Cost of Living in Spink County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Spink County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Spink County ranks #722 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Spink County, South Dakota
Spink County rents remain affordable
At 11.4%, Spink County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the national threshold where housing becomes a burden, and significantly better than the South Dakota state average of 13.8%. With median rent at $691 per month against a median household income of $73,011, renters here are spending less than comparable Americans on their largest regular expense.
Among South Dakota's most affordable
Spink County ranks favorably within South Dakota for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio notably below the state average. The county's median rent of $691 is $65 lower than South Dakota's state median, making it one of the easier places to find budget-friendly housing across the state.
Spink's rents undercut the region
Compared to adjacent counties like Sully (where renters pay $913/month) and Stanley (where median rent reaches $896), Spink County offers some of the lowest rents in the region. This $200+ monthly savings advantage accumulates quickly for working families considering where to settle in central South Dakota.
Rent vs. ownership costs breakdown
Renters in Spink County spend roughly 11.4% of income on housing, while homeowners dedicate about 12.2% to monthly ownership costs ($744 against $73,011 median income). Both renting and buying remain accessible options for households earning near the county median.
Considering a move to South Dakota?
Spink County delivers solid affordability for remote workers and job seekers relocating to rural South Dakota, with rents well below both state and national benchmarks. If you're comparing housing costs across the region, Spink's combination of low rent and median home values around $117,400 makes it worth serious consideration.
Cost of Living Advisory: Spink County
Affordability Verdict
Spink County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $691/month representing approximately 11.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 17.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Spink County is $691/month, while owner costs run $744/month. Renting saves approximately $53/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,886/year. With a median household income of $73,011, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 17.0% of renter households in Spink County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within South Dakota, Spink County is less affordable than Marshall County by roughly 7% ($691/mo vs $743/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Spink County
Rent Burden
11.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,704
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Spink County
Median home value is $117,400. Estimated monthly cost: $937 vs. your max of $1,704.
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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