Average Rent in Mellette County, SD↓ Rents falling 3.6% YoY🔻 2nd cheapest in SD
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 2,043
Market Overview
Mellette County, SD has rental prices ranging from $598/month to $1,360/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $665/month — 52% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $51,364/year, spending $665/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Mellette County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $872/month, Mellette 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 Mellette County Rental Market
The Mellette County, SD area has a population of about 2,043 and 40% 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 Mellette 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 Mellette County, SD without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $26,600. The local median household income of $51,364 exceeds that threshold by $24,764, making Mellette County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Mellette County, SD has an unemployment rate of 4.0%, 0.1 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 FY2025Is Mellette 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 Mellette County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Mellette County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Mellette 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 Mellette CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in SDSee how Mellette County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Mellette CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋SD Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections