Cost of Living in Rapid Valley, SD
Population 7,153 · South Dakota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Rapid Valley offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $226,000 — costs less than 2.7 times median household income of $85,217, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rapid Valley
The median home value in Rapid Valley is $226,300 — 26% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,263/month, 4% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $85,217/year is 14% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, 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 59.6°F and lows of 33.7°F, with about 48.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Rapid Valley has a cost of living index of 83 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% less expensive.
Rapid Valley is within a protected area
This area is within or adjacent to protected federal land. Residential housing is concentrated in nearby towns — here are the closest communities 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 | 36 | 38 | 48 | 57 | 67 | 78 | 86 | 85 | 76 | 60 | 47 | 37 |
| Low °F | 13 | 14 | 23 | 31 | 42 | 52 | 59 | 56 | 46 | 34 | 22 | 14 |
| Precip" | 0.31 | 0.50 | 0.91 | 2.08 | 3.45 | 2.87 | 2.28 | 1.59 | 1.22 | 1.41 | 0.47 | 0.35 |
| Snow" | 5.3 | 7.7 | 8.4 | 10.1 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 3.0 | 5.7 | 6.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rapid Valley, SD?
Rapid Valley has a cost index of 83 (100 = national average). It is 17% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rapid Valley, SD?
The median gross rent in Rapid Valley is $1,263 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rapid Valley?
The median home value in Rapid Valley is $226,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Rapid Valley?
The median household income in Rapid Valley is $85,217 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rapid Valley, SD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rapid Valley is 6.1%. South Dakota has no state income tax.
Is Rapid Valley, SD affordable?
Yes, Rapid Valley is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 83 — about 17% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Rapid Valley?
Rapid Valley has average high temperatures of 59.6°F and average lows of 33.7°F. Annual precipitation is 17.4". Average annual snowfall is 48.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Rapid Valley at a Glance
- Population
- 7,153
- Median Income
- $85,217
- Home Value
- $226,300
- Median Rent
- $1,263/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.1%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Dakota Rankings
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