Cost of Living in Stanley County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Stanley County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Stanley County ranks #588 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Stanley County, South Dakota
Stanley County rents edge above average
Stanley County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.0% sits slightly above the South Dakota state average of 13.8%, meaning renters here spend a bit more relative to earnings than neighbors. At $896 monthly rent against a $77,000 median household income, the county remains affordable by national standards, though rents are climbing.
Mid-range affordability in South Dakota
Stanley County's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio places it in the middle tier of South Dakota counties for affordability. The median rent of $896 runs $140 above the state average, reflecting Stanley's positioning as a more expensive county within the state's housing market.
Stanley commands higher rents locally
Stanley County's median rent of $896 significantly exceeds nearby Spink County ($691) and Sully County ($913), placing it among the pricier corners of central South Dakota. However, Stanley's higher median household income of $77,000 provides some cushion against these elevated housing costs.
Housing takes a bigger slice here
Renters spend 14.0% of income on rent, while homeowners allocate roughly 16.1% to monthly ownership costs ($1,030 against $77,000 income). Both housing types consume more household budget in Stanley County than in lower-cost neighboring areas.
Stanley County for established households
Stanley County suits relocators with solid incomes seeking a rural setting, though housing costs run higher than many South Dakota alternatives. The median home value of $169,900 and monthly ownership costs near $1,030 require stronger household finances than lower-cost counties nearby.
Cost of Living Advisory: Stanley County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Stanley County is affordable. The median rent is $896/month against a median household income of $77,000, putting rent at 14.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Stanley County pay $896/month on average, compared to $1,030/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 13%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $44,143/year. With a median household income of $77,000, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Stanley County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within South Dakota, Stanley County is less affordable than Minnehaha County by roughly 6% ($896/mo vs $954/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Stanley County
Rent Burden
14.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,797
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Stanley County
Median home value is $169,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,356 vs. your max of $1,797.
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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