RentData

Average Rent in Moody County, SD Rents falling 3.6% YoY🔻 2nd cheapest in SD

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 6,371

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

Market Overview

Moody County, SD has rental prices ranging from $598/month to $1,383/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 $77,500/year, spending $665/month on a 1-bedroom represents 10% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Moody County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $872/month, Moody 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 Moody County Rental Market

The Moody County, SD area has a population of about 6,371 and 29% 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 Moody 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 Moody 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 $77,500 exceeds that threshold by $50,900, making Moody County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Moody County, SD has an unemployment rate of 2.6%, 1.3 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
$598
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$665
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$872
3.6% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,178
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,383
Affordable
🔔
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Is Moody 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
$34,880/year
Local median income: $77,500
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $872/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
Meade County$751$835$1,095$1,506
Codington County$687$764$1,002$1,272

Rent or Buy in Moody County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Moody County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$872/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $872/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Moody County

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Moody County

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💵Rent Affordability in Moody County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in SD

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⚖️Compare Moody County

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📋SD Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections