Cost of Living in Hartford, SD
Population 3,412 · South Dakota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Hartford offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $223,000 — costs less than 2.3 times median household income of $95,426, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.2% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 12 miles west of Sioux Falls, Hartford falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 18% lower than Sioux Falls' $271,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Hartford
The median home value in Hartford is $223,400 — 27% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $937/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $95,426/year is 28% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.2%, 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 58.0°F and lows of 36.6°F, with about 45.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Hartford has a cost of living index of 72 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% less expensive.
Hartford has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 27 | 32 | 45 | 59 | 71 | 81 | 85 | 83 | 76 | 61 | 45 | 32 |
| Low °F | 9 | 13 | 24 | 36 | 48 | 59 | 63 | 61 | 52 | 38 | 25 | 13 |
| Precip" | 0.60 | 0.83 | 1.60 | 3.00 | 3.86 | 4.23 | 3.25 | 3.34 | 2.73 | 2.36 | 1.22 | 0.83 |
| Snow" | 8.0 | 8.6 | 7.2 | 5.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.4 | 6.2 | 8.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Hartford, SD?
Hartford has a cost index of 72 (100 = national average). It is 28% below the national average.
What is average rent in Hartford, SD?
The median gross rent in Hartford is $937 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Hartford?
The median home value in Hartford is $223,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Hartford?
The median household income in Hartford is $95,426 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Hartford, SD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hartford is 6.1%. South Dakota has no state income tax.
Is Hartford, SD affordable?
Yes, Hartford is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 72 — about 28% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Hartford?
Hartford has average high temperatures of 58.0°F and average lows of 36.6°F. Annual precipitation is 27.9". Average annual snowfall is 45.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Hartford at a Glance
- Population
- 3,412
- Median Income
- $95,426
- Home Value
- $223,400
- Median Rent
- $937/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.1%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Dakota Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs