RentData

Average Rent in Day County, SD↑ Rents rising 9.1% YoY🔻 2nd cheapest in SD

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 5,460

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Day County, SD has rental prices ranging from $706/month to $1,599/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $858/month — 39% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $62,270/year, spending $858/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Day County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,014/month, Day 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 Day County Rental Market

The Day County, SD area has a population of about 5,460 and 24% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Day 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 Day County, SD without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $34,320. The local median household income of $62,270 exceeds that threshold by $27,950, making Day County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Day County, SD has an unemployment rate of 1.7%, 2.2 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 FY2027
Studio
$706
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$858
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,014
↑9.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,404
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,599
Average
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Is Day County, SD Affordable?

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

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$40,560/year
Local median income: $62,270
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,014/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in SDlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Sioux Falls$941$1,044$1,228$1,694—
Rapid City$996$1,093$1,430$1,833—
Brown County$706$775$1,014$1,283—
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—

Rent or Buy in Day County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Day County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,014/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 4 years — worth it if you stay 4+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,014/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Day County

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Day County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Day County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in SD

See how Day County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Day County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋SD Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections