Cost of Living in Yankton, SD
Population 15,501 · South Dakota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Yankton can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $202,000 against $69,071 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. An unemployment rate of 2.1% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Yankton is about 55 miles southwest of Sioux Falls, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 25% lower than Sioux Falls' $271,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Yankton
The median home value in Yankton is $202,300 — 34% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $780/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,071/year is 7% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.1%, 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 60.0°F and lows of 37.3°F, with about 38.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Yankton has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% 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 | 30 | 35 | 47 | 60 | 72 | 82 | 87 | 85 | 78 | 63 | 47 | 34 |
| Low °F | 10 | 14 | 25 | 35 | 48 | 59 | 64 | 62 | 52 | 39 | 25 | 15 |
| Precip" | 0.65 | 0.91 | 1.60 | 3.36 | 3.68 | 4.03 | 3.46 | 3.26 | 2.85 | 2.56 | 1.27 | 1.03 |
| Snow" | 6.7 | 8.5 | 4.7 | 3.7 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 5.9 | 7.6 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Yankton, SD?
Yankton has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.
What is average rent in Yankton, SD?
The median gross rent in Yankton is $780 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Yankton?
The median home value in Yankton is $202,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Yankton?
The median household income in Yankton is $69,071 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Yankton, SD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Yankton is 6.1%. South Dakota has no state income tax.
Is Yankton, SD affordable?
Yes, Yankton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Yankton?
Yankton has average high temperatures of 60.0°F and average lows of 37.3°F. Annual precipitation is 28.7". Average annual snowfall is 38.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Yankton at a Glance
- Population
- 15,501
- Median Income
- $69,071
- Home Value
- $202,300
- Median Rent
- $780/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.1%
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South Dakota Rankings
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