Cost of Living in Todd County, South Dakota

$537/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$45,200
Median Home Value
29% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$537/mo
29% below state average
Median Home Value
$45,200
84% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
20.0%
% 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 Todd County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Todd County$537/mo
South Dakota Average$756/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$537/mo
Median Gross Rent
$45,200
Median Home Value
$405/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
20.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Todd County, South Dakota

Todd County faces acute affordability crisis

Todd County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% far exceeds the South Dakota state average of 13.8% and signals severe housing affordability strain. With a median household income of just $39,148—barely half the national median of $74,755—renters pay $537 monthly for housing that consumes an outsized portion of household earnings.

South Dakota's most strained housing market

Todd County ranks among the least affordable counties in South Dakota, with income levels significantly below the state average and a rent-to-income ratio well above the state benchmark. The combination of low household incomes and elevated housing cost burdens reveals a county struggling with economic inequality.

Todd County's income crisis magnifies costs

While Todd County's median rent of $537 is the lowest in the region, the median household income of $39,148 is dramatically lower than surrounding counties like Tripp ($58,854) and Walworth ($62,722). This income deficit transforms even modest rents into unaffordable burdens.

Housing dominates household budgets

Renters in Todd County allocate 16.5% of income to rent, while homeowners spend roughly 12.4% on ownership costs ($405 against $39,148 income). For many households, housing consumes a larger share of budget than is sustainable, leaving limited funds for other necessities.

Todd County requires careful consideration

Todd County's combination of low income levels and high housing burden ratios makes it challenging for most relocators unless employment offers substantial local wages. Job seekers should verify local employment conditions before considering a move, as the county's economic fundamentals differ significantly from higher-income neighbors.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Todd County

$

Rent Burden

16.5%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$913

per month

Owner Cost Burden

12.4%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Todd County

Median home value is $45,200. Estimated monthly cost: $361 vs. your max of $913.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio16.5%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Todd County, South Dakota?
Todd County, South Dakota has a median monthly rent of $537/mo and a median home value of $45,200. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 20.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Todd County?
The median gross rent in Todd County is $537/mo. This is 29% below state average for South Dakota.
Is Todd County affordable?
Todd County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 20.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Todd County's rent compare to the state average?
Todd County's median rent of $537/mo is 29% below state average of $756/mo for South Dakota.
What is the median home value in Todd County?
The median home value in Todd County, South Dakota is $45,200. This is 84% below the national median home value of $281,900.
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.