Moving to Ellsworth Air Force Base
Ellsworth is home to the 28th Bomb Wing, which flies B-1B Lancer bombers and has operated MQ-9 Reaper drones since 2012. The base is just outside Box Elder, about 10 miles from Rapid City, at the edge of the Black Hills, so outdoor recreation is a major draw while winters and housing demand can be challenging.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Rapid City, SD |
| Population served | Roughly 3,300 military members and 3,500 family members |
| Airports | Rapid City Regional (RAP) |
| Climate | Highly variable: heavy snow and strong winds in winter, warm summers with frequent thunderstorms. |
| Cost of living | Rapid City is slightly below the national average but higher than most of South Dakota; housing costs are relatively high. South Dakota has no state income tax. |
| On-base housing | Balfour Beatty Communities (waitlist estimates are most accurate 30-45 days after arrival) |
| Medical care | 28th Medical Group clinic |
| Family support center | Military and Family Readiness Center (605-385-4663) |
Where families live
On-base family housing
In high demand and often not available on arrival; Balfour Beatty can estimate waitlist times.
Box Elder
Closest town to the base with newer homes and apartments being built.
Rapid City
Largest city in western South Dakota with a wide range of homes and apartments; growing quickly.
Black Hills communities (Hill City, Custer, Keystone)
Mountain-town setting for families who want to live in the Hills and accept a longer commute.
Sturgis / Spearfish
Smaller northern Black Hills towns with a lower-key pace.
Schools
Base families are served by the Douglas School District, which includes schools near the base, and by Rapid City Area Schools for homes within the city. There are no DoDEA schools; the School Liaison Officer helps with enrollment.
- Douglas School District 51-1 — District serving the base and Box Elder area.
- Rapid City Area Schools — District serving Rapid City.
Ellsworth School Liaison Officer (via the Military and Family Readiness Center, 605-385-4663)
Things to do near Ellsworth Air Force Base
- Mount Rushmore National Memorialday-tripIconic mountain carving in the Black Hills.
- Badlands National ParkoutdoorsDramatic eroded landscape east of Rapid City.
- Custer State ParkoutdoorsLarge park with bison herds, scenic drives and hiking.
- South Dakota Air and Space MuseummuseumAviation museum located near the base.
- Deadwoodday-tripHistoric gold-rush town in the northern Black Hills.
- Sturgis Motorcycle RallyfamilyAnnual August event drawing huge crowds; plan around it for lodging.
- Spearfish CanyonoutdoorsScenic canyon with waterfalls and hiking.
Realtors & local services
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- CENTURY 21 ClearView RealtyRapid CityAgent advertises military relocation help, including VA loan guidance and virtual tours (paid press placement).
Listings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at Ellsworth Air Force Base? Claim or add a listing.
Local programs & support
- Ellsworth Military and Family Readiness CenterProvides relocation assistance, employment help, financial counseling, a loan closet and new parent support.
PCS tips for Ellsworth Air Force Base
- On-base housing is in high demand; contact Balfour Beatty early and expect waitlist estimates to firm up 30-45 days after arrival.
- Winter wind chills can be extreme and summer thunderstorms are common, so pack for all seasons.
- Book lodging early if you arrive in August or September because of the Central States Fair and Sturgis Rally, and note summer gas and hotel prices rise.
- New arrivals driving on I-90 should use Exit 67B; the base has no shuttle service, so arrange transportation in advance.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Midwest & Plains
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.