Average Rent in Lawrence County, SD↓ Rents falling 6.7% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 26,574
Market Overview
Lawrence County, SD has rental prices ranging from $660/month to $1,617/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $734/month — 48% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $66,766/year, spending $734/month on a 1-bedroom represents 13% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Lawrence County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $963/month, Lawrence County ranks #12 most expensive of the 64 cities tracked in South Dakota — pricier than 58% of all US cities in our data.
The Lawrence County Rental Market
The Lawrence County, SD area has a population of about 26,574 and 36% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Lawrence County, SD have fallen by $69/month (6.7%) over the past year, from $1,032 to $963. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Lawrence County, SD without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $29,360. The local median household income of $66,766 exceeds that threshold by $37,406, making Lawrence County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Lawrence 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 FY2025Is Lawrence 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 | $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 Lawrence County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Lawrence County data
Buying breaks even after 5 years — worth it if you stay 5+ years.
Living in Lawrence County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Lawrence CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in SDSee how Lawrence County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Lawrence CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋SD Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections