9 Most Affordable Places to Live in South Dakota in 2024

South Dakota is home to vast and varied landscapes like the stunning Badlands National Park and the towering Black Hills, alongside quaint and historic cities like Sturgis and Deadwood. With its outdoor activities and Old West heritage, South Dakota has many reasons that make it a great place to live. If you’ve been considering moving to South Dakota or buying a home in the state, you also probably have a budget you’d like to stay under as you look for a place to live. When it comes to buying a home in South Dakota the median home sale price is $329,100. 

Don’t worry if that number doesn’t fit in your budget – we’ve got options to help you find a home or apartment that does. Redfin has rounded up a list of the 9 of the most affordable places to live in South Dakota, and they all have a median home sale price under the state’s average. Let’s jump in and see what cities are on the list.

#1: Huron

Median home price: $128,800
Average sale price per square foot: $86
Median household income: $57,702
Nearest major metro: Sioux Falls (125 miles)
Huron, SD homes for sale
Huron, SD apartments for rent

Taking the first spot on our list of most affordable places to live in South Dakota is Huron. Home to about 14,600 and a median home sale price of $128,800, Huron is a great smaller town to call home. In Huron, you can check out gems like the World’s Largest Pheasant statue, the South Dakota State Fair, and the Broadland Creek Golf Course. 

#2: Vermillion

Median home price: $220,000
Average sale price per square foot: $131
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,240
Median household income: $47,813
Nearest major metro: Sioux City, IA (36 miles)
Vermillion, SD homes for sale
Vermillion, SD apartments for rent

Second is Vermillion where about 12,000 residents currently live. The median home sale price is $220,000 which is about $110K less than the median home sale price in South Dakota. If you find yourself moving to the third most affordable city in South Dakota, make sure to explore the charming Main Street, check out the exhibits at the National Music Museum, and stroll through the University of South Dakota campus.

#3: Aberdeen

Median home price: $231,725
Average sale price per square foot: $116
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $845
Median household income: $58,439
Nearest major metro: Fargo, ND (195 miles)
Aberdeen, SD homes for sale
Aberdeen, SD apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $231,725, Aberdeen claims the third spot on our list of affordable places to live in South Dakota. About 28,600 people live in this city and it’s roughly 195 miles from the nearest metropolitan city, Fargo, ND. If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to explore Wylie Park where you’ll find Wylie Lake, a campground, and Storybook Land, or check out downtown Aberdeen.

#4: Mitchell

Median home price: $239,900
Average sale price per square foot: $125
Median household income: $51,763
Nearest major metro: Sioux Falls (72 miles)
Mitchell, SD homes for sale
Mitchell, SD apartments for rent

Home to about 15,600 residents, Mitchell is the next South Dakota city to make our list. The median home sale price is nearly 90K less than the state’s average, so it’s a great affordable option to consider. There’s plenty to explore in Mitchell such as The World’s Only Corn Palace, the Dakota Discovery Museum, and the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village National Historic Landmark. You can also spend the day at Lake Mitchell enjoying the great outdoors.

#5: Pierre

Median home price: $250,000
Average sale price per square foot: $117
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $719
Median household income: $80,473
Pierre, SD homes for sale
Pierre, SD apartments for rent

Consider adding Pierre to your list of cities to consider living in if you’re looking for an affordable place to move to in South Dakota. With 13,800 residents, moving to this affordable city gives you the perks of city life while still living close to nature. In Pierre, you can visit the South Dakota State Capitol, Steamboat Park, and the charming downtown area with local shops and river views. Pierre is also a great lake town in South Dakota to consider living in as it’s near Lake Sharpe.

#6: Watertown

Median home price: $254,000
Average sale price per square foot: $133
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $630
Median household income: $54,676
Nearest major metro: Fargo, ND (150 miles)
Watertown, SD homes for sale
Watertown, SD apartments for rent

A little more expensive than Pierre is Watertown, the next city on our list. With a population close to 22,200, there’s still plenty to do in this city. Plan to check out Sandy Shore State Recreation Area along the shores of Lake Kampeska, visit Bramble Park Zoo, and explore the local shops and restaurants downtown.

#7: Brookings

Median home price: $255,000
Average sale price per square foot: $134
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $965
Median household income: $54,676
Nearest major metro: Sioux Falls (57 miles)
Brookings, SD homes for sale
Brookings, SD apartments for rent

Taking the seventh spot on our list of affordable cities to live in South Dakota is Brookings, about an hour’s drive north of Sioux Falls. When living in this city of 24,500 people, you can check out green spaces like Dakota Nature Park, Sexauer Park & Campground, and McCrory Gardens, explore the South Dakota Art Museum, and visit the downtown area.

#8: Yankton

Median home price: $308,800
Average sale price per square foot: $154
Median household income: $60,180
Nearest major metro: Sioux City, IA (63 miles)
Yankton, SD homes for sale
Yankton, SD apartments for rent

The next city is Yankton, located just across from Nebraska. With about 15,600 residents, this is a great small town to live in. In Yankton, you can enjoy the views of Meridian Bridge and the Missouri River at Riverside Park, explore downtown Yankton where you’ll find cafes, breweries, and restaurants, and stop by Fantle Memorial Park. 

#9: Box Elder

Median home price: $325,950
Average sale price per square foot: $181
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,300
Median household income: $71,532
Nearest major metro: Rapid City (10 miles)
Box Elder, SD homes for sale
Box Elder, SD apartments for rent

The last city to make our list of the most affordable places to live in South Dakota is Box Elder. About 13,800 people live in this Rapid City suburb. Make sure to explore places like the South Dakota Air and Space Museum, golf at the Prairie Ridge Golf Course, and check out the parks in town.

Methodology: All cities must have over 10,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in South Dakota. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during July 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com August 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

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