Cost of Living in Willow Lake, SD

With a cost of living index of 68, Willow Lake, SD is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 32% cheaper than the national average and 6% below the South Dakota state average of 74. Willow Lake is a small community of 455 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Willow Lake's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $810 (39% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $150,000 (51% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Willow Lake is $63,929, which is 15% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 15% 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.

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.