Cost of Living in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Oglala Lakota County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Oglala Lakota County ranks #242 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 8%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota
Oglala Lakota faces severe affordability squeeze
Oglala Lakota County residents spend 19.4% of their median household income on rent—nearly five percentage points above the national average and well above sustainable levels. The median household income of just $34,769 means even modest rents of $563 consume an outsized share of earnings, creating significant housing stress.
South Dakota's least affordable rental market
With a 19.4% rent-to-income ratio, Oglala Lakota County ranks as the least affordable among South Dakota counties in this comparison, despite having the lowest absolute rent. The county's median income of $34,769 is less than half the state's implicit average, driving the affordability crisis.
Lowest rents mask deeper income challenges
While Oglala Lakota's $563 median rent is the lowest in the region, the county's median household income is drastically lower than neighbors like Moody ($77,500) and Roberts ($63,691). This income gap—not rent prices—drives the affordability burden, making this a story of economic capacity rather than housing costs.
Housing consumes critical share of minimal income
Renters spend $563 monthly while homeowners pay $406, but both figures represent substantial portions of the $34,769 median household income. At current levels, combined rent and owner costs would consume nearly 30% of median income for a typical household, leaving insufficient funds for food, utilities, and transportation.
Consider regional opportunities for better income
While Oglala Lakota County offers the region's lowest housing costs, the severe median income gap ($34,769 versus $77,500 in Moody) suggests economic opportunity lies elsewhere. Remote workers or those seeking to relocate should compare counties with stronger job markets; housing affordability improves dramatically when income rises.
Cost of Living Advisory: Oglala Lakota County
Affordability Verdict
Oglala Lakota County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $563/month representing approximately 19.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 20.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $563/month rent versus $406/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $157/month cheaper — a 28% 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 $17,400/year. With a median household income of $34,769, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 20.0% of renter households in Oglala Lakota County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Oglala Lakota County sits 8% less expensive than Gregory County ($614/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Oglala Lakota County
Rent Burden
19.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$811
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Oglala Lakota County
Median home value is $45,600. Estimated monthly cost: $364 vs. your max of $811.
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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