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
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 FY2025Is 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)
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 | — |
| 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
Buying breaks even after 2 years — worth it if you stay 2+ years.
Living in Meade County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Meade CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in SDSee how Meade County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Meade CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋SD Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections