Box Elder, SD

Average · 95

South Dakota · Population 12,457 · Updated March 2026

$1,354
Median Rent / Month
$73,698
Median Income
$271,800
Median Home Value
$1,509
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Box Elder

22.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in South Dakota

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
4.2%
Sales Tax
1.28%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$16,248
Annual Rent
$0
State Income Tax
$3,479
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Box Elder has a cost of living close to the national average, offering a balanced mix of expenses and amenities. With a cost index of 95 (where 100 equals the national median), Box Elder residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,354/month while earning a median household income of $73,698/year.

The median home value in Box Elder, SD is $271,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,509 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 22.0% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

South Dakota has no state income tax, which can represent significant savings compared to high-tax states. Combined with a 4.2% sales tax rate and 1.28% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment helps keep costs manageable in Box Elder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Box Elder

What is the cost of living in Box Elder, SD?
The cost of living index in Box Elder, SD is 95 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,354, median household income is $73,698/year, and the median home value is $271,800.
Is Box Elder, SD affordable?
Yes, Box Elder is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 95. The rent-to-income ratio is 22.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Box Elder, SD?
The median gross rent in Box Elder, SD is $1,354 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $16,248.
What is the median household income in Box Elder?
The median household income in Box Elder, SD is $73,698 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in South Dakota?
South Dakota has a top income tax rate of 0%, a sales tax of 4.2%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.28%. Notably, there is no state income tax.