Cost of Living in Belle Fourche, SD

With a cost of living index of 76, Belle Fourche, SD is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 24% cheaper than the national average and in line with the South Dakota state average. Belle Fourche is a smaller community of 5,741 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Belle Fourche's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $947 (28% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $188,800 (38% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.2x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Belle Fourche is $59,920, which is 20% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Belle Fourche. The area sees an average annual temperature of 41.1°F, with summers averaging 61°F and winters around 23°F. Annual rainfall totals 29.2 inches spread over roughly 149 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.