Ellsworth AFB PCS Guide: BAH Rates, Housing, Schools & Black Hills Living

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Ellsworth AFB is home to the 28th Bomb Wing (B-1B Lancer bombers) with 3,800 active duty personnel. This is a BOMBER mission—flying strategic bombers from the Black Hills of South Dakota. Low cost of living, decent schools, but HARSH winters.

Key Numbers:

• BAH vs. Rent: Excellent fit (E5 BAH covers median 3BR house with $800+ buffer)
• Median 3BR Rent: $1,050/month (affordable for South Dakota)
• School Quality: Rapid City Area Schools (6-7/10) is decent, Douglas School District (7-8/10) is best
• Black Hills location: Mount Rushmore 30 min, world-class outdoor recreation

What This Guide Covers: Housing with real prices, school ratings, Rapid City Black Hills intel, and bomber mission realities.

Want real-time data? This guide provides 2025 rates and static intel. For live housing prices, current school ratings, and personalized recommendations, use Base Navigator → (Premium)

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Quick Facts

Installation Overview:

• Official Name: Ellsworth Air Force Base
• Location: Rapid City, SD (Pennington County) - Black Hills region, Western South Dakota
• Size: 4,859 acres
• Population: 3,800 active duty + 9,000 total (civilians + families)
• Branch: Air Force (ACC - Air Combat Command)
• Major Units: 28th Bomb Wing (B-1B Lancer supersonic strategic bombers)
• Climate: Continental Black Hills—warm summers (75-90°F), HARSH winters (-5°F to 30°F, November-March)
• Nearest Major City: Rapid City, SD (adjacent, 78K people), Sioux Falls, SD (5 hours east)

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BAH Rates

BAH rates sourced from Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), updated annually. See official source →

Key Insight: BAH generously covers rent in all neighborhoods—Rapid City Area Schools (6-7/10) or Douglas School District (7-8/10, BEST). E5 BAH (~$1,850) covers median rent ($1,050) with $800 left over. This is a HIGHEST savings post—low cost of living + generous BAH + NO South Dakota state income tax = save $9,000-10,000/year. BLACK HILLS location is the bonus.

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Housing Neighborhoods (Ranked)

🏆 Tier 1 - Best for Families (Live Here)

Box Elder, SD (Adjacent to base):

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,075/month
• Commute: 5-10 minutes to gate
• Schools: 7-8/10 (Douglas School District—BEST in area)
• Vibe: Small town (10K people), military-friendly
• Why: BEST schools (7-8/10), pocket $775/month, very close

West Rapid City (Near Black Hills):

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,100/month
• Commute: 15-20 minutes to base
• Schools: 7/10 (Rapid City Area Schools—West Rapid schools best)
• Vibe: Suburban, family-friendly, near Black Hills
• Best Areas: Near Canyon Lake, West Middle School
• Why: Good schools (7/10), pocket $750/month, Black Hills access

On-Base Housing (Privatized - Balfour Beatty):

• Cost: Free (BAH auto-deducted)
• Wait Time: 4-8 months (moderate)
• Quality: 7-8/10 (renovated, good)
• Schools: Bus to Douglas School District (7-8/10)
• Why: Convenience, eliminates winter driving, BEST schools

⚠️ Tier 2 - Livable But Research Carefully

North Rapid City:

• Median 3BR Rent: $975/month
• Commute: 20-25 minutes to base
• Schools: 6/10 (Rapid City Area Schools—mixed)
• Vibe: Older neighborhoods, mixed areas
• Trade-off: Cheaper ($875 buffer) but schools weaker

Downtown Rapid City:

• Median 3BR Rent: $925/month
• Commute: 20-25 minutes to base
• Schools: 5-6/10 (Rapid City Area Schools—older schools)
• Vibe: Downtown, older infrastructure
• Trade-off: Cheapest ($925 buffer) but schools weak

❌ Tier 3 - Avoid Unless You Know What You're Doing

East Rapid City:

• Some higher crime areas, schools 5-6/10

Pro Tip: Box Elder (7-8/10 schools, Douglas School District, small town 10K) is the gold standard—BEST schools in area, 5-10 min commute, pocket $775. West Rapid City (7/10 schools, near Black Hills) pocket $750, outdoor recreation access. On-base waitlist 4-8 months, quality 7-8/10, eliminates winter driving, BEST schools (Douglas SD). This is a HIGHEST savings post with BLACK HILLS bonus.

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Schools

Top Elementary Schools

• Douglas Elementary (Box Elder) - 8/10 - BEST elementary near base
• General Beadle Elementary (Rapid City West) - 7/10 - Strong
• Knollwood Elementary (Rapid City West) - 7/10 - Strong

Top Middle Schools

• Douglas Middle (Box Elder) - 8/10 - BEST middle school near base
• West Middle (Rapid City West) - 7/10 - Strong
• South Middle (Rapid City) - 6/10 - Average

Top High Schools

• Douglas High School (Box Elder) - 7-8/10 - BEST high school near base
• Stevens High School (Rapid City West) - 7/10 - Strong
• Central High School (Rapid City) - 6/10 - Decent

Private Schools

• St. Thomas More High School (Rapid City) - 7/10 - Catholic (9-12, $8K-11K/year, BEST option)
• Rapid City Christian School (Rapid City) - 6/10 - Christian (K-12, $6K-9K/year)

Schools to Avoid

• Downtown/East Rapid City schools - 5-6/10 - Older, struggling

School District Strategy: Douglas School District (Box Elder, 7-8/10) is BEST—Douglas Elementary/Middle/High (all 7-8/10). Rapid City Area Schools West area (7/10) is decent. Private schools limited—St. Thomas More High (7/10, $8K-11K/year) is BEST option. Box Elder for best schools.

For live school ratings and neighborhood analysis: Base Navigator →

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Local Intel (What You Actually Need to Know)

Cost of Living

Overall: -18% lower — South Dakota affordability
Housing: -22% lower — BAH covers rent with $800+ buffer
Groceries: -10% lower — Commissary + off-base savings
Utilities: +12% higher — HARSH winters, heating costs high

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

• Rent (3BR off-base in Box Elder): $1,075
• Utilities (electric + gas heating): $185 (winter: $275-325)
• Groceries: $745
• Gas (commute + errands): $148
• Internet/Streaming: $84
• Kids (activities, daycare part-time): $290

Total: ~$2,527/month (winter: ~$2,667 with higher heating)
E5 BAH + BAS: ~$3,500/month (covers housing + food, pocket $833-973)

State Taxes

• South Dakota: NO state income tax (MAJOR savings)
• Sales Tax: 6.5% (state + local)
• Military Benefit: No state income tax = extra $3,000-4,000/year

BAH Reality: E5 with dependents BAH (~$1,850) covers Box Elder rent ($1,075) with $775 left over. West Rapid City ($1,100, good schools 7/10) pocket $750. On-base is free (BAH auto-deducted). Budget $275-325/month for winter heating (HARSH South Dakota winters November-March).

Pro Tip: Box Elder or West Rapid City = sweet spot (pocket $750-775/month, 7-8/10 schools). NO South Dakota state income tax = save $3,000-4,000/year (major win). LOW cost of living + generous BAH = save $9,000-10,000/year. Budget extra $1,200-1,500/year for winter heating spike. BLACK HILLS location = world-class outdoor recreation. This is a wealth-building assignment with LOCATION bonus.

Traffic & Commute

• Rush Hour: 7-8am, 4:30-5:30pm (moderate)
• Best Routes: I-90, SD-79, Sturgis Road
• Worst: Winter conditions (ice, snow, -20°F windchill)
• Pro Tip: 5-25 minute commute, moderate traffic but HARSH winters

Commissary & BX

• Best Times: Weekday mornings, early afternoons
• Worst Times: Weekends (busier), paydays
• Off-Base Alternative: Walmart, Safeway, Sam's Club (Rapid City)

Things You Should Know

• Bomber mission: 28th Bomb Wing (B-1B Lancer supersonic strategic bombers)
• B-1B Lancer: "Bone" (B-One), supersonic long-range bomber, carries massive payload
• MODERATE deployments: Bomber crews deploy 4-6 months (Middle East, Guam, Diego Garcia)
• Nuclear mission: Strategic deterrence, global strike capability
• Support/Mx: Moderate deployment tempo
• HARSH winters: -5°F to 30°F (November-March), windchill -20°F to -40°F, extreme cold/wind/snow
• SHORT summers: 75-90°F (June-August), pleasant
• BLACK HILLS location: Mount Rushmore 30 min, world-class outdoor recreation
• Rapid City: Small city (78K people), gateway to Black Hills
• Sturgis Motorcycle Rally: August (500K bikers descend on area, traffic insanity)

Hidden Gems

• Mount Rushmore (30 min) - Iconic presidential monument
• Badlands National Park (1 hour) - Otherworldly rock formations, bison
• Custer State Park (30 min) - Wildlife loop, bison, pronghorn, burros
• Black Hills National Forest (surrounding) - Hiking, camping, fishing
• Crazy Horse Memorial (45 min) - Massive mountain carving in progress
• Spearfish Canyon (1 hour) - Stunning scenic drive, waterfalls
• Devils Tower (1.5 hours, Wyoming) - National monument, rock climbing
• Sturgis (30 min) - Motorcycle rally town (August)

Areas to Avoid

• East Rapid City (higher crime, weak schools)

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What's It Like to Live at Ellsworth AFB?

Ellsworth AFB is home to the 28th Bomb Wing—flying the B-1B Lancer supersonic strategic bomber. If you're here, you're either a B-1B pilot/WSO (flying strategic bombing missions worldwide), a maintainer (keeping the "Bone" flying), or supporting bomber operations. The mission is STRATEGIC BOMBING—providing long-range strike capability and nuclear deterrence for the United States. Deployment tempo is MODERATE (bomber crews deploy 4-6 months to Middle East, Guam, Diego Garcia). This is an operational bomber mission in the BLACK HILLS of South Dakota—low cost of living, HIGH savings, world-class outdoor recreation, but HARSH winters are the major trade-off.

Mission Reality:

• 28th Bomb Wing (B-1B Lancer): Supersonic strategic bomber, global strike
• MODERATE deployments: Bomber crews deploy 4-6 months (Middle East, Guam, Diego Garcia)
• B-1B "Bone": Supersonic, massive payload, long-range strike
• Nuclear mission: Strategic deterrence (though B-1B no longer carries nukes, mission remains strategic)
• Support/Mx: Moderate deployment tempo

Quality of Life:

• LOW cost of living: Pocket $750-775/month from BAH, save $9,000-10,000/year (HIGHEST savings post)
• NO South Dakota state income tax: Save $3,000-4,000/year (major win)
• Schools: Douglas School District (7-8/10, Box Elder) is BEST
• MODERATE deployments: Bomber crews deploy 4-6 months (not stable but not constant)
• BLACK HILLS location: Mount Rushmore 30 min, Badlands 1 hour, world-class outdoor recreation (MAJOR bonus)
• HARSH winters: -5°F to 30°F (November-March), windchill -20°F to -40°F, extreme cold/wind/snow (MAJOR trade-off)
• Rapid City: Small city (78K people), limited nightlife but gateway to Black Hills

The Good:

• HIGHEST savings post (pocket $750-775/month, save $9,000-10,000/year)
• NO South Dakota state income tax (save $3,000-4,000/year, major win)
• BLACK HILLS location (Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Custer State Park, world-class outdoor recreation - MAJOR bonus)
• Douglas School District (7-8/10, Box Elder) BEST schools
• Bomber mission (strategic, prestigious)
• Short pleasant summers (75-90°F, June-August)
• Outdoor recreation (hiking, camping, fishing, skiing)
• Spearfish Canyon (stunning scenic drive)
• Devils Tower 1.5 hours (rock climbing, Wyoming)

The Not-So-Good:

• HARSH winters are brutal (-5°F to 30°F, windchill -20°F to -40°F, November-March, MAJOR trade-off)
• MODERATE deployments (4-6 months for bomber crews)
• Rapid City is small (78K people, limited nightlife)
• Schools are 6-8/10 (decent but not great except Douglas)
• Winter heating costs high ($275-325/month peak)
• Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August, 500K bikers, traffic insanity)
• Remote (5 hours from Sioux Falls)

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Cost of Living Breakdown

Cost of Living

Overall: -18% lower — South Dakota affordability
Housing: -22% lower — BAH covers rent with huge buffer
Groceries: -10% lower — Commissary saves 20-30%
Utilities: +12% higher — HARSH winters, heating costs high

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

• Rent (3BR off-base in Box Elder): $1,075
• Utilities (electric + gas heating): $185 (winter: $275-325)
• Groceries: $745
• Gas (commute + errands): $148
• Internet/Cable: $84
• Childcare (part-time): $290
• Car Insurance: $102 (SD is moderate)
• Misc (restaurants, entertainment): $118

Total: ~$2,747/month (winter: ~$2,887 with higher heating)
E5 BAH + BAS: ~$3,500/month (covers housing + food, pocket $613-753)

BAH Coverage: E5 BAH (~$1,850) covers Box Elder rent ($1,075) with $775 left over. West Rapid City ($1,100, good schools 7/10) pocket $750. On-base is free (BAH auto-deducted).

Savings Potential: HIGHEST IN CONUS—pocket $750-775/month in good neighborhoods. NO South Dakota state income tax saves $3,000-4,000/year (major win). Low cost of living + generous BAH = save $9,000-10,000/year. Budget extra $1,200-1,500/year for winter heating. BLACK HILLS location = priceless outdoor recreation. This is THE wealth-building assignment with LOCATION bonus.

Pro Tips:

• Box Elder or West Rapid City = sweet spot (pocket $750-775/month, 7-8/10 schools)
• NO South Dakota state income tax (save $3,000-4,000/year, major win)
• Commissary saves 20-30% vs off-base (Walmart, Safeway)
• LOW cost of living = save $9,000-10,000/year (max TSP contributions)
• Budget extra $1,200-1,500/year for winter heating
• Use this assignment to become debt-free and build wealth
• BLACK HILLS outdoor recreation = free entertainment

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Spouse Employment & Family Life

Job Market Reality: Rapid City (78K people) has a small-city economy—Ellsworth AFB, tourism (Black Hills/Mount Rushmore), healthcare, Regional Health, retail. Civilian jobs exist but lower-paying. Remote work is growing—many spouses work remotely.

Top Spouse Employers:

1. Healthcare: Regional Health (RN $62K-78K, admin $32K-48K)
2. Tourism: Mount Rushmore, hotels, attractions (seasonal, $25K-40K)
3. On-Base Contractors: Northrop Grumman, Boeing (admin, IT - $42K-60K)
4. Education: Rapid City Area Schools, Douglas School District (teachers start $44K)
5. Retail: Walmart, Rushmore Mall (manager $30K-42K)
6. Remote Work: Growing market ($45K-75K)

Average Spouse Salaries:

• Healthcare (RN): $62,000-78,000
• Tourism (management): $35,000-50,000
• On-base contractor (admin/IT): $42,000-60,000
• Teaching (SD): $44,000-58,000
• Remote work (varies): $45,000-75,000

Military Spouse Preference:

• Ellsworth AFB has NAF jobs (CDC, fitness, MWR)
• Airman & Family Readiness has job assistance programs
• MyCAA grants available for education/certifications
• Rapid City job market moderate—remote work recommended

Childcare Situation:

• CDC Waitlist: 4-8 months (moderate wait)
• Off-Base Daycare: $90-135/week per child (affordable)
• FCC (Family Child Care): On-base home providers, $80-125/week
• School-Age: Before/after school programs $60-100/week

For Families:

• Schools: Douglas School District (7-8/10, Box Elder) is BEST
• Activities: Mount Rushmore (30 min), Badlands (1 hour), Custer State Park (30 min), Black Hills hiking/camping/fishing
• Support: Strong military community, bomber families

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Common Questions About Ellsworth AFB

Q: Is Ellsworth AFB a good duty station? A: YES, if you value savings + outdoor recreation and can handle HARSH winters. Bomber mission is strategic (prestigious), pocket $750-775/month from BAH, save $9,000-10,000/year (HIGHEST savings post), NO South Dakota income tax (save $3,000-4,000/year), BLACK HILLS location (Mount Rushmore, Badlands, world-class outdoor recreation - MAJOR bonus), Douglas School District (7-8/10) BEST schools. Trade-offs: HARSH winters (-5°F to 30°F, windchill -20°F to -40°F, November-March, MAJOR trade-off), MODERATE deployments (4-6 months for bomber crews), Rapid City is small (78K people, limited nightlife). GREAT for outdoor enthusiasts prioritizing savings + recreation over weather.

Q: Should I live on-base or off-base? A: Box Elder off-base for BEST schools. Box Elder (7-8/10 schools, Douglas School District, small town 10K) pocket $775, 5-10 min commute, BEST schools. West Rapid City (7/10 schools, near Black Hills) pocket $750, outdoor access. On-base waitlist 4-8 months, quality 7-8/10, eliminates winter driving. Box Elder best for schools + savings.

Q: How bad are the deployments? A: MODERATE. Bomber crews deploy 4-6 months (Middle East, Guam, Diego Garcia). NOT constant but regular. Support/Mx also moderate deployment tempo. Not stable assignment but better than special operations tempo.

Q: Can my spouse find work? A: Yes, moderate market. Rapid City (78K people) has healthcare (RN $62K-78K), tourism ($35K-50K, seasonal), on-base contractors ($42K-60K), teaching ($44K-58K). Remote work recommended ($45K-75K). Job market is small-city—remote work best bet.

Q: How bad are the winters? A: BRUTAL. South Dakota Black Hills winters: -5°F to 30°F (November-March), windchill -20°F to -40°F, extreme cold/wind/snow. Block heaters for cars REQUIRED. Remote start ESSENTIAL. Winter gear (parka, boots, gloves) NON-NEGOTIABLE. Winters last 5-6 months. If you can't handle extreme cold, this is NOT your assignment.

Q: Can I save money at Ellsworth? A: YES. This is THE HIGHEST savings post in CONUS. Pocket $750-775/month from BAH, NO South Dakota state income tax (save $3,000-4,000/year), LOW cost of living = save $9,000-10,000/year. Max your TSP (contribute 20%+), pay off ALL debt, build 6-month emergency fund. This is THE assignment to become financially independent. WINTER is the price for savings.

Q: Is the Black Hills worth it? A: YES. Mount Rushmore 30 min, Badlands 1 hour, Custer State Park 30 min, Black Hills National Forest (surrounding), Spearfish Canyon (stunning), Devils Tower 1.5 hours. World-class hiking, camping, fishing, skiing. If you love outdoor recreation, this is PARADISE. FREE entertainment, priceless views. Many say Ellsworth is the BEST assignment they've ever had because of BLACK HILLS.

Q: What about Sturgis Motorcycle Rally? A: August. 500,000 bikers descend on Black Hills for week-long rally. Traffic is INSANE, hotels full, bars packed. If you like motorcycles, it's amazing. If not, avoid Sturgis area during rally week. Rapid City gets busier but tolerable.

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Next Steps: Your PCS Toolkit

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Official Resources & References

This guide synthesizes data from official Department of Defense sources. For additional information:

• Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) - Official military pay and allowances
• Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) - PCS entitlements and regulations
• MilitaryOneSource - Free 24/7 counseling and family support
• Defense Travel Management Office - Official BAH rates and per diem

Last verified: 2025-01-15. Garrison Ledger is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense.