Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Brookings County, South Dakota
Brookings County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,066 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $901 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $20.50 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,066
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 10% less than in South Dakota
- Typical rent
- $901
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 5% less than in South Dakota
- Wage needed
- $20.50
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $42,640 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 38%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% less than in South Dakota
Only here
Renting in Brookings County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Nearby, in Deuel County, the typical rent is $642: 29% less than in Brookings County ($901).
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At 57%, Brookings County ranks 6th among the 66 counties in South Dakota for the lowest homeownership rate.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Brookings County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Brookings County was $1,275 a month in September 2026: 9.8% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $853 | $16.40 | $34,120 |
| 1 bedroom | $858 | $16.50 | $34,320 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,066 | $20.50 | $42,640 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,476 | $28.38 | $59,040 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,782 | $34.27 | $71,280 |
HUD area: Brookings County, SD. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 16 ZIP codes in Brookings County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 57002 to $1,180 in 57071. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,066).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 57002 | Brookings County, SD | $810 | $820 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,700 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57002 | Moody County, SD | $810 | $820 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,700 |
| 57006 | Brookings County, SD | $840 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,450 | $1,760 |
| 57006 | Moody County, SD | $840 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,450 | $1,760 |
| 57007 | Brookings County, SD | $840 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,450 | $1,760 |
| 57026 | Brookings County, SD | $800 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,400 | $1,700 |
| 57026 | Lincoln County, MN | $800 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,400 | $1,700 |
| 57026 | Moody County, SD | $800 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,400 | $1,700 |
| 57026 | Pipestone County, MN | $800 | $810 | $1,010 | $1,400 | $1,700 |
| 57061 | Brookings County, SD | $860 | $890 | $1,130 | $1,500 | $1,850 |
| 57071 | Brookings County, SD | $940 | $950 | $1,180 | $1,630 | $1,980 |
| 57071 | Lake County, SD | $940 | $950 | $1,180 | $1,630 | $1,980 |
| 57071 | Moody County, SD | $940 | $950 | $1,180 | $1,630 | $1,980 |
| 57220 | Brookings County, SD | $800 | $830 | $1,060 | $1,410 | $1,660 |
| 57220 | Hamlin County, SD | $800 | $830 | $1,060 | $1,410 | $1,660 |
| 57276 | Brookings County, SD | $810 | $820 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,700 |
- 57002 · Brookings County, SD $1,010$1,410
- 57002 · Moody County, SD $1,010$1,410
- 57006 · Brookings County, SD $1,050$1,450
- 57006 · Moody County, SD $1,050$1,450
- 57007 · Brookings County, SD $1,050$1,450
- 57026 · Brookings County, SD $1,010$1,400
- 57026 · Lincoln County, MN $1,010$1,400
- 57026 · Moody County, SD $1,010$1,400
- 57026 · Pipestone County, MN $1,010$1,400
- 57061 · Brookings County, SD $1,130$1,500
- 57071 · Brookings County, SD $1,180$1,630
- 57071 · Lake County, SD $1,180$1,630
- 57071 · Moody County, SD $1,180$1,630
- 57220 · Brookings County, SD $1,060$1,410
- 57220 · Hamlin County, SD $1,060$1,410
- 57276 · Brookings County, SD $1,010$1,410
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Brookings County, 38% of renter households are in that position; in South Dakota, 40%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
38%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
5,902 households rent in Brookings County
- Spend half or more of their income 16%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 62%
Compared with the state and the country
- Brookings 38%
- South Dakota 40%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Brookings County
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Brookings County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 7
- public housing
- 1
332 homes in all; 281 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Yorkshire Apartments HUD-assisted 2410 Yorkshire Dr, Brookings 57006 50 low-income homes · For families · (605) 692-2912
- Arrowhead Apts HUD-assisted 913 Onaka Trl, Brookings 57006 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (605) 692-8485
- Prairie View Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1808 12th St S, Brookings 57006 40 homes, 36 low-income · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2013
- Green Briar HUD-assisted 500 15th St S, Brookings 57006 30 low-income homes · For families · (605) 692-9551
- Green Briar Tax credit (LIHTC) 410 15th St S, Brookings 57006 29 low-income homes · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2000
- South Briar Tax credit (LIHTC) 503 15th St S, Brookings 57006 29 low-income homes · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1999
- Pheasant Run Apartments HUD-assisted 1250 Windsor Dr S, Brookings 57006 25 homes, 24 low-income · For older adults · (605) 692-8485
- Westside Apartments Public housing 601 Samara Ave, Volga 57071 20 low-income homes · Run by Volga Housing and Redevelopment Commission · Average payment: $528 a month · Average wait: 2 months · (605) 627-5249
- Prairie View Townhomes HUD-assisted 1802 12th St S, Brookings 57006 40 homes, 7 low-income · For families · (605) 370-5901
- Advance Associate Living HUD-assisted 202 6th Ave S, Brookings 57006 7 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (605) 692-7852
- ADVANCE Congregate Living Facility HUD-assisted 905 5th St S, Brookings 57006 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (605) 692-7852
- Regency Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Sunrise Ridge Rd S, Brookings 57006 8 homes, 4 low-income · In service since 1990
- Regency Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 104 Sunrise Ridge Rd S, Brookings 57006 8 homes
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Brookings County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Brookings County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $23,600 | $39,300 | $62,850 |
| 2 people | $26,950 | $44,900 | $71,800 |
| 3 people | $30,300 | $50,500 | $80,800 |
| 4 people | $33,650 | $56,100 | $89,750 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $60,600 | $96,950 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $65,100 | $104,150 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $69,600 | $111,300 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $74,100 | $118,500 |
Area median income: $112,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Brookings County, SD. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $768 – $938
- 1 bedroom $772 – $944
- 2 bedrooms $959 – $1,173
- 3 bedrooms $1,328 – $1,624
- 4 bedrooms $1,604 – $1,960
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Brookings Housing & Redevelopment Commission Section 8 vouchers · 475 vouchers (605) 692-1670 Brookings Housing & Redevelopment Commission: sdbhrc@brookings.net
- Volga Housing and Redevelopment Commission Public housing · 20 public housing units (605) 627-5249 Volga Housing and Redevelopment Commission: aglovjLb@itctel.com
Housing agencies in South Dakota Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in South Dakota
What South Dakota law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 1 month of rent
- S.D. Codified Laws §43-32-6.1
- When must they return my deposit?
- 21 days
- S.D. Codified Laws §43-32-24
- How much notice before a rent increase?
- 30 days
- S.D. Codified Laws §43-32-13
- Repair and deduct from the rentS.D. Codified Laws §43-32-9
Help
Where to get help with rent in Brookings County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Brookings County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
CCCS of LSS - South Dakota
752 22nd Ave S, Brookings · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Brookings County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in South Dakota, the average home bill was $128 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,132
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,066
- Security deposit
- $1,066
- Total
- $2,132
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Brookings County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $853; 1 bedroom: $858; 2 bedrooms: $1,066; 3 bedrooms: $1,476; 4 bedrooms: $1,782. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Brookings County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,066) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.50 an hour full time, or $42,640 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Brookings County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $56,100 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Brookings County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $959 and $1,173 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Brookings County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 57002 to $1,180 in 57071. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Brookings County?
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Brookings County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Brookings County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Brookings County, 38% of renter households are in that position; in South Dakota, 40%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).