Cost of Living in McPherson County, South Dakota

$580/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$78,400

Median Home Value

23% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$580/mo

23% below state average

Median Home Value

$78,400

72% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

23.0%

% 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 McPherson County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

McPherson County$580/mo

South Dakota Average$756/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$580/mo

Median Gross Rent

$78,400

Median Home Value

$537/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

23.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in McPherson County, South Dakota

Extreme affordability in rural South Dakota

McPherson County's 11.2% rent-to-income ratio and $580 median rent represent some of America's most affordable housing, achieved despite a median household income of $62,024 below the national average. This rural county delivers genuine economic accessibility, where renters dedicate minimal income shares to shelter.

Second-lowest rent burden statewide

McPherson County's 11.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-best in this eight-county group and well below South Dakota's 13.8% state average. At $580 median rent—23% cheaper than the state average of $756—McPherson is a haven for budget-conscious renters across rural South Dakota.

Cheapest option for renters

McPherson County's $580 rent ties with Miner County for the lowest in this analysis and significantly undercuts neighbors like Marshall ($743) and Lyman ($603). Its combination of minimal rent and lowest median home value ($78,400) makes it the region's most extreme affordability case.

Ownership costs less than renting

McPherson County's $580 rent is nearly matched by $537 monthly owner costs, both extraordinarily low against the $62,024 median household income. Housing claims roughly 11% of gross income as a renter and just 10% as an owner—among the nation's most favorable ratios.

Extreme affordability, minimal income needed

McPherson County welcomes those seeking maximum affordability, with rents at $580 and homes at $78,400 median value requiring the least housing commitment in this cohort. However, lower incomes reflect limited employment diversity, so relocating professionals should verify job availability before committing to this deep-rural option.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in McPherson County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

11.2%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,447

per month

Owner Cost Burden

10.4%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in McPherson County

Median home value is $78,400. Estimated monthly cost: $626 vs. your max of $1,447.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio11.2%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

McPherson County, South Dakota has a median monthly rent of $580/mo and a median home value of $78,400. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 23.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in McPherson County?

The median gross rent in McPherson County is $580/mo. This is 23% below state average for South Dakota.

Is McPherson County affordable?

McPherson County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 23.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

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

McPherson County's median rent of $580/mo is 23% below state average of $756/mo for South Dakota.

What is the median home value in McPherson County?

The median home value in McPherson County, South Dakota is $78,400. This is 72% below the national median home value of $281,900.