Cost of Living in Roberts County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Roberts County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Roberts County ranks #1,313 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 42%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Roberts County, South Dakota
Roberts delivers strong affordability nationwide
Roberts County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% ranks well below the national average and signals genuine housing affordability for residents. The median household income of $63,691 paired with modest median rent of $656 creates one of the most accessible housing markets in the region.
Roberts ranks among South Dakota's most affordable
At 12.4%, Roberts County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the state average of 13.8%, making it one of South Dakota's more affordable counties. The $656 median rent is among the lowest in this eight-county comparison, despite respectable median income of $63,691.
Roberts offers lowest rent with solid income
Roberts County's $656 median rent ranks second-lowest in the region, exceeded only by Oglala Lakota ($563), while the $63,691 median income substantially exceeds Oglala Lakota's. This combination—affordable rents plus livable incomes—makes Roberts an attractive option for rural households.
Ownership slightly pricier but remains accessible
Renters pay $656 monthly while homeowners average $693—a modest 5% premium reflecting median home values of $139,100. At these levels, both rental and ownership housing consume roughly 12-13% of the $63,691 median household income, leaving substantial room for other expenses.
Roberts County: true rural affordability
Roberts County delivers genuine affordability without extreme income sacrifice: median rents of $656 with incomes topping $63,000. If you prioritize housing cost relief and can embrace rural community life, Roberts offers one of the most accessible housing markets in South Dakota.
Cost of Living Advisory: Roberts County
Affordability Verdict
Roberts County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $656/month representing approximately 12.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 22.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Roberts County pay $656/month on average, compared to $693/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 5%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,700/year. With a median household income of $63,691, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Roberts County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within South Dakota, Roberts County is less affordable than Clark County by roughly 7% ($656/mo vs $709/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Roberts County
Rent Burden
12.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,486
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Roberts County
Median home value is $139,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,110 vs. your max of $1,486.
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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