Cost of Living in Mitchell, SD
Population 15,637 · South Dakota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Mitchell a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $182,000. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.1% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Mitchell is about 65 miles west of Sioux Falls, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 33% lower than Sioux Falls' $271,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Mitchell
The median home value in Mitchell is $182,000 — 40% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $754/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,374/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.1%, 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 58.7°F and lows of 36.7°F. Overall, Mitchell has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.
🏠 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 | 29 | 33 | 45 | 59 | 71 | 81 | 87 | 84 | 77 | 62 | 46 | 32 |
| Low °F | 9 | 13 | 24 | 35 | 48 | 59 | 64 | 61 | 51 | 38 | 24 | 14 |
| Precip" | 0.40 | 0.37 | 0.93 | 2.07 | 3.15 | 3.51 | 2.36 | 3.14 | 2.34 | 1.83 | 0.55 | 0.49 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Mitchell, SD?
Mitchell has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in Mitchell, SD?
The median gross rent in Mitchell is $754 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Mitchell?
The median home value in Mitchell is $182,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Mitchell?
The median household income in Mitchell is $56,374 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Mitchell, SD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Mitchell is 6.1%. South Dakota has no state income tax.
Is Mitchell, SD affordable?
Yes, Mitchell is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Mitchell?
Mitchell has average high temperatures of 58.7°F and average lows of 36.7°F. Annual precipitation is 21.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Mitchell at a Glance
- Population
- 15,637
- Median Income
- $56,374
- Home Value
- $182,000
- Median Rent
- $754/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.1%
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Dakota Rankings
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