The Need

Housing Realities in Sioux Falls

  • In Sioux Falls, one in six households (16%) make less than $20,000 a year.
  • More than 3,000 households make less than 30% of the area median income.
  • At least 1,000 new affordable housing units must be constructed to meet the current demand.
  • Up to 250 new households each year make less than 50% of the area median income.

Sioux Falls Housing Needs

  • Waiting lists for affordable housing for low-income households with Sioux Falls Housing and Redevelopment Commission’s housing assistance programs show:
    • 1,494 households waiting for a one-bedroom unit
    • 1,128 households waiting for a two-bedroom unit
    • 839 households waiting for a three-bedroom unit

The average time spent on the waiting list is more than four years.

  • The majority of those on waiting lists have an annual income lower than 50% of the area median income.
  • In 2012, there were 729 households in Minnehaha County who were homeless. A total of 174 children were homeless.
  • 89% of the homeless are employed.
  • The average rent for a conventional apartment is $670 for a two-bedroom unit, with the vacancy rate at 4.65%. For a household to pay the average rent of $670 per month, a wage earner making minimum wage would have to work more than 75 hours per week every week of the year.

Sources: Sioux Falls Housing & Redevelopment Commission, South Dakota Multi-Housing Association