Cost of Living in Sanborn County, South Dakota

$717/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$138,500

Median Home Value

5% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$717/mo

5% below state average

Median Home Value

$138,500

51% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

27.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Sanborn County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Sanborn County$717/mo

South Dakota Average$756/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$717/mo

Median Gross Rent

$138,500

Median Home Value

$751/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

27.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Sanborn County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio12.3%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Sanborn County, South Dakota?

Sanborn County, South Dakota has a median monthly rent of $717/mo and a median home value of $138,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 27.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Sanborn County?

The median gross rent in Sanborn County is $717/mo. This is 5% below state average for South Dakota.

Is Sanborn County affordable?

Sanborn County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 27.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Sanborn County's rent compare to the state average?

Sanborn County's median rent of $717/mo is 5% below state average of $756/mo for South Dakota.

What is the median home value in Sanborn County?

The median home value in Sanborn County, South Dakota is $138,500. This is 51% below the national median home value of $281,900.