What Is The Cost Of Living In Rapid City, South Dakota?

Whether work, family, or something else calls you to Rapid City, consider the cost of living before deciding whether it is the right financial fit for you. People move to Rapid City to take advantage of the strong job market in the energy industry and achieve a high standard of living at a lower-than-average cost in a city with a suburban feel.

Rapid City boasts a competitive real estate market with median home prices at $250,000. Child care and other costs are similarly low, but these figures are countered by a median annual household income of only $52,351. On the United States cost of living index with a base of 100, Rapid City’s cost of living index is 92.9, which means it is 7.1% less expensive to live in Rapid City than the theoretical average cost of living in the US.

That average income will go further than it would in major metro areas across the country, but that $4,300 per month will be quickly consumed by housing and other costs. Read on to learn more about the cost of living in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Homeownership is much more attainable in Rapid City than in other cities in the United States. The median list price for single-family homes in Rapid City is just shy of $250,000. Market analysts expect home values to rise about 7 percent in the next year as the area is becoming a seller’s market. The home inventory is down across the country right now, but a shortage of homes was a characteristic of the Rapid City market prior to the pandemic.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the average monthly mortgage payment in 2018 was $1,400 per month. Keep in mind that while interest rates remain low, buyers can secure homes for lower monthly payments providing they lock in a historically low rate.

Prospective home buyers should remember that the cost of property taxes is tacked onto your monthly mortgage payments by the lender, and Rapid City’s property taxes are more expensive than the national average. Real estate property taxes are calculated on the assessed value of the home, which is usually not the list or sell price and is actually a percentage of the home’s value. Regardless, the more expensive the home, the higher the property taxes.

The national average property tax rate is 1.07 percent. In Rapid City, the average rate is 1.410 percent. This translates to an annual property tax amount of $3,525 per property.

Renters can also get ahead if their apartment rent includes utilities. If utilities are separate or if you purchase a home, be sure to budget for utility costs. In particular, plan for more expensive utility bills in the winter. December through March, the average monthly high is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Fortunately, the mild summers usually do not warrant air conditioning.

Electricity Rates: The average residential electricity bill in South Dakota is $99 per month, which is below the national average of $107. In Rapid City, the residential electricity rate is $0.1078 per kilowatt.

Water and Sewer: The average residential water and sewer bill is $60 per month. For water, the city charges a flat fee based on meter size and then a usage rate on top of that. The sewer rate is $3.68 per 100 cubic feet plus demand fees.

The niche South Dakota Mines University calls Rapid City home and draws students from across the West. Mines is a well-respected engineering school. South Dakota residents pay only $11,020 per year for tuition, although room and board and fees inflate the price to $21,050 annually. The university offers generous reciprocity programs with other states to offer in-state tuition to many students.

Black Hills State University also has a location in Rapid City for a second public four-year degree option. Six credits cost $2,107.50. A sixteen-credit semester would cost $5,620.

The median annual tuition at a public four-year university in the United States is $10,270

Related Questions

What do most people earn in Rapid City?

The per-person income for people living in Rapid City is $31,299. The household median income is $52,351. About 16 percent of Rapid Citians live at or below federal poverty guidelines. Only 32 percent of the workforce has a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Are there other population centers nearby?

The largest city in South Dakota, Sioux Falls, is five hours away by car. The population of Rapid City is 72,258. Rapid City is the largest city within several hours. It has multiple malls, shopping districts, and shopping centers. Rapid City shops will have everything you need, from boutiques to outdoor stores. It also offers fine dining and an array of foods from around the world; one of the most popular restaurants is actually a Nepalese restaurant!

What are the main industries in Rapid City?

Rapid City’s greatest industry is tourism. It is a common stopover for people visiting Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, Deadwood, and the Black Hills. Mining, logging, and agriculture are also significant industries in the area. Ellsworth Air Force Base is nearby and serves as an additional influx of employment and income in the area. The Air Force base is the largest employer in the entire state.

Rapid City is an appealing choice for people who prefer a suburban feel rather than a highly populated metropolitan area. And just as city dwellers disperse to the suburbs for bigger yards and cheaper costs of living, so are some people interested in Rapid City.

The greatest lure of the city, though, is its natural surroundings. It is the home to world-class landscapes as well as man-made structures. People who love Rapid City love the peace and the slower pace than the hustle and bustle of big cities.

The household median income is low compared to many areas, but it can provide for a comfortable existence thanks to the lower cost of living, provided you can manage the discomfort of the winters.