Cost of Living in Dakota Dunes, SD

Population 4,129 · South Dakota · Data vintage 2023

134
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Dakota Dunes is a smaller South Dakota community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $123,438 and housing costs ($495,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Located 75 miles south of Sioux Falls, Dakota Dunes is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 82% higher than Sioux Falls' $271,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 162
Rent 92

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Dakota Dunes

The median home value in Dakota Dunes is $495,000 — 62% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,211/month, 8% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $123,438/year is 66% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. South Dakota charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 59.5°F and lows of 37.4°F, with about 36" of annual snowfall. Overall, Dakota Dunes has a cost of living index of 134 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$495,000
62% above avg
Median Rent
$1,211/mo
8% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
34.1x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$598
1 BR
$702
2 BR
$872
3 BR
$1,213
4 BR
$1,391
Owner-occupied 66.5%
Renter-occupied 33.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,211
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,825/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
13.7 min
49% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
86.5%
Carpooled
6.6%
Walked
1.1%
Work from home
5.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 6.1%
State rate 4.2%
Avg local rate 1.9%
Property Tax 1.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$123,438
66% above avg
Per Capita Income
$68,587
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
20% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.8%
Labor Force Participation
61.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 36.5%
Graduate degree 24.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.1
Male median age 37.1
Female median age 46.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.5°F
Avg Low
37.4°F
Annual Precip
29.3"
Annual Snowfall
36"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 303448617282858377634733
Low °F 101526374959636151382515
Precip" 0.690.861.763.153.874.353.353.942.842.201.270.99
Snow" 7.78.75.72.30.00.00.00.00.00.83.27.6

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Dakota Dunes, SD?

Dakota Dunes has a cost index of 134 (100 = national average). It is 34% above the national average.

What is average rent in Dakota Dunes, SD?

The median gross rent in Dakota Dunes is $1,211 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Dakota Dunes?

The median home value in Dakota Dunes is $495,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Dakota Dunes?

The median household income in Dakota Dunes is $123,438 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Dakota Dunes, SD?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dakota Dunes is 6.1%. South Dakota has no state income tax.

Is Dakota Dunes, SD affordable?

Dakota Dunes is above average in cost of living, with an index of 134 — about 34% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Dakota Dunes?

Dakota Dunes has average high temperatures of 59.5°F and average lows of 37.4°F. Annual precipitation is 29.3". Average annual snowfall is 36". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Dakota Dunes at a Glance

Population
4,129
Median Income
$123,438
Home Value
$495,000
Median Rent
$1,211/mo
Unemployment
3.9%
Avg High Temp
59.5°F
Sales Tax
6.1%
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