Cost of Living in Sully County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sully County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sully County ranks #71 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 2%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sully County, South Dakota
Sully County rents strain household budgets
At 15.6%, Sully County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the South Dakota state average of 13.8% and signals housing stress for renters. With median gross rent at $913 against a median household income of just $70,250, renters here spend more than one dollar in every seven on rent alone.
Above-average housing burden in South Dakota
Sully County ranks among South Dakota's less affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio nearly 2 percentage points above the state average. The median rent of $913 stands $157 higher than South Dakota's overall median, positioning Sully as one of the pricier rental markets in the state.
Sully rents exceed most nearby counties
Sully County's $913 median rent rivals Stanley County ($896) while substantially outpacing Spink County ($691) and Tripp County ($809). For renters comparing the region, Sully represents one of the costlier options despite lower median incomes than some neighbors.
Rent consumes more income here
Renters in Sully County dedicate 15.6% of income to housing, while homeowners spend roughly 13.2% on monthly ownership costs ($773 against $70,250 income). Interestingly, buying is more affordable than renting in Sully County, a reversal from many markets.
Budget carefully if relocating to Sully
Sully County's high rent-to-income ratio makes it a challenging choice for budget-conscious relocators, despite its rural character and median home values around $198,700. Prospective residents should compare rental costs carefully with neighboring counties like Spink, where rents run noticeably lower.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sully County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Sully County is affordable. The median rent is $913/month against a median household income of $70,250, putting rent at 15.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $913/month rent versus $773/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $140/month cheaper — a 15% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,129/year. With a median household income of $70,250, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Sully County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within South Dakota, Sully County is more affordable than Beadle County by roughly 9% ($913/mo vs $834/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sully County
Rent Burden
15.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,639
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Sully County
Median home value is $198,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,586 vs. your max of $1,639.
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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