Cost of Living in Fort Thompson, SD

With a cost of living index of 56, Fort Thompson, SD is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 44% cheaper than the national average and 18% below the South Dakota state average of 74. Fort Thompson is a small community of 1,134 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Fort Thompson's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $515 (61% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $110,300 (64% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.4x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Fort Thompson is $45,313, which is 40% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 14% 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 Fort Thompson. The area sees an average annual temperature of 48.2°F, with summers averaging 73°F and winters around 23°F. Annual rainfall totals 20.4 inches spread over roughly 100 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.