Cost of Living in Yankton County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Yankton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Yankton County ranks #2,297 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Yankton County, South Dakota
Yankton's Housing Beats National Average
Yankton County residents spend just 12.6% of their income on rent, well below the national average of roughly 13-14% and comfortably under the threshold that housing experts consider affordable. The county's median household income of $73,855 nearly matches the national median of $74,755, giving renters genuine breathing room in their budgets.
South Dakota's Most Affordable County
Yankton ranks among South Dakota's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 12.6% that beats the state average of 13.8%. At $777 per month, median rent is only $21 above the state average, but the county's stronger household income makes all the difference in affordability.
Yankton Stands Out Regionally
Yankton County's median rent of $777 is competitive with other South Dakota communities, and its combination of affordable housing and solid incomes makes it more accessible than many rural alternatives. The county's median home value of $208,200 reflects a balanced market for both renters and buyers seeking stability.
Where Your Housing Dollar Goes
Renters in Yankton pay $777 monthly while homeowners carry $1,002 in monthly ownership costs—both reasonable fractions of the $73,855 median household income. Combined, housing takes up roughly 22-23% of household income for buyers, leaving families substantial resources for other essentials and savings.
Considering a Move to Yankton?
Yankton County offers genuine affordability paired with stable incomes—a rare combination in rural America. If you're weighing relocation options, Yankton's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio makes it a practical choice for renters and homebuyers alike.
Cost of Living Advisory: Yankton County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Yankton County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $777/month in gross rent, with 22.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Yankton County is $777/month, while owner costs run $1,002/month. Renting saves approximately $225/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,943/year. With a median household income of $73,855, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Yankton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Kingsbury County where rent averages $725/month, Yankton County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Yankton County
Rent Burden
12.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,723
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Yankton County
Median home value is $208,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,662 vs. your max of $1,723.
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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