RentData

Average Rent in Dewey County, SD↓ Rents falling 3.6% YoY🔻 2nd cheapest in SD

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 5,230

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Dewey County, SD has rental prices ranging from $598/month to $1,183/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $788/month — 44% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $57,928/year, spending $788/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Dewey County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $872/month, Dewey County ranks #63 most expensive of the 64 cities tracked in South Dakota — more affordable than 86% of all US cities in our data.

The Dewey County Rental Market

The Dewey County, SD area has a population of about 5,230 and 39% 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 Dewey County, SD have fallen by $33/month (3.6%) over the past year, from $905 to $872. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Dewey County, SD without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $31,520. The local median household income of $57,928 exceeds that threshold by $26,408, making Dewey County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Dewey County, SD has an unemployment rate of 7.4%, 3.5 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$598
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$788
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$872
↓3.6% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,155
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,183
Affordable
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Dewey County
▼

Is Dewey 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
$34,880/year
Local median income: $57,928
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $872/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in SDlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Sioux Falls$748$882$1,030$1,412—
Rapid City$767$856$1,119$1,490—
Brown County$672$676$872$1,218—
Brookings County$761$765$923$1,293—
Meade County$751$835$1,095$1,506—
Codington County$687$764$1,002$1,272—

Rent or Buy in Dewey County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Dewey County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$872/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $872/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Dewey County

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

Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data

Select your origin state to see the estimate

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️Neighborhoods in Dewey County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Dewey County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in SD

See how Dewey County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Dewey County

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

📋SD Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections