South Dakota · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Jackson County, SD

The median household in Jackson County, SD earns $35,417 a year ($2,951/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $929/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $37,160 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 11.4% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$35,417$2,951 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$929HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)88.6-11.4% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate15.4¢per kWh · EIA Residential SD
Census Population2,802Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Jackson County, SD

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Moderate cost burden (30–50%)
HUD Fair Market Rent$929Monthly market rent
Share of gross income31.5%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$37,160To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$885At 30% of $35,417
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Jackson County, SD

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Jackson County, SD. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Jackson County, SD
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$641$7,692$25,64021.7%
1-Bedroom Apartment$826$9,912$33,04028%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$929$11,148$37,16031.5%
3-Bedroom Home$1,182$14,184$47,28040%
4-Bedroom Home$1,365$16,380$54,60046.2%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Jackson County, SD →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Jackson County, SD

Based on the local median household income of $35,417/year ($2,951/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$1,476/moRent ($929 2-BR), utilities (~$138/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$885/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 88.6 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$590/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in South Dakota

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and South Dakota state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$35,417
$15,000$75,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$35,417
Net 87%
Fed 6%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$30,638After all taxes
Monthly deposit$2,553Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,178Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate13.5%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$2,070 / yr
South Dakota state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$2,709 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across South Dakota with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Jackson County, SD

What is the median household income in Jackson County, SD?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Jackson County, SD is $35,417 per year (approximately $2,951 per month).

What is the average rent in Jackson County, SD?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Jackson County, SD are $641 for a studio, $826 for 1 bedroom, $929 for 2 bedrooms, $1,182 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,365 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Jackson County, SD compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Jackson County, SD is 88.6 (11.4% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Jackson County, SD?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($929/month) in Jackson County, SD requires a minimum gross household income of $37,160 per year ($3,097 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Jackson County, SD?

For a typical household earning the median income of $35,417/year ($2,951/month) in Jackson County, SD, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $1,476/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $885/month to discretionary spending, and $590/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Jackson County, SD?

Residential electricity rates in South Dakota average 15.4¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $138 per month.