Special Interest
Housing in Mellette County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Mellette County averages $708/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the South Dakota median of $946 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 22% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Mellette County FMR Area are $880 for a studio, $973 for 1‑bedroom, $1,277 for 2‑bedroom, $1,625 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,977 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $569 increase for a 2-bedroom in Mellette County shows a 80% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Mellette County was 2.9% in 2024, compared to South Dakota at 1.8% and the national rate of 4.0%.
