Air Force
Box Elder, South Dakota
Est. 1942
Ellsworth Air Force Base
Ellsworth AFB is home to the B-1B Lancer bomber and the 28th Bomb Wing. Located in the Black Hills near Mount Rushmore, it offers some of the best outdoor recreation of any Air Force base.
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2026 BAH Rates — Ellsworth Air Force Base
Basic Allowance for Housing is tax-free. You keep any monthly surplus above your actual rent. Rates are estimated from local market data — verify exact figures at travel.dod.mil.
| Pay Grade | BAH w/ Dep | BAH w/o Dep | vs Avg Rent (E-5+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-4 (Enlisted) | $1,170 | $990 | +$170 |
| E-5 (Enlisted) | $1,296 | $1,098 | +$296 |
| E-6 (Enlisted) | $1,404 | $1,206 | +$404 |
| E-7 (Enlisted) | $1,530 | $1,314 | +$530 |
| W-2 (Warrant) | $1,494 | $1,278 | +$494 |
| O-2E (Officer) | $1,548 | $1,278 | +$548 |
| O-3 (Officer) | $1,548 | $1,278 | +$548 |
Avg off-base rent in Box Elder: $1,000/mo. Surplus/gap shown for E-5 base rate.
Housing Near Ellsworth Air Force Base
Average off-base rent
$1,000/mo
On-base housing
Available
On-base waitlist
1 month
Popular neighborhoods
Cost of Living Index (100 = national avg)
Housing
50
Utilities
60
Groceries
65
Transport
62
Healthcare
64
Off-Base Rent by Bedroom — Box Elder
Approximate monthly rents near Ellsworth Air Force Base. The 2-bedroom figure is used as the BAH reference unit. Actual rents vary by neighborhood and availability.
Studio / 1BR
$725/mo
2 Bedrooms
$1,000/mo
BAH reference
3 Bedrooms
$1,350/mo
4 Bedrooms
$1,650/mo
Schools Near Ellsworth Air Force Base
Total nearby schools
22
School districts
Highly rated schools
Nearby Attractions
Childcare at Ellsworth Air Force Base
On-Base CDC
✓ Available
Pet Policies — Ellsworth Air Force Base
Pets Allowed in Housing
✓ Yes
Registration Required
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions — Ellsworth Air Force Base
What is the BAH rate at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2026?
An E-5 with dependents stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base receives an estimated BAH of $1,296/mo in 2026. Rates scale from roughly $990 (E-1) to $2,034 (O-6) with dependents. BAH is tax-free and you keep any surplus above your actual rent.
What is the average rent near Ellsworth Air Force Base?
The average off-base rent in the Box Elder, South Dakota area near Ellsworth Air Force Base is approximately $1,000/month. An E-5 with dependents would have a surplus of $296 vs. the average rent. Popular neighborhoods include Box Elder, Rapid City, Sturgis.
Is on-base housing available at Ellsworth Air Force Base?
On-base housing is available at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The typical wait list is approximately 1 month. Many families choose to live off-base in nearby communities like Box Elder and Rapid City.
What is the cost of living near Ellsworth Air Force Base?
The overall cost of living near Ellsworth Air Force Base is rated "cheaper" relative to the national average (100). Housing costs index at 50, groceries at 65, and healthcare at 64. Housing costs are below the national average, making this a relatively affordable assignment.
How many schools are near Ellsworth Air Force Base?
There are approximately 22 schools near Ellsworth Air Force Base. Nearby school districts include Douglas School District, Rapid City Area Schools. Highly-rated schools in the area include Douglas High School and Rapid City Stevens High School.
What is the climate like at Ellsworth Air Force Base?
Ellsworth Air Force Base is located in Box Elder, South Dakota. Check local weather resources for current climate conditions.
What TRICARE region covers Ellsworth Air Force Base?
Check with your gaining unit or milConnect.dmdc.osd.mil for TRICARE enrollment information for Ellsworth Air Force Base.
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