If you have orders for a PCS to Ellsworth Air Force Base, welcome to western South Dakota. PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station, the military term for moving from one duty station to another. Ellsworth sits at the edge of the Black Hills, one of the premier bomber installations in the Air Force, with some of the most dramatic scenery in the country within easy reach. This 2026 guide walks you through where to live, how housing pay works, schools, healthcare, the climate, and what to do once you arrive.

What and Where Is Ellsworth AFB?

Ellsworth Air Force Base sits adjacent to the city of Box Elder, South Dakota, about five miles northeast of Rapid City in Pennington County. It is home to the 28th Bomb Wing, which operates the B-1B Lancer — a long-range, multi-mission supersonic bomber — and serves as one of only two B-1B Main Operating Bases in the world.

Ellsworth is also the Air Force's first designated B-21 Raider Main Operating Base. According to ellsworth.af.mil, the Secretary of the Air Force officially selected Ellsworth to receive the new stealth bomber and host the formal training unit. The B-21 Raider is designed to replace the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit as the core of the Air Force's global strike capability. That mission growth is bringing real investment and population growth to the surrounding community.

The 28th Bomb Wing is home to approximately 3,800 Airmen and DoD civilians. For an overview of all installations in the state, see what military bases are in South Dakota.

Where to Live When PCSing to Ellsworth AFB

Most families who move to Ellsworth either live in on-post housing or settle in one of the surrounding communities. Your choice usually comes down to commute, schools, budget, and the feel you want.

Approximate one-way drive times to Ellsworth AFB. Times vary with traffic and which gate you use.

Box Elder

Box Elder is the closest community to the main gate, with a commute of about five minutes. It is a practical, growing choice — many Airmen pick it for the short drive and the direct connection to base life. The Douglas School District serves Box Elder, and with B-21 beddown growth on the way, the area is investing in new schools and infrastructure.

Rapid City

Rapid City is the largest city in western South Dakota and the hub of the region, with a commute of about 15 minutes from the base. It offers the most in shopping, dining, healthcare, and entertainment. If you want city amenities without a long drive, Rapid City is the default choice for many Ellsworth families.

Summerset

Summerset is a growing community northeast of Rapid City, roughly 20 minutes from the gate. It offers newer neighborhoods and more space while keeping a reasonable commute — a common choice for families who want newer construction near the city.

Black Hawk

Black Hawk sits west of Rapid City in the foothills of the Black Hills, also about 20 minutes from Ellsworth. It has a small-town character with easy access to mountain trails — a good pick for families who want the Black Hills feel without a long commute.

Piedmont

Piedmont is a foothill community west of Rapid City, roughly 25 minutes from the gate — quieter and more rural, with a mix of established homes and newer builds for families who want space and easy trail access.

Sturgis

Sturgis sits about 30 minutes north of the base in Meade County. It is known for its annual motorcycle rally, but it is also a practical small-city choice for families who want more room for the money. The Meade School District 46-1 serves families here.

Ellsworth AFB BAH and the Cost of Living

If you live off base, the military helps cover your housing costs through BAH, which stands for Basic Allowance for Housing. BAH is a monthly, tax-free payment. The amount depends on your rank, whether you have dependents, and your duty station's Military Housing Area, or MHA. Ellsworth AFB falls within its own designated MHA.

Because rates change each year and vary by rank and dependent status, we do not publish a rate table here. To find your exact figure, use the official DoD BAH calculator: travel.dod.mil BAH Rate Lookup. Enter your rank and ZIP code to see the current rate. Exact BAH rates are verified separately, so always confirm yours before signing a lease or making an offer.

For a sense of buying costs, the typical home value in Rapid City was about $323,590 as of mid-2026, according to Zillow. That is a typical value, not a median sale price. As of the week of June 18, 2026, Freddie Mac reported the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.47 percent. Whether buying or renting makes more sense depends on how long you expect to be stationed here, so run the numbers for your own situation.

Many Ellsworth families use a VA loan — a home loan backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs — to buy with no down payment. Read what are the benefits of a VA loan, how does a 0-down VA loan work, and 2026 VA loan limits for military homebuyers before you start searching.

Schools Near Ellsworth AFB

The schools your children attend depend on where you live. Several districts serve the Ellsworth area.

Douglas School District is most directly connected to Ellsworth, serving Box Elder with six schools from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and more than 2,900 students — nearly half from military or federal families. Douglas was the first South Dakota district to earn the Purple Star designation for military family support, and it is actively expanding for the B-21 beddown.

Rapid City Area Schools — formally Rapid City Area School District 51-4, per NCES — is the larger district serving Rapid City and parts of Box Elder, with 31 schools and more than 12,000 students. Families in Rapid City or Summerset typically fall here.

Meade School District 46-1 in Sturgis serves the northern communities and maintains dedicated military family resources.