Early Data from the South Dakota Affordability Project Shows Emerging Strain Across Communities

As of February 14, 2026, 92 South Dakotans from more than 10 communities have participated in the South Dakota Affordability Project. While these results are preliminary and will continue to evolve, early trends suggest growing financial strain across both rural and town communities.

More Than Half Report Taking on Additional Work

Among respondents surveyed to date, 56.5% say they have taken on additional work or hours primarily due to rising cost-of-living pressures. Another 30.4% say they have not, while 13% indicate the question does not apply to them.

That means more than half of early respondents have adjusted their employment situation in response to affordability challenges. For many households, rising costs appear to be influencing real income decisions — not just perceptions.

Figure 1. 56.5% of respondents report taking on additional work due to cost-of-living pressures.Source: ONEnetwork, South Dakota Affordability Project (Preliminary results as of Feb. 14, 2026)

Public Confidence in Local Leadership Appears Low

When asked how well local leaders understand housing and affordability pressures:

• 46.7% selected “Not at all”

• 30.4% selected “Not well at all”

• 20.7% selected “Somewhat well”

• 0% selected “Very well”

Roughly 77% of respondents feel local leadership does not fully understand current housing pressures. Whether perception or reality, that gap in confidence is notable and may shape future civic conversations.

Figure 2. Nearly 77% of respondents say local leaders do not fully understand housing and affordability pressures.Source: ONEnetwork, South Dakota Affordability Project (Preliminary results as of Feb. 14, 2026)

Rural Respondents Reporting Sharper Housing Increases

Early data also shows a significant rural and town divide.

77% of rural or farm respondents report housing costs have increased significantly over the past two years. In town or city areas, that number drops to 42%, with more town respondents describing increases as slight or moderate.

This suggests rural communities may be experiencing sharper housing strain — a trend that will be examined more closely as additional data comes in.

Figure 3. Rural respondents are more likely than town/city residents to report significant housing cost increases.Source: ONEnetwork, South Dakota Affordability Project (Preliminary results as of Feb. 14, 2026)

A Project Still in Progress

These findings reflect early responses and may shift as participation expands. The South Dakota Affordability Project will continue collecting data across communities throughout 2026.

The goal is not to push a narrative, but to document lived experience in real time and provide accessible, community-level insight.

Residents who have not yet participated can take the survey here: https://www.theonenetwork.us/projects/the-south-dakota-affordability-project

The South Dakota Affordability Project, 2026.Graphic: ONEnetwork Research Team