Can A Dental Assistant Afford Rent in Brookings, SD?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30.9% of gross income.
Brookings rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (South Dakota state estimate).
About rent and a dental assistant salary
Dental assistant pay sits near the US median household income. At the national-average dental-assistant salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,214 a month in rent, which is achievable in most lower- and mid-cost metros.
Cheaper rent nearby
These South Dakota cities have lower median rent than Brookings, which improves the affordability math on a dental assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Brookings
View full rent data for Brookings, SD →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental assistant afford rent in Brookings, SD?
Median rent in Brookings is $1,100 a month. A typical dental assistant in South Dakota earns about $42,733 a year, which makes that rent 30.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a dental assistant afford in Brookings?
Using the 30% rule, a dental assistant salary in South Dakota (~$42,733/yr) supports up to $1,068 a month in rent. Brookings's current median rent is $1,100/mo, which is $32/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental assistant work to cover rent in Brookings?
At an hourly equivalent of about $21 an hour, a dental assistant in South Dakota works roughly 53.5 hours a month to cover Brookings's median rent of $1,100.
Where is rent cheaper than Brookings for a dental assistant?
Nearby South Dakota cities with lower median rent include Aberdeen ($1,049/mo), Vermillion ($1,045/mo), Brandon ($1,035/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a dental assistant salary.