Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Hill City?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hill City, you need to earn at least $31,960/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $76,500, which means the typical resident is $44,540 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 630

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$559	$1,863	$22,360	$-54,140
1 Bedroom	$663	$2,210	$26,520	$-49,980
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$799	$2,663	$31,960	$-44,540
3 Bedroom	$975	$3,250	$39,000	$-37,500
4 Bedroom	$1,199	$3,997	$47,960	$-28,540

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Hill City's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$76,500

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$31,960

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$44,540

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 12.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Hill City

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Hill City's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,913

Studio

$559/mo

1 BR

$663/mo

2 BR

$799/mo

3 BR

$975/mo

4 BR

$1,199/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Hill City.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Hill City's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Hill City

Hill City, South Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $76,500 significantly exceeds the $31,960 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $44,540 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Hill City, a studio at $559/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $975/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $39,000.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $47,940 would position you well — though many residents in Hill City manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Hill City, South Dakota.

With a total population of 630, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 373 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $31,960 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

373

Active civilian employees in Hill City

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Hill City

What salary do I need to live in Hill City, South Dakota?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hill City under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $31,960. The median household income in Hill City is $76,500.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Hill City on $76,500?

The affordability verdict for Hill City is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 12.5%, meaning median earners have a $44,540 surplus.

What is the average rent in Hill City compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Hill City is $663/month. With a median household income of $76,500, residents spend approximately 12.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Hill City?

A studio in Hill City rents for approximately $559/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $22,360 to afford this.

Is Hill City considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $44,540 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Hill City is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $31,960 to the local median household income.

How Hill City Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements