Cost of Living in Mellette County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Mellette County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Mellette County ranks #1,407 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Mellette County, South Dakota
Mellette County: cheap rents, stretched income
Mellette County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio represents a paradox—affordable rents of $737 monthly paired with a low median household income of $51,364, creating genuine affordability stress despite low nominal costs. Against the national average income of $74,755, Mellette residents earn 31% less while paying proportionally more for housing.
Low rent, but strained by low wages
Mellette County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds South Dakota's state average of 13.8%, placing it among the state's least affordable despite $737 median rent below the state average of $756. The disconnect reflects wages that lag even rural South Dakota norms.
Cheap housing, challenging economics
Mellette County's $737 rent rivals Marshall County's price but strains renters far more due to the lowest household income ($51,364) in this eight-county cohort. Only McPherson County ($62,024) comes close to Mellette's income constraints, making both communities economically fragile.
Low rents mask income challenges
Renters spend $737 monthly while homeowners face $535 against just $51,364 annual income, meaning housing claims 17% of renter income and 13% of owner income. The renter burden approaches dangerous territory, leaving minimal room for food, healthcare, or transportation costs.
Affordability comes with trade-offs
Mellette County offers the region's most extreme affordability-to-income challenge: cheap rents ($737) and minimal home prices ($63,000), but paired with the lowest wages. Relocating professionals should verify employment opportunities exceed local norms, or this bargain may mask limited economic mobility.
Cost of Living Advisory: Mellette County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Mellette County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $737/month in gross rent, with 20.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Mellette County pay $737/month on average, compared to $535/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 27%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $22,929/year. With a median household income of $51,364, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 20.0% of renter households in Mellette County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Mellette County sits 7% less expensive than Brown County ($794/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Mellette County
Rent Burden
17.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,198
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Mellette County
Median home value is $63,000. Estimated monthly cost: $503 vs. your max of $1,198.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Mellette County, South Dakota?
What is the median rent in Mellette County?
Is Mellette County affordable?
How does Mellette County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Mellette County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Mellette County, South Dakota? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Mellette County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.