Special Interest
Housing in Buffalo County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Buffalo County averages $540/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the South Dakota median of $946 and the national median of $1,413.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Buffalo County FMR Area are $853 for a studio, $943 for 1‑bedroom, $1,237 for 2‑bedroom, $1,483 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,915 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $697 increase for a 2-bedroom in Buffalo County shows a 129% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Buffalo County was 4.6% in 2024, compared to South Dakota at 1.8% and the national rate of 4.0%.
