RentData

Average Rent in Meade County, SD Rents falling 5.3% YoY🔺 2nd priciest in SD

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 30,297

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

Market Overview

Meade County, SD has rental prices ranging from $751/month to $1,839/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $835/month — 40% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $74,161/year, spending $835/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Meade County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,095/month, Meade County ranks #2 most expensive of the 64 cities tracked in South Dakota — pricier than 74% of all US cities in our data.

The Meade County Rental Market

The Meade County, SD area has a population of about 30,297 and 27% 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 Meade County, SD have fallen by $61/month (5.3%) over the past year, from $1,156 to $1,095. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Meade County, SD without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $33,400. The local median household income of $74,161 exceeds that threshold by $40,761, making Meade County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Meade County, SD has an unemployment rate of 2.0%, 1.9 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 FY2025
Studio
$751
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$835
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,095
5.3% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,506
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,839
Affordable
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Is Meade 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
$43,800/year
Local median income: $74,161
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,095/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
Codington County$687$764$1,002$1,272
Lawrence County$660$734$963$1,349

Rent or Buy in Meade County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Meade County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,095/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 2 years — worth it if you stay 2+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,095/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Meade 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 Meade County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Meade County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in SD

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⚖️Compare Meade County

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

📋SD Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections