Housing assistance in South Dakota for immigrants
South Dakota at a glance
South Dakota is home to about 35,988 foreign-born residents (4.0% of the state’s 907,428 people) and 43,777 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (4.8%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in South Dakota regardless of immigration status unless noted.
What rent actually costs in South Dakota — HUD’s official numbers
HUD's Fair Market Rents set the ceiling a Section 8 voucher covers and serve as the official rent benchmark. In South Dakota (FY 2026), the benchmark rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $929/month (median), ranging from $929 (Aurora County, SD) to $1,336 (Rapid City, SD HUD Metro FMR Area) across the state's 63 rent areas.
| Area (largest by population) | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | 4BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD HUD Metro FMR Area | $865 | $986 | $1,156 | $1,586 | $1,939 |
| Rapid City, SD HUD Metro FMR Area | $921 | $1,018 | $1,336 | $1,743 | $2,178 |
| Brown County, SD | $652 | $708 | $929 | $1,168 | $1,477 |
| Brookings County, SD | $776 | $781 | $953 | $1,325 | $1,599 |
| Meade County, SD HUD Metro FMR Area | $878 | $970 | $1,273 | $1,770 | $2,136 |
| Codington County, SD | $747 | $825 | $1,083 | $1,319 | $1,605 |
| Lawrence County, SD | $721 | $797 | $1,046 | $1,455 | $1,755 |
| Yankton County, SD | $641 | $811 | $929 | $1,292 | $1,438 |
Source: HUD FY 2026 Fair Market Rents (effective 2025-10-01; 40th-percentile gross rents — Section 8 payment standards are set at 90-110% of FMR). Look up your county at huduser.gov.
Federal programs in South Dakota
Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) and Public Housing share the same federal rules: low income (typically under 30-50% of Area Median Income) and at least one household member with citizenship or an eligible immigration status — mixed-status families get a prorated voucher rather than nothing. Undocumented members, DACA recipients, and F-1 students don’t count as eligible members. Full eligibility lists and documents: federal housing rules.
To apply in South Dakota: find your local Public Housing Agency at hud.gov/findpha and get on the waiting list — months to years in tight markets.
Emergency shelters
Available WITHOUT immigration status verification:
- Homeless shelters
- Domestic violence shelters (DV shelters have enhanced privacy)
- Catholic Charities
- Salvation Army
- YWCA / YMCA
- Local churches
National homelessness line: 211 (in many states, connects to local resources)
Do I need ITIN or SSN to rent in South Dakota?
Not necessarily. Many landlords (especially small individuals) do NOT require SSN to rent. May require: income proof, employer letter, prior landlord references, larger security deposit.
Professionally-managed apartments (large complexes) are stricter about SSN.
Related information
Last verified: 2026-06-15.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- Federal benefits eligibility by immigration status — who qualifies for what
- Find legal aid in your state — public-benefits appeals
- ITIN for tax-funded benefits — eligibility requires SSN or ITIN
- Consulate of your country — many offer financial-assistance referrals
- Know Your Rights — public-benefits enrollment — agency confidentiality limits
The Section 8 math in one line
A voucher household pays about 30% of adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to the local payment standard (90-110% of the FMRs shown above). Housing discrimination is reportable regardless of immigration status: HUD hotline 1-800-669-9777 (hud.gov fair housing).