Cost of Living in Miner County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Miner County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Miner County ranks #131 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 4%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Miner County, South Dakota
Miner County: rare national affordability
Miner County's 9.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among America's most affordable housing markets, with renters dedicating less than one-tenth of income to shelter. At just $563 median rent and $72,589 household income, Miner delivers genuine breathing room compared to national norms.
South Dakota's affordability champion
Miner County's 9.3% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this eight-county comparison and substantially below South Dakota's state average of 13.8%. With median rent of $563—25% cheaper than the state average of $756—Miner stands alone as the state's most accessible housing market in this cohort.
Lowest burden among all eight
Miner County's $563 rent ties McPherson County's for cheapest in the region, but Miner pairs it with a 9.3% burden—the absolute lowest, beating every neighbor. This combination makes Miner the genuine affordability champion, offering true financial relief for renters.
Housing claims minimal earnings
Renters spend $563 monthly while homeowners face $668 against Miner's $72,589 income, meaning housing claims just 9-11% of gross earnings. This leaves maximum flexibility for savings, transportation, childcare, and other essentials compared to any peer county.
Best overall affordability option
Miner County emerges as the eight-county affordability leader, combining South Dakota's lowest rent-to-income ratio (9.3%) with accessible homeownership at $114,100 median value. For renters or buyers prioritizing maximum financial flexibility over premium amenities, Miner County delivers unmatched South Dakota affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Miner County
Affordability Verdict
Miner County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $563/month — about 9.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $563/month rent versus $668/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $105/month cheaper — a 16% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $22,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,629/year. With a median household income of $72,589, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 15.0% of renter households in Miner County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within South Dakota, Miner County is less affordable than Gregory County by roughly 8% ($563/mo vs $614/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Miner County
Rent Burden
9.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,694
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Miner County
Median home value is $114,100. Estimated monthly cost: $911 vs. your max of $1,694.
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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