Cost of Living in Fruitdale, SD

With a cost of living index of 87, Fruitdale, SD is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 13% cheaper than the national average and 12% above the South Dakota state average of 74. Fruitdale is a small community of 121 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Fruitdale's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,375 (4% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $162,800 (47% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 10.3x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Fruitdale is $15,833, which is 79% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 104% of household income on rent. This is well above the 30% affordability threshold, indicating a significant housing cost burden for many residents. 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 Fruitdale. 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.