2026 BAH Rates in South Dakota – Military Housing by ZIP Code
South Dakota’s 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates are now official. These monthly, tax-free payments help active-duty service members afford off-base housing. Whether you’re stationed at Ellsworth AFB, serving in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, or attached to a South Dakota National Guard unit, your BAH is based on ZIP code, rank, and dependent status.
BAH rates in 2026 remained relatively stable, with modest increases near Ellsworth and select ZIPs in Sioux Falls. For broader comparisons, view our national BAH update tool, or explore VA loan guidance in the South Dakota VA loan guide.
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What Is BAH and How Does It Work in South Dakota?
BAH is a tax-free monthly allowance provided to military personnel who live off base. In South Dakota, this includes airmen stationed at Ellsworth AFB, members of the South Dakota National Guard, and recruiting commands in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and other regional hubs.
How BAH Rates Are Calculated
- ZIP Code: ZIPs like 57706 (Ellsworth AFB) and 57104 (Sioux Falls) are priced based on average rent and utility costs.
- Pay Grade: Higher-ranking service members receive more BAH to accommodate housing needs.
- Dependents: Members with dependents qualify for a higher rate to support family housing.
How to Use the 2026 BAH Chart
- Find your assigned ZIP code or base
- Select your pay grade (E-5, O-3, etc.)
- Compare with vs. without dependents monthly amounts
How to Use Your BAH to Buy a Home in South Dakota
Instead of renting, many military families in South Dakota use their BAH to purchase a home through a VA loan. In places like Box Elder, Rapid City, or Brandon, home prices are low enough that your BAH could cover the entire mortgage — and VA loans require no down payment.
Why VA Loans Work Well in South Dakota:
- No down payment required for most purchases
- No monthly PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)
- Flexible credit standards and manual underwriting
- Access to below-market VA interest rates
In a state with stable prices and low taxes, buying with BAH in South Dakota can be a smart financial move.
South Dakota Housing Costs & BAH Impact
South Dakota’s housing market remains one of the most affordable in the nation. In Rapid City and surrounding areas near Ellsworth AFB, BAH often fully covers rent and utilities. In 2026, adjustments were made to reflect slight rental increases in Sioux Falls and suburban ZIPs. Overall, service members in South Dakota enjoy strong purchasing power with their housing allowance.
BAH for Rapid City/Ellsworth AFB, SD includes the following zip codes: 57626, 57701, 57702, 57703, 57706, 57709, 57718, 57719, 57725, 57732, 57737, 57741, 57745, 57748, 57751, 57754, 57758, 57759, 57761, 57767, 57769, 57775, 57779, 57780, 57783, 57785, 57787, 57790, 57791, 57792, 57793, 57799 BAH for Sioux Falls, SD includes the following zip codes: 57003, 57005, 57013, 57018, 57020, 57022, 57027, 57030, 57032, 57033, 57034, 57035, 57039, 57041, 57055, 57064, 57068, 57077, 57101, 57103, 57104, 57105, 57106, 57107, 57108, 57109, 57110, 57117, 57118, 57186, 57193, 57197, 57198Rapid City/Ellsworth AFB, SD BAH Rates (MHA: SD264)
Grade
With Dependents
Without Dependents
E01
$1,779
$1,374
E02
$1,779
$1,374
E03
$1,779
$1,374
E04
$1,779
$1,374
E05
$1,971
$1,503
E06
$2,193
$1,644
E07
$2,253
$1,785
E08
$2,316
$2,019
E09
$2,424
$2,076
W01
$2,211
$1,722
W02
$2,280
$2,016
W03
$2,361
$2,085
W04
$2,454
$2,199
W05
$2,568
$2,265
O01E
$2,259
$1,968
O02E
$2,349
$2,064
O03E
$2,469
$2,184
O01
$2,004
$1,581
O02
$2,190
$1,908
O03
$2,358
$2,109
O04
$2,607
$2,247
O05
$2,781
$2,280
O06
$2,805
$2,340
O07
$2,823
$2,382
Sioux Falls, SD BAH Rates (MHA: SD265)
Grade
With Dependents
Without Dependents
E01
$1,410
$1,137
E02
$1,410
$1,137
E03
$1,410
$1,137
E04
$1,410
$1,137
E05
$1,542
$1,221
E06
$2,004
$1,503
E07
$2,037
$1,527
E08
$2,067
$1,638
E09
$2,148
$1,773
W01
$2,025
$1,518
W02
$2,049
$1,635
W03
$2,094
$1,788
W04
$2,172
$2,007
W05
$2,274
$2,043
O01E
$2,040
$1,539
O02E
$2,085
$1,743
O03E
$2,187
$1,998
O01
$1,605
$1,275
O02
$2,001
$1,530
O03
$2,091
$1,836
O04
$2,307
$2,028
O05
$2,460
$2,046
O06
$2,478
$2,073
O07
$2,496
$2,109
