Cost of Living in Ziebach County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ziebach County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ziebach County ranks #328 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ziebach County, South Dakota
Ziebach Faces Serious Affordability Strain
Ziebach County residents spend 18.1% of their income on rent—nearly 5 percentage points higher than the national average and well into the territory where housing cost burdens pinch household budgets. The median household income of $47,333 is significantly lower than the national median of $74,755, creating real pressure on renters.
South Dakota's Most Challenged County
Ziebach's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% substantially exceeds South Dakota's state average of 13.8%, placing it among the least affordable counties in the region. The gap signals that Ziebach residents face meaningfully tighter housing constraints than their peers statewide.
Ziebach's Income Challenge
While Ziebach's median rent of $715 is actually $41 lower than the state average, the county's median household income of $47,333 is the real constraint. This income-to-rent mismatch makes Ziebach one of South Dakota's most strained markets for renters despite nominally lower rents.
Housing Takes the Biggest Share
Renters in Ziebach pay $715 monthly while homeowners pay $651—but these costs hit much harder on a median income of just $47,333. Housing accounts for roughly 18% of renter income and 16% of owner income, consuming a substantially larger share than regional norms.
Considering Ziebach? Know the Trade-offs
Ziebach County offers the lowest homeownership costs in this comparison at $651 monthly, which may appeal to buyers with limited equity. However, renters should carefully evaluate whether their income can comfortably support the county's 18.1% rent burden—among South Dakota's highest.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ziebach County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Ziebach County is affordable. The median rent is $715/month against a median household income of $47,333, putting rent at 18.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Ziebach County pay $715/month on average, compared to $651/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 9%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,900/year. With a median household income of $47,333, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Ziebach County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hamlin County where rent averages $769/month, Ziebach County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ziebach County
Rent Burden
18.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,104
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Ziebach County
Median home value is $101,700. Estimated monthly cost: $812 vs. your max of $1,104.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Ziebach County, South Dakota?
What is the median rent in Ziebach County?
Is Ziebach County affordable?
How does Ziebach County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Ziebach County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Ziebach County, South Dakota? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Ziebach County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.