Cost of Living in Meade County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Meade County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Meade County ranks #2,897 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 8%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Meade County, South Dakota
Meade County: premium costs, tight budgets
Meade County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's least affordable, with renters dedicating significantly more to housing than most Americans. Against a median household income of $74,161—nearly matching the national average—this elevated burden reflects housing costs that outpace local earning power.
South Dakota's least affordable option
Meade County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds South Dakota's state average of 13.8%, making it the least affordable county in this eight-county comparison. With median rent of $1,150—52% above the state average of $756—Meade mirrors affordability pressures seen in tighter regional markets.
Second priciest, tightest burden
Meade County's $1,150 rent trails only Lincoln County's $1,237 but demands a far higher income share (18.6% vs. 15.4%), indicating that local wages haven't kept pace with housing costs. This gap between rent and income is the region's most concerning affordability challenge.
Housing dominates household budgets
Renters spend $1,150 monthly while homeowners face $1,261 against Meade's $74,161 median income, consuming 18-20% of gross earnings. This leaves less discretionary income than any peer county and approaches the dangerous 30% affordability threshold.
Premium location, premium price tag
Meade County's elevated costs likely reflect proximity to employment or recreational amenities, with median homes at $274,800—the second-highest in the group. Relocating renters should weigh whether higher rents deliver access worth the budget squeeze compared to more affordable options like McCook or Miner counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Meade County
Affordability Verdict
Meade County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,150/month representing approximately 18.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Meade County is $1,150/month, while owner costs run $1,261/month. Renting saves approximately $111/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $46,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $54,043/year. With a median household income of $74,161, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Meade County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Meade County sits 8% more expensive than Pennington County ($1,066/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Meade County
Rent Burden
18.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,730
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.4%
of gross income
The median home in Meade County may be a stretch
Median home value is $274,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,194 vs. your max of $1,730.
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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