2025 BAH Rates in South Dakota – Military Housing by ZIP Code
South Dakota’s 2025 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 2025 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.
Use your BAH to buy or rent in South Dakota
See BAH Rates in:
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 2025 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 2025, 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.
View South Dakota BAH Rate FAQs
Rapid 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 |
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
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 |
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, 57198
2025 BAH FAQs for South Dakota
How much did BAH increase in South Dakota for 2025?
BAH increased by roughly 2.6% statewide, with modest growth around Ellsworth AFB and Sioux Falls ZIP codes.
Where is BAH highest in South Dakota?
BAH is highest in ZIP codes near Ellsworth AFB (57706) and central Rapid City, where housing demand is strongest.
What is the BAH for an E-5 with dependents at Ellsworth AFB?
In 2025, an E-5 with dependents at Ellsworth receives approximately $1,959/month in BAH.
Can BAH cover rent in South Dakota?
Yes. In most areas, BAH fully covers monthly rent and utilities — especially in Rapid City, Box Elder, and smaller communities.
Is BAH considered taxable income?
No. BAH is excluded from income tax calculations at both the state and federal level.
Can I use BAH as income to qualify for a VA loan?
Yes. VA lenders consider BAH as qualifying income and use it when calculating mortgage approval limits.
What ZIP is used for Ellsworth AFB?
ZIP 57706 is used for BAH calculation at Ellsworth Air Force Base and the surrounding housing areas.
When do BAH rates reset each year?
BAH rates are updated each January by the Department of Defense based on current rental market data.
