Cost of Living in Sanborn County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sanborn County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sanborn County ranks #466 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 15%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sanborn County, South Dakota
Sanborn rents rank below national average
Sanborn County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.3% sits comfortably below the national average and reflects a rural housing market with solid affordability. With median household income of $69,870 and median rent of $717, residents enjoy housing stability typical of smaller South Dakota counties.
Among South Dakota's most affordable markets
Sanborn County's 12.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the state's most affordable counties, sitting below the 13.8% state average. The $717 median rent reflects a quiet rural setting without the price premiums of urban or tourist-destination counties.
Sanborn balances affordability with income
Sanborn's $717 median rent aligns closely with Roberts County ($656) and Perkins County ($703), while median income of $69,870 exceeds both neighbors. This pairing positions Sanborn as a stable option for rural households seeking affordability with above-average earning potential.
Ownership and rental costs nearly identical
Renters pay $717 monthly while homeowners average $751—just $34 apart, reflecting accessible median home values of $138,500. Both housing types consume roughly 12% of the $69,870 median household income, providing genuine affordability across tenure options.
Sanborn: stable rural living with fair pricing
Sanborn County offers reliable affordability for families seeking small-town life: reasonable rents at $717, solid median income at $69,870, and balanced ownership costs. Whether renting or buying, you'll find housing costs consume a modest share of your earnings, leaving flexibility for other priorities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sanborn County
Affordability Verdict
Sanborn County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $717/month representing approximately 12.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $717/month rent versus $751/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $34/month cheaper — a 5% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,186/year. With a median household income of $69,870, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Sanborn County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hamlin County where rent averages $769/month, Sanborn County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sanborn County
Rent Burden
12.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,630
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Sanborn County
Median home value is $138,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,106 vs. your max of $1,630.
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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