Average Rent in Buffalo County, SD↑ Rents rising 17.0% YoY🔺 2nd priciest in SD

Buffalo County, SD has rental prices ranging from $981/month to $2,222/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,077/month — 23% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $47,000/year, spending $1,077/month on a 1-bedroom represents 27% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Buffalo County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,409/month, Buffalo County ranks #2 most expensive of the 64 cities tracked in South Dakota — pricier than 86% of all US cities in our data.

The Buffalo County Rental Market

The Buffalo County, SD area has a population of about 1,757 and 47% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Buffalo County, SD have risen by $205/month (17.0%) over the past year, from $1,204 to $1,409. 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 Buffalo County, SD without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $43,080. The local median household income of $47,000 exceeds that threshold by $3,920, making Buffalo County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Buffalo County, SD has an unemployment rate of 3.5%, 0.4 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.

Is Buffalo County, SD Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Buffalo County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Buffalo County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.