Average Rent in Brown County, SD↑ Rents rising 9.1% YoY🔻 2nd cheapest in SD
HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 38,079
Market Overview
Brown County, SD has rental prices ranging from $706/month to $1,584/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $775/month — 45% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $70,239/year, spending $775/month on a 1-bedroom represents 13% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Brown County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,014/month, Brown County ranks #63 most expensive of the 64 cities tracked in South Dakota — more affordable than 63% of all US cities in our data.
The Brown County Rental Market
The Brown County, SD area has a population of about 38,079 and 34% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Brown County, SD have risen by $85/month (9.1%) over the past year, from $929 to $1,014. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Brown County, SD without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $31,000. The local median household income of $70,239 exceeds that threshold by $39,239, making Brown County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Brown County, SD has an unemployment rate of 1.6%, 2.3 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2027Is Brown County, SD Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in SDlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $941 | $1,044 | $1,228 | $1,694 | — |
| Rapid City | $996 | $1,093 | $1,430 | $1,833 | — |
| Brookings County | $853 | $858 | $1,066 | $1,476 | — |
| Meade County | $945 | $1,037 | $1,357 | $1,879 | — |
| Codington County | $871 | $943 | $1,233 | $1,504 | — |
| Lawrence County | $841 | $923 | $1,207 | $1,671 | — |
Rent or Buy in Brown County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Brown County data
Buying breaks even after 4 years — worth it if you stay 4+ years.
Living in Brown County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Brown CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in SDSee how Brown County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Brown CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋SD Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections