Cost of Living in Walworth County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Walworth County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Walworth County ranks #1,542 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 49%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Walworth County, South Dakota
Walworth County faces severe rental strain
At 18.4%, Walworth County's rent-to-income ratio stands well above the South Dakota state average of 13.8%, signaling acute housing affordability challenges. With median household income at $62,722 and median rent reaching $962 monthly, renters spend nearly one dollar in every five on housing—a burden that exceeds national affordability thresholds.
South Dakota's most strained rental market
Walworth County ranks among the least affordable counties in South Dakota for renters, with a rent-to-income ratio substantially above the state average. The combination of below-average household incomes and above-average rents creates one of the state's most challenging housing affordability situations.
Walworth rents lead the region
Walworth County's median rent of $962 is the second-highest in this group after Union County ($1,055), yet household income of $62,722 ranks near the region's bottom. This mismatch—high costs, moderate incomes—makes Walworth among the least affordable counties in the region.
Housing dominates household spending
Renters in Walworth allocate a concerning 18.4% of income to housing, while homeowners spend roughly 15.5% on ownership costs ($811 against $62,722 income). Both renting and buying strain household budgets more severely in Walworth than in most surrounding counties.
Walworth County requires strong earnings
Walworth County's high rent-to-income ratio and elevated housing costs make it a challenging destination for budget-conscious relocators. Prospective movers should secure employment paying well above the county median of $62,722 to ensure housing affordability—or compare alternatives in neighboring counties with lower cost burdens.
Cost of Living Advisory: Walworth County
Affordability Verdict
Walworth County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $962/month — about 18.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Walworth County pay $962/month on average, compared to $811/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 16%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,757/year. With a median household income of $62,722, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Walworth County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Walworth County sits 7% more expensive than Codington County ($901/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Walworth County
Rent Burden
18.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,464
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Walworth County
Median home value is $130,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,038 vs. your max of $1,464.
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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