Cost of Living in Moody County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Moody County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Moody County ranks #1,548 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 49%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Moody County, South Dakota
Moody's rents rank well below national average
At just 11.2% of median household income, Moody County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national benchmark and gives residents significantly more breathing room. With median household income of $77,500 and median rent at $723, this county offers one of the most affordable rental markets in the region.
Best housing affordability in South Dakota comparison
Moody County ranks as the most affordable rental market among the eight South Dakota counties examined, with a 11.2% rent-to-income ratio well below the state average of 13.8%. Its median rent of $723 undercuts the state average by $33, providing genuine relief for budget-conscious renters.
Moody undercuts all regional competitors on rent
Moody County's $723 median rent beats Roberts County ($656) by just $67 but significantly undercuts Minnehaha ($954) and Pennington ($1,066). Among mid-sized counties, Moody offers the sweet spot: lower costs than urban centers with better incomes than the most rural areas.
Balanced housing costs across tenure types
Renters pay $723 monthly while homeowners average $871—a modest 20% difference that reflects affordable property values of $206,300. At both price points, housing costs consume under 12% of the median $77,500 household income, leaving substantial room for other expenses.
Moody County: best value in South Dakota
For families prioritizing affordability without sacrificing income potential, Moody County delivers: strong median income of $77,500 paired with the lowest rents in this comparison. You'll find both rental and ownership housing accessible, with costs leaving 88% of your income for everything else.
Cost of Living Advisory: Moody County
Affordability Verdict
Moody County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $723/month representing approximately 11.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 21.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Moody County is $723/month, while owner costs run $871/month. Renting saves approximately $148/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,329/year. With a median household income of $77,500, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Moody County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Yankton County where rent averages $777/month, Moody County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Moody County
Rent Burden
11.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,808
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Moody County
Median home value is $206,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,647 vs. your max of $1,808.
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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