Special Interest
Housing in Lake County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Lake County averages $947/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 27% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Lake County FMR Area are $707 for a studio, $781 for 1‑bedroom, $1,025 for 2‑bedroom, $1,229 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,719 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $78 increase for a 2-bedroom in Lake County shows a 8% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Lake County was 1.5% in 2024, compared to South Dakota at 1.8% and the national rate of 4.0%.
