
Here's what you need to know to get started if you’re looking at buying in the Mount Rushmore State.
As of September 2025, the median sale price for a single-family home in South Dakota is $311,504.
Average home price:
Source: zillow.com/home-values
The average size for a single-family home in South Dakota is approximately 1,886 square feet.
Average home size:
Source: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/
Ideal
Monthly Payment:
$750.00
This down payment assistance program helps buyers get into a home with little to no upfront cost, offering up to 101.5% financing through an FHA first mortgage and a second lien.
This program supports low- to moderate-income buyers with down payment assistance and flexible financing to make homeownership more accessible.
Churchill Mortgage is an approved lender for these down payment assistance programs. Contact us today to see if you qualify!
Check our FAQs for responses to our most popular questions from South Dakota home buyers.
Closing costs in South Dakota usually range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. These costs may include fees for appraisals, inspections, title insurance, and lender charges. Your loan officer can give you a personalized estimate based on your purchase.
For example, on a $300,000 home, buyers can expect to pay between $6,000 and $15,000 in closing costs.
The most common loans among South Dakota buyers are:
Conventional Loans – Flexible terms with competitive interest rates. Often preferred by buyers with strong credit and larger down payments, though options with as little as 3% down are available.
FHA Loans – Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, these are popular with first-time buyers. They allow lower credit scores and down payments starting at 3.5%.
VA Loans – Available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. VA loans require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).
USDA Loans – Designed for qualifying buyers in rural and suburban areas. These loans also offer no down payment and reduced mortgage insurance costs.
Churchill Mortgage's experienced Home Loan Specialists work closely with a network of trusted, local real estate agents across the state of South Dakota. Just ask for a referral and we'll provide you with a professional who is committed to finding the right home for you.
South Dakota’s public schools show steady overall performance, with several districts earning recognition for strong academics, student achievement, and high graduation rates.
Top-rated districts include Brandon Valley School District and Sioux Falls School District, both known for solid academic outcomes and well-rounded student programs.
High-performing schools such as Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls and Brandon Valley High School stand out for strong proficiency scores, advanced coursework opportunities, and college-readiness indicators.
The South Dakota Department of Education tracks school and district performance through its South Dakota Report Card, which measures achievement, growth, graduation rates, and accountability ratings.
"We own our home in Montana and have zero debt, so getting a loan is difficult with a low credit score. Tim walked us through Churchill Mortgage's process. He answered the 10,000 questions we had and made the process so much easier. The process was seamless right through to closing. Call Timothy if you need a loan for a new home."
"I have never received this type of customer service from any lending institution. Fast, courteous and professional."
"From the first phone conversation with Tim, I knew his main objective was to get us into our dream home! I cannot think of a single situation during this process that was in anyway negative. Just an amazing experience from start to completion!! I can honestly say that Tim (and team) will be our ‘go-to’ in the future! Thank you, Tim, for all the hard work! You made our dreams come true!"
4.9 / 5
Top Rated Loan Advisors Across the U.S.
Served over 100,000+ happy homeowners!
Conforming and high balance allowed. Cooperative housing not eligible. Not all applicants will qualify. Not a commitment to lend. Other restriction or limitations to any program may apply.
This calculator is being provided for educational purposes only. The provided values for interest rates are examples only and do not reflect Churchill Mortgage Product terms & offers. The results are estimates that are based on information you provided and may not reflect Churchill Mortgage Product terms. The information cannot be used by Churchill Mortgage to determine a customer's eligibility for a specific product or service. All financial calculators are provided by a third-party and are not controlled by or under the control of Churchill Mortgage. Churchill Mortgage is not responsible for the content, results, or the accuracy of information.
These calculations are hypothetical examples designed to for illustration purposes only. Consult a Home Loan Specialist for more specific information regarding payments, terms, etc.
As a responsible lender, Churchill Mortgage is committed to the principles outlined in federal and state lending laws ensuring all potential borrowers have access to the same information, services, and opportunities throughout the home loan process.