Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Pennington County, South Dakota
Pennington County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,430 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,120 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $27.50 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,430
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 20% more than in South Dakota
- Typical rent
- $1,120
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 18% more than in South Dakota
- Wage needed
- $27.50
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $57,200 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 22% more than in South Dakota
Only here
Renting in Pennington 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 Jackson County, the typical rent is $442: 61% less than in Pennington County ($1,120).
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At $1,120, Pennington County ranks 3rd among the 65 counties in South Dakota with this figure for the highest typical rent.
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Pennington County has the 3rd largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 54 counties in South Dakota with this figure (49%).
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 Pennington 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 Pennington County was $1,453 a month in September 2026: 4.2% 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 | $996 | $19.15 | $39,840 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,093 | $21.02 | $43,720 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,430 | $27.50 | $57,200 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,833 | $35.25 | $73,320 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,390 | $45.96 | $95,600 |
HUD area: Rapid City, SD HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 Pennington County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,210 in 57775 to $1,750 in 57703. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,430).
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)
| 57701 | Meade County, SD | $910 | $1,000 | $1,310 | $1,680 | $2,190 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57701 | Rapid City, SD | $910 | $1,000 | $1,310 | $1,680 | $2,190 |
| 57702 | Meade County, SD | $1,060 | $1,170 | $1,530 | $1,960 | $2,550 |
| 57702 | Rapid City, SD | $1,060 | $1,170 | $1,530 | $1,960 | $2,550 |
| 57703 | Rapid City, SD | $1,220 | $1,340 | $1,750 | $2,240 | $2,930 |
| 57725 | Rapid City, SD | $990 | $1,090 | $1,420 | $1,850 | $2,370 |
| 57745 | Rapid City, SD | $1,000 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,850 | $2,410 |
| 57751 | Custer County, SD | $980 | $1,080 | $1,410 | $1,870 | $2,350 |
| 57751 | Rapid City, SD | $980 | $1,080 | $1,410 | $1,870 | $2,350 |
| 57775 | Haakon County, SD | $830 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,570 | $1,970 |
| 57775 | Jackson County, SD | $830 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,570 | $1,970 |
| 57775 | Rapid City, SD | $830 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,570 | $1,970 |
| 57780 | Oglala Lakota County | $1,000 | $1,090 | $1,430 | $1,830 | $2,390 |
| 57780 | Rapid City, SD | $1,000 | $1,090 | $1,430 | $1,830 | $2,390 |
| 57790 | Jackson County, SD | $1,000 | $1,090 | $1,430 | $1,830 | $2,390 |
| 57790 | Rapid City, SD | $1,000 | $1,090 | $1,430 | $1,830 | $2,390 |
- 57701 · Meade County, SD $1,310$1,680
- 57701 · Rapid City, SD $1,310$1,680
- 57702 · Meade County, SD $1,530$1,960
- 57702 · Rapid City, SD $1,530$1,960
- 57703 · Rapid City, SD $1,750$2,240
- 57725 · Rapid City, SD $1,420$1,850
- 57745 · Rapid City, SD $1,440$1,850
- 57751 · Custer County, SD $1,410$1,870
- 57751 · Rapid City, SD $1,410$1,870
- 57775 · Haakon County, SD $1,210$1,570
- 57775 · Jackson County, SD $1,210$1,570
- 57775 · Rapid City, SD $1,210$1,570
- 57780 · Oglala Lakota County $1,430$1,830
- 57780 · Rapid City, SD $1,430$1,830
- 57790 · Jackson County, SD $1,430$1,830
- 57790 · Rapid City, SD $1,430$1,830
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 Pennington County, 49% 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.
49%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
14,245 households rent in Pennington County
- Spend half or more of their income 19%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 29%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Pennington 49%
- South Dakota 40%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Pennington County
HUD lists 42 properties with homes for low-income households in Pennington 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)
- 18
- HUD-assisted
- 22
- public housing
- 2
2,631 homes in all; 2,544 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Jackson Heights/Valley V. Public housing 1805 W Fulton St, Rapid City 57702 323 low-income homes · Run by Pennington County Housing and Redevelopment Commission · Average payment: $398 a month · Average wait: 3 months · Homes at several sites · (605) 394-5350
- Lakota Community Homes HUD-assisted 545 Wambli Dr, Rapid City 57701 198 low-income homes · For families · (605) 343-6836
- Sheridan/Queen Heights Public housing 115 N Lacrosse St, Rapid City 57701 140 low-income homes · Run by Pennington County Housing and Redevelopment Commission · Average payment: $579 a month · Average wait: 25 months · (605) 394-5350
- Eagle Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 274 Bald Eagle Ln, Rapid City 57701 96 low-income homes · 2 bd: 49 · 3 bd: 47 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Northern Heights - TC (rapid City) Tax credit (LIHTC) 908 Explorer St, Rapid City 57701 96 low-income homes · Studio: 48 · 1 bd: 48 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities
- Northern Heights Explorer HUD-assisted 906 Explorer St, Rapid City 57701 96 low-income homes · For families · (605) 348-1865
- Sage Place at Rapid HUD-assisted 20 Surfwood Dr, Rapid City 57701 84 low-income homes · For families · (605) 342-3636
- Knollwood Heights Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 10 Surfwood Dr, Rapid City 57701 82 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 70 · In service since 2008
- WEST PARK Apartments HUD-assisted 1018 11th St, Rapid City 57701 81 homes, 80 low-income · For older adults · (605) 348-5005
- South Creek Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 3150 Outlook Cir, Rapid City 57701 80 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2004
- Foothills East Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 302 Parker Dr, Box Elder 57719 72 homes, 71 low-income · 2 bd: 72 · In service since 2007
- Knollwood Townhouses HUD-assisted 1721 N Maple Ave, Rapid City 57701 69 low-income homes · For families · (605) 341-4090
- Whisper Rock Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 4216 Berniece St, Rapid City 57703 62 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2016
- Memorial Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 420 Philadelphia St, Rapid City 57701 61 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 1998
- Eagle Ridge II Tax credit (LIHTC) 217 Stumer Rd, Rapid City 57701 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2011
- Driftwood Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 420 E Fairlane Dr, Rapid City 57701 59 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 19 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Cedar Ridge Townhouses HUD-assisted 4302 Cedar Ridge Pl, Rapid City 57702 68 homes, 55 low-income · For families · (605) 348-5656
- Rapid Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1100 Anamosa St, Rapid City 57701 54 low-income homes · 2 bd: 46 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2007
- Driftwood Estates HUD-assisted 408 E Fairlane Dr, Rapid City 57701 60 homes, 52 low-income · For families · (605) 348-7086
- Churchill Apts & Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 215 Kinney Ave, Rapid City 57702 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Echo Glen Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 4243 Wisconsin Ave, Rapid City 57701 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- Fountain Springs Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1900 Harmony Heights Ln, Rapid City 57702 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1997 · For older adults, people with disabilities
- Maplewood Elderly HUD-assisted 5 E Knollwood Dr, Rapid City 57701 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (605) 348-2427
- Maplewood Townhouses HUD-assisted 5 E Knollwood Dr, Rapid City 57701 50 low-income homes · For families · (605) 348-2427
- Edgewood Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 831 Kimberly Cir, Rapid City 57701 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2007
- Pine Crest Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 702 Eldene Ln, Rapid City 57701 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2006
- Sundial Square Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 102 Waterloo St, Rapid City 57701 42 low-income homes · In service since 1992
- Upper Knollwood Townhouses HUD-assisted 25 Knollwood Dr, Rapid City 57701 50 homes, 38 low-income · For families · (605) 341-4090
- I-90 Pleasant Hill Village HUD-assisted 1720 N 7th St, Rapid City 57701 48 homes, 34 low-income · For families · (605) 341-2435
- Denver Terrace Apts HUD-assisted 110 Denver St, Rapid City 57701 34 low-income homes · For families · (605) 394-3310
- Northern Lights Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 815 Northern Lights Boulevard, Box Elder 57719 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Centennial Apts HUD-assisted 4051 Parkview Dr, Rapid City 57701 26 homes, 24 low-income · For people with disabilities · (605) 343-4550
- Black Fox Manor HUD-assisted 3553 Black Fox Rd, Rapid City 57701 24 low-income homes · For families · (605) 394-5354
- Cornerstone Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1220 East Blvd, Rapid City 57701 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2008
- Hillyo Manor HUD-assisted 602 Main St, Hill City 57745 24 low-income homes · For families · (605) 394-5350
- Prairies Edge HUD-assisted 4000 Minnesota Pl, Rapid City 57701 24 homes, 22 low-income · For people with disabilities · (605) 343-4550
- Galaxy Apartments HUD-assisted 1820 Galaxy Dr, Rapid City 57701 20 homes, 19 low-income · For people with disabilities · (651) 645-7271
- South Ridge Homes HUD-assisted 1116 Fir Dr, Rapid City 57701 19 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (605) 343-3481
- St. Cloud HUD-assisted 1212 E Saint Cloud St, Rapid City 57701 16 homes, 15 low-income · For people with disabilities · (605) 343-4550
- Harney View Apartments HUD-assisted 701 Mallow St, Rapid City 57701 15 low-income homes · For families · (605) 394-5350
- Indiana Home HUD-assisted 232 E Indiana St, Rapid City 57701 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (605) 343-4581
- Whisper Rock 2 Apartments HUD-assisted 424 Neel St, Rapid City 57703 36 homes, 4 low-income · (605) 791-5155
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 Pennington County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Pennington 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 | $21,300 | $35,500 | $56,750 |
| 2 people | $24,350 | $40,550 | $64,850 |
| 3 people | $27,400 | $45,600 | $72,950 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $50,650 | $81,050 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $54,750 | $87,550 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $58,800 | $94,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $62,850 | $100,550 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $66,900 | $107,000 |
Area median income: $101,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Rapid City, SD HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $896 – $1,096
- 1 bedroom $984 – $1,202
- 2 bedrooms $1,287 – $1,573
- 3 bedrooms $1,650 – $2,016
- 4 bedrooms $2,151 – $2,629
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
- Pennington County Housing and Redevelopment Commission Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,532 vouchers · 463 public housing units (605) 394-5350 Pennington County Housing and Redevelopment Commission: bryan.achbach@pchrc.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 Pennington County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Pennington County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Black Hills Children's Ranch, Inc. - Pioneer Credit Counseling
3620 Homestead Street, Suite 1, Rapid City · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
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Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Black Hills
2310 N Maple Ave, Rapid City
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Pennington 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
$2,860
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,430
- Security deposit
- $1,430
- Total
- $2,860
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 Pennington County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $996; 1 bedroom: $1,093; 2 bedrooms: $1,430; 3 bedrooms: $1,833; 4 bedrooms: $2,390. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Pennington County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,430) without spending more than 30% of income takes $27.50 an hour full time, or $57,200 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Pennington County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $50,650 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 Pennington 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 $1,287 and $1,573 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Pennington County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,210 in 57775 to $1,750 in 57703. 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 Pennington County?
HUD lists 42 properties with homes for low-income households in Pennington 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 Pennington County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Pennington County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in South Dakota, 40%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).