota peer group
At 11.8%, Lyman County ranks below the state average of 13.8% and represents some of the strongest housing affordability in South Dakota. Median rent of $603 sits well below the state average of $756, positioning Lyman as a budget-friendly option for cost-conscious residents.
Undercuts most surrounding counties
Lyman County's $603 rent undercuts Marshall County ($743), McCook County ($750), and even McPherson County ($580) by a narrow margin. Among the eight-county comparison, only Miner County ($563) and McPherson County rival Lyman's affordability, creating a trio of genuine bargain markets.
Rent and homeownership remain balanced
Renters spend $603 monthly while homeowners face $633 in costs, both remarkably low against Lyman's $61,169 median household income. Housing claims just under 12% of gross income either way—comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, leaving more room in household budgets.
Budget-friendly South Dakota living awaits
If affordability is your priority, Lyman County offers some of South Dakota's lowest housing costs paired with solid homeownership options at $156,500 median value. Remote workers or retirees on modest incomes will find genuine breathing room here compared to national or even state averages.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lyman County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Lyman County is affordable. The median rent is $603/month against a median household income of $61,169, putting rent at 11.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Lyman County pay $603/month on average, compared to $633/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 5%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $24,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,129/year. With a median household income of $61,169, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 17.0% of renter households in Lyman County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Roberts County where rent averages $656/month, Lyman County is approximately 8% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lyman County
Rent Burden
11.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,427
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lyman County
Median home value is $156,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,249 vs. your max of $1,427.
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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