RentData

Average Rent in Mellette County, SD↑ Rents rising 12.2% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 2,043

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Mellette County, SD has rental prices ranging from $741/month to $1,678/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $813/month — 42% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $51,364/year, spending $813/month on a 1-bedroom represents 19% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Mellette County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,064/month, Mellette County ranks #27 most expensive of the 64 cities tracked in South Dakota — pricier than 58% 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 risen by $116/month (12.2%) over the past year, from $948 to $1,064. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

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 $32,520. The local median household income of $51,364 exceeds that threshold by $18,844, making Mellette County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Mellette County, SD has an unemployment rate of 2.7%, 1.2 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 FY2027
Studio
$741
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$813
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,064
↑12.2% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,368
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,678
Average
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Is 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)

To rent a 2BR
$42,560/year
Local median income: $51,364
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,064/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in SDlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Sioux Falls$941$1,044$1,228$1,694—
Rapid City$996$1,093$1,430$1,833—
Brown County$706$775$1,014$1,283—
Brookings County$853$858$1,066$1,476—
Meade County$945$1,037$1,357$1,879—
Codington County$871$943$1,233$1,504—

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

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,064/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 3 years — worth it if you stay 3+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,064/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

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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🏘️Neighborhoods in Mellette County

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💵Rent Affordability in Mellette County

Salary needed to afford rent here

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📋SD Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections