Cost of Living in Potter County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Potter County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Potter County ranks #203 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Potter County, South Dakota
Potter offers reliable affordability below national
Potter County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% sits modestly above the national average but remains manageable given the county's rural character. With median household income of $71,726 and median rent of $869, residents maintain reasonable housing stability without extreme cost burden.
Slightly above state average on affordability
Potter County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio edges above South Dakota's 13.8% state average, placing it in the middle tier of regional affordability. The median rent of $869 reflects a rural community with moderate cost growth but strong income relative to neighboring counties.
Potter prices higher than most rural peers
Potter County's $869 median rent exceeds Roberts ($656) and Sanborn ($717) but undercuts the urban centers Minnehaha ($954) and Pennington ($1,066). The county occupies a transition zone between affordable rural areas and pricier regional hubs.
Modest gap between rent and homeownership
Renters pay $869 monthly while homeowners average $657—a 24% discount reflecting affordable median home values of $121,300. Both tenure types remain comfortably affordable, with costs consuming around 12-15% of the $71,726 median household income.
Potter: rural stability with decent incomes
Potter County suits those seeking rural character without sacrificing income; the $71,726 median household income exceeds many neighboring counties while maintaining reasonable housing costs. Budget-conscious homebuyers especially should consider Potter's favorable ownership costs and accessible property values.
Cost of Living Advisory: Potter County
Affordability Verdict
Potter County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $869/month — about 14.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Potter County pay $869/month on average, compared to $657/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 24%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,157/year. With a median household income of $71,726, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Potter County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within South Dakota, Potter County is less affordable than Hyde County by roughly 6% ($869/mo vs $921/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Potter County
Rent Burden
14.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,674
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Potter County
Median home value is $121,300. Estimated monthly cost: $968 vs. your max of $1,674.
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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