Cost of Living in McCook County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How McCook County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
McCook County ranks #696 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 22%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in McCook County, South Dakota
McCook leads affordability metrics
McCook County's 11.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable, well below typical American standards, while its median household income of $80,847 exceeds the national average. This combination—above-average earnings paired with below-average housing burden—creates genuine purchasing power for renters and homebuyers alike.
Best rent-to-income ratio in group
At 11.1%, McCook County leads all eight counties in this analysis and sits well below South Dakota's state average of 13.8%. With median rent of $750—barely above the state average of $756—McCook delivers strong affordability without cutting corners on wages or community services.
Premium wages, affordable rents
McCook County's $750 rent matches most neighbors but pairs it with the second-highest household income ($80,847) after Lincoln County, creating the region's best affordability-to-income ratio. This makes McCook an overlooked gem for workers seeking both opportunity and housing relief.
Housing claims minimal income share
Renters spend $750 monthly while homeowners face $963 against McCook's $80,847 income, meaning housing claims just 11% for renters and 14% for owners. This leaves substantial income for other necessities and discretionary spending compared to national or state averages.
Premium affordability, solid economy
McCook County offers an underrated combination: above-average incomes ($80,847), manageable rents ($750), and homes at $217,300 median value. Families and professionals relocating will find genuine affordability relief here, particularly compared to premium markets like Lincoln and Meade counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: McCook County
Affordability Verdict
McCook County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $750/month representing approximately 11.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 21.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $750/month rent versus $963/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $213/month cheaper — a 22% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,271/year. With a median household income of $80,847, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in McCook County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
McCook County sits 8% more expensive than Faulk County ($692/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in McCook County
Rent Burden
11.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,886
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in McCook County
Median home value is $217,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,735 vs. your max of $1,886.
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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