Cost of Living in Perkins County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Perkins County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Perkins County ranks #199 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Perkins County, South Dakota
Perkins offers comfortable affordable housing
Perkins County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.9% ranks slightly above the national average, providing reasonable affordability for a rural county. With median household income of $65,455 and median rent of $703, residents enjoy housing costs well within the recommended 30% threshold.
Middle-of-road affordability for South Dakota
Perkins County's 12.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the state average of 13.8%, making it a moderate option among South Dakota counties. The median rent of $703 falls between the most affordable rural counties and the expensive urban centers.
Perkins balances rural pricing with decent income
Perkins County's $703 median rent aligns closely with Roberts County ($656) and Sanborn County ($717), while median income of $65,455 exceeds both neighbors. This combination positions Perkins as a practical rural option for those seeking affordability without extreme isolation.
Ownership significantly cheaper than renting
Renters in Perkins pay $703 monthly, while homeowners average $655—making ownership the rare county where mortgages undercut rent. With median home values of just $105,900, first-time buyers find genuine affordability, consuming only 12% of the $65,455 median income for ownership costs.
Perkins: solid middle ground for value seekers
If you're comparing South Dakota options, Perkins County delivers balanced affordability with mid-range income and reasonable housing costs. Renters get decent value, but prospective homebuyers should take particular note: ownership is genuinely affordable here compared to renting.
Cost of Living Advisory: Perkins County
Affordability Verdict
Perkins County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $703/month representing approximately 12.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 24.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Perkins County is $703/month, while owner costs run $655/month. Owning saves approximately $48/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,071/year. With a median household income of $65,455, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Perkins County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hamlin County where rent averages $769/month, Perkins County is approximately 9% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Perkins County
Rent Burden
12.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,527
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Perkins County
Median home value is $105,900. Estimated monthly cost: $845 vs. your max of $1,527.
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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