Ellsworth Air Force Base: The Complete PCS Guide

Quick Facts: Ellsworth AFB at a Glance

Location	Box Elder, South Dakota (7 miles east of Rapid City)
Major Unit	28th Bomb Wing — B-1B Lancer (transitioning to B-21 Raider)
Base Phone	(605) 385-1000
Main Gate Hours	24/7
Visitor Control Center	Mon–Fri: 6 AM–6 PM | Sat: 8 AM–12 PM
Welcome Center (In-Processing)	Mon–Fri: 7:30 AM–4:30 PM
Nearest City	Rapid City, SD (approximately 7 miles west)
State Income Tax	None — South Dakota has no state income tax
Time Zone	Mountain Time
BAH Area	Rapid City/Ellsworth AFB, SD (MHA SD264)

BAH Rates for Ellsworth AFB (Rapid City, SD)

Ellsworth falls under the Rapid City/Ellsworth AFB BAH area (MHA SD264). South Dakota’s cost of living is significantly lower than most CONUS assignments, which means your BAH stretches further here — especially if you’re buying. Notably, 2026 BAH rates for this area increased by approximately 0.8% from 2025. The table below shows official 2026 rates for the most common ranks.

Enlisted BAH Rates — Rapid City/Ellsworth AFB

Rank	With Dependents	Without Dependents
E-4	$1,800	$1,440
E-5	$1,986	$1,545
E-6	$2,211	$1,656
E-7	$2,307	$1,806
E-8	$2,409	$2,037
E-9	$2,538	$2,094

Officer BAH Rates — Rapid City/Ellsworth AFB

Rank	With Dependents	Without Dependents
O-1E	$2,322	$1,983
O-2E	$2,457	$2,082
O-3E	$2,574	$2,202
O-2	$2,208	$1,929
O-3	$2,475	$2,124
O-4	$2,691	$2,304
O-5	$2,850	$2,361
O-6	$2,871	$2,457

Note: BAH rates update annually on January 1. Always verify your exact rate using the official DoD BAH calculator or visit MilitaryOneSource. For a complete national comparison, see our 2026 BAH rates guide.

Additionally, South Dakota has no state income tax — a genuine financial win. Your military pay, retirement income, and investment gains are all protected from state taxation.

Want to know what your BAH can buy in the Rapid City market? Start your free PCS Plan and connect with a military-experienced real estate professional who knows this market.

The B-21 Raider: What Families PCSing Now Need to Know

Ellsworth Is Becoming the B-21’s First Operational Home

This is the biggest development at Ellsworth in a generation — and it directly affects every family PCSing to the base right now. Ellsworth AFB is the designated first operational base for the B-21 Raider, America’s next-generation stealth bomber. The first B-21 is confirmed on track for delivery to Ellsworth in 2027.

In preparation, the base has undergone a historic transformation. Specifically, $1.6 billion in facility improvements are underway or recently completed. A $129.5 million runway reconstruction project finished in December 2025, requiring the 28th Bomb Wing’s B-1B Lancers to temporarily relocate to Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, from December 2024 through December 2025. Consequently, those B-1Bs returned to Ellsworth in early December 2025 as the runway upgrade was completed.

What This Means for Families Arriving in 2026

If you’re PCSing to Ellsworth in 2026, expect an active construction environment. Over 20 major facilities are being built or renovated, including a new weapons generation facility, upgraded hangars, radio frequency diagnostic facilities, and expanded maintenance infrastructure. Furthermore, the B-21 transition means the base’s mission tempo and unit structure will evolve significantly over the next several years.

For families, the practical implications include ongoing construction noise and activity near certain areas of the base. However, the base infrastructure itself is newer and more capable than it has been in decades. The B-21 mission will also bring additional personnel, investment, and long-term stability to Ellsworth — which is good news for the local housing market and the base community.

Check our 2026 military pay charts to plan your financial picture for this assignment.

Housing at Ellsworth AFB

On-Base Housing: Ellsworth AFB Homes (Belford Management)

On-base housing at Ellsworth is managed by Belford Management (formerly known as Ellsworth AFB Homes). All units are privatized.

• Address: 299 Sturgis Ave, Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706
• Phone: (605) 923-9000
• Office Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 8 AM–5 PM | Wed: 8 AM–6 PM | Weekends: Closed

What families say about on-base housing is generally positive, though reviews are mixed. Many families appreciate the newer construction, proximity to work, and the responsive maintenance team. Common complaints include unfinished basements, thin walls, and smoke detectors that trigger easily near the kitchen. Additionally, the waitlist can be long for certain unit types.

Housing tip: Contact housing immediately upon receiving your orders — ideally 6 to 12 months out. If a basement matters to your family (important in tornado country), confirm with housing which neighborhoods have them before accepting a unit. Not all homes on Ellsworth have finished or even unfinished basements.

Off-Base Neighborhoods: Where Military Families Live

Ellsworth sits in Box Elder, immediately east of Rapid City on I-90. Most military families choose between several key areas, each with distinct tradeoffs on commute, price, and amenities.

Box Elder / Summerset

This is the most popular choice for military families who want a short commute. Located immediately adjacent to base, Box Elder and nearby Summerset offer quick access (5–10 minutes to the gate), family-friendly neighborhoods, and newer construction. Expect home prices in the $220,000–$320,000 range for newer builds.

East Rapid City (Sturgis Road Corridor)

A 15–20 minute commute puts you in more established neighborhoods with good access to both the base and city amenities. This area is popular with families who prioritize schools rated above the Rapid City average. Furthermore, East Rapid City offers more dining, shopping, and activity options than Box Elder.

West and Central Rapid City

A 20–30 minute commute, depending on traffic. However, this area provides the best access to shopping, restaurants, Monument Health hospital, and recreational opportunities. Home prices range widely from $200,000 to $450,000+. For families who prioritize amenities and walkability over commute time, this is worth considering.

Sturgis

About 30 minutes north on I-90. Lower home prices are the draw here, though the longer commute is the tradeoff. Similarly, August brings Sturgis Motorcycle Rally traffic that can make the commute particularly challenging. Research this area carefully before committing.

Thinking about buying? South Dakota is a VA loan-friendly state with relatively low property taxes. Many Ellsworth families have built real equity on this assignment. See our VA Home Loan guide for full details, and connect with a military-experienced real estate agent who knows the Black Hills market.

Schools Near Ellsworth AFB

Children of military families at Ellsworth attend public schools in either the Meade School District (Box Elder area and on-base families) or the Rapid City Area School District (RCASD), depending on where you live off-base. There is no DoDEA school at Ellsworth.

Meade School District (Box Elder / On-Base Families)

School	Grades	Phone
Vandenberg Elementary	K–5	(605) 923-0060
Francis Case Elementary	K–5	(605) 923-0070
Sturgis Williams Middle School	6–8	(605) 347-2523
Sturgis Brown High School	9–12	(605) 347-3476
Meade School District Office	—	(605) 347-2523

Vandenberg and Francis Case are the elementary schools closest to the base, located in Box Elder. Both serve a heavily military population, and staff members are experienced with the unique needs of military kids — including mid-year transfers and deployment separations.

Real talk on high school: Sturgis Brown High School is a solid school, but it sits in Sturgis — about 25 minutes from base. As a result, families who want their high schoolers closer to Rapid City often choose to live in east Rapid City to access RCASD’s schools instead. For school liaison support, contact the Ellsworth School Liaison Officer at (605) 385-1381.

Rapid City Area Schools (Off-Base Families)

For families living in Rapid City proper, RCASD offers multiple elementary, middle, and high school options across the city. The Rapid City Area School District main office can be reached at (605) 394-4031. For school ratings and boundary information, check GreatSchools.org after you’ve identified your housing area.

Childcare and CDC

The Child Development Center (CDC) on base offers childcare for eligible families. Demand is consistently high, so contact the CDC waitlist immediately upon receiving your orders. Reach the 28th FSS at (605) 385-4289 for waitlist information. Additionally, multiple licensed childcare providers operate in Rapid City and Box Elder for families who need off-base options.

Medical and Dental at Ellsworth AFB

28th Medical Group

The installation’s primary medical facility is the 28th Medical Group, offering primary care, dental, pharmacy, and optometry services.

• Address: 2900 Doolittle Dr, Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706
• Phone: (605) 385-6700
• Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 7:30 AM–4:30 PM | Wed: 7:30–11:30 AM | Weekends: Closed

What families consistently report: the pharmacy earns high marks for quick prescription turnaround. However, primary care appointments can have wait times. The Wednesday half-day closure catches some families off guard — plan accordingly, especially for annual physicals and school physicals in late summer.

TRICARE and Off-Base Care

For specialty care and emergencies, families are referred through TRICARE. The closest major civilian hospital is:

Monument Health Rapid City Hospital
353 Fairmont Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 755-1000 | Open 24 hours | Level II Trauma Center

Monument Health is a well-regarded regional system with multiple clinics throughout the Rapid City area. Most TRICARE Prime enrollees will receive specialist referrals through the 28th MDG.

In-Processing at Ellsworth AFB

What to Expect When You Arrive

Report to the Welcome Center near the Main Gate for in-processing. Welcome Center hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Most newcomers complete in-processing within two to three business days, depending on individual circumstances.

Sponsor Program

Ellsworth AFB has an active sponsor program to help new arrivals transition smoothly. If you do not yet have a sponsor, contact the Military and Family Readiness Center at (605) 385-4663. Provide your gaining unit and they will connect you with a sponsor who can answer housing questions, school questions, and local life questions before you even arrive.

Required Documents for In-Processing

• PCS Orders (bring multiple copies)
• Military ID / CAC
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Birth certificates for all dependents
• Social Security cards
• Vehicle registration and proof of insurance
• Medical and dental records
• Proof of housing (lease or on-base assignment letter)

Gate Access and Visitor Procedures

The Main Gate operates 24/7. Bring a valid Military ID, CAC, or dependent ID for all adults. Additionally, state driver’s licenses must be REAL ID compliant; non-compliant IDs require a secondary form of identification. Expect 100% ID checks and occasional random vehicle inspections.

The Visitor Control Center (VCC), located just outside the Main Gate, handles visitor passes and guest sponsorships. VCC hours are Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday, 8 AM to 12 PM.

Transportation Office (HHG/PPM)

Contact the Transportation Office before your move to coordinate your household goods shipment or personally procured move (PPM/DITY).

• Address: 1924 LeMay Blvd, Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706
• Phone: (605) 385-6597 or (605) 385-2366
• Hours: Monday–Friday: 7:30 AM–3:00 PM

Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to schedule your shipment and track your household goods. For full details on PPM moves and reimbursement, see our DITY/PPM move guide. You can also find a complete moving checklist and PCS binder template in our PCS binder guide.

Getting Around: Commute and Transportation

Ellsworth’s location just off I-90 in Box Elder makes commuting fairly straightforward. Here is what families need to know:

• The Main Gate is on Ellsworth Road / Box Elder Road, just north of I-90 Exit 67
• Commute from most of Rapid City is 15–25 minutes — light by most CONUS standards
• The Sturgis Road / I-90 corridor backs up during peak hours, particularly in summer tourist season when Mount Rushmore traffic adds to the mix
• There is no public transportation to or from base — a personal vehicle is essential
• Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is about 25 minutes from base, with direct flights to Denver, Dallas, Minneapolis, and Salt Lake City

Weather warning: South Dakota winters are serious. Blizzards and ice storms are common from November through March. An AWD or 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended, especially if you’re coming from a warm-weather duty station. Additionally, keep an emergency car kit — blanket, jumper cables, shovel, sand, snacks, water — before your first November.

Base Services and Amenities

Key On-Base Contacts

Service	Phone
Base Operator	(605) 385-1000
Finance (28th CPTS)	(605) 385-1110
Legal Assistance	(605) 385-4044
Airman and Family Readiness Center	(605) 385-4019
Military and Family Readiness Center	(605) 385-4663
Chapel	(605) 385-4227
Commissary	(605) 385-3500
BX / Exchange	(605) 385-4440
Fitness Center	(605) 385-1700
Outdoor Recreation / ITT / Auto Skills	(605) 385-4868
Child Development Center (CDC)	(605) 385-4289
School Liaison Officer	(605) 385-1381
Transportation Office (HHG)	(605) 385-6597

The commissary and BX are well-stocked for a base of this size. Notably, the Outdoor Recreation office is one of the most popular on-base offices for good reason — they rent camping gear, bikes, and ski equipment, and they sell discounted tickets to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, and other Black Hills attractions.

Living in the Black Hills: Why Ellsworth Families Love It

This is where Ellsworth separates itself from nearly every other Air Force assignment. You are living near some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States — and most of it sits within 90 minutes of base.

Can’t-Miss Recreation Within 90 Minutes

Mount Rushmore National Memorial — 30 miles southwest. Free parking with your America the Beautiful military pass. If family members visit, this is the obvious first stop.

Badlands National Park — About 75 miles east. One of the most otherworldly landscapes in the country. Go at sunrise or sunset. Your America the Beautiful pass covers entry.

Custer State Park — About 45 miles south. Arguably one of the best state parks in the country. Bison drives, swimming, hiking, and the iconic Needles Highway. Families typically get season passes for around $40 and use them constantly.

Wind Cave National Park — About 60 miles south. Underground cave tours, bison herds, and prairie dogs. Genuinely underrated and worth multiple visits.

Spearfish Canyon — About 45 minutes northwest. Stunning canyon drives with waterfalls, fly fishing, and mountain goats. Fall colors are absolutely spectacular.

Terry Peak Ski Area — About 50 miles northwest. A smaller but legitimate ski mountain with military discounts available.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally — Every August. If you live in Box Elder or on base, expect major traffic on I-90 for about two weeks. Plan accordingly and enjoy the spectacle.

The Honest Take on Rapid City

Rapid City is a city of about 80,000 people. It has most essentials — a mall, big-box stores, solid restaurants, a regional hospital, and good schools. However, it is not a major metro. Specialty shopping and some services require online ordering or a longer drive. The nearest large cities are Sioux Falls (approximately 350 miles east) and Denver (approximately 400 miles south).

For outdoor-loving families, this assignment is genuinely a dream. On the other hand, families who need urban amenities, diverse entertainment, or proximity to extended family in major metros may find the isolation real after a year or two. Know what your family needs before you arrive.

Cost of Living Near Ellsworth AFB

South Dakota is one of the most affordable states for military families. Here’s a realistic snapshot for 2026:

Expense	Typical Range
3BR home (Box Elder / East Rapid City)	$220,000–$310,000
4BR home (Rapid City)	$270,000–$420,000
2BR apartment (off-base)	$950–$1,400/month
Childcare (full-time)	$800–$1,100/month
Gas (avg 2026)	~$3.10–$3.40/gallon
Groceries (family of 4)	$700–$950/month

The absence of state income tax is a financial benefit that many families underestimate in their assignment calculations. Compared to a high-tax state like California or New York, the effective difference can be thousands of dollars per year. See our PCS tax write-offs guide for more ways to protect your money during the move.

Renting vs. Buying at Ellsworth AFB

This is one of the most-asked questions for any PCS, and Ellsworth is a strong case for buying — if your tour is three or more years.

Why Buying Often Makes Sense Here

South Dakota real estate appreciated steadily through the 2020s. Furthermore, no state income tax preserves more of your income to put toward a mortgage. VA loans require no down payment, making entry into homeownership accessible at almost any rank. Additionally, many military families have left Ellsworth assignments with real equity built. See our VA Home Loan guide for the full breakdown.

When Renting Is the Smarter Call

If your tour is under two years, buying introduces meaningful risk. Similarly, if your timeline is uncertain — TDY-heavy missions like the B-1 and incoming B-21 can complicate PCS planning — renting provides more flexibility. Connect with a military-savvy real estate professional who knows the Ellsworth market before making this call.

For broader moving and financial planning guidance, see our military moving tips and our PCS Toolkit.

Pets at Ellsworth AFB

On-base housing allows pets, but breed and weight restrictions apply. Contact Belford Management at (605) 923-9000 before assuming your pet qualifies. Off-base, Box Elder and Rapid City are generally pet-friendly communities with abundant outdoor space.

The Black Hills is exceptional for hiking with dogs. Most national forest trails allow dogs on leash. National park areas — Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Wind Cave — have more specific restrictions on where pets can go, so research individual parks before your first visit.

PCS-Specific Tips for Ellsworth AFB

Arrive before the Sturgis Rally if possible. Moving in July lets you dodge the August rally traffic surge on I-90. Arriving in August is workable, but it adds unnecessary stress to an already demanding process.

Get on waitlists early. Both on-base housing and desirable off-base rentals fill quickly. Contact Ellsworth AFB Housing and begin your housing research the day your orders drop.

Know the construction environment. As described above, Ellsworth is mid-transformation for the B-21 Raider. Expect active construction around parts of the base through 2026 and beyond.

Build your winter emergency kit before November. Ice storms and blizzards will happen. A car kit — blanket, jumper cables, shovel, sand or kitty litter, snacks, water — is not optional in South Dakota.

Use the ITT and Outdoor Recreation office from day one. Discounted tickets to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, and other attractions are available — and this office has the best deals on the base.

Join the Facebook community before you arrive. The Ellsworth AFB PCS Pay-It-Forward® group is the best source of current, honest intel from families already stationed there. Questions about pet policies, school boundaries, housing waitlists, and neighborhood recommendations all get answered quickly.

Need a complete moving checklist? Download our PCS binder and checklist to stay organized through every step of the move.

Frequently Asked Questions: Ellsworth AFB PCS

What unit is at Ellsworth AFB?

Ellsworth AFB is home to the 28th Bomb Wing, which operates the B-1B Lancer — a supersonic heavy bomber. Additionally, the 89th Attack Squadron operates MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft. Ellsworth is also the designated first operational base for the incoming B-21 Raider stealth bomber, with first delivery expected in 2027.

Is Ellsworth AFB getting the B-21 Raider?

Yes. Ellsworth AFB is confirmed as the first operational base for the B-21 Raider stealth bomber. First delivery is on track for 2027. In preparation, the Air Force completed a $129.5 million runway reconstruction in December 2025, and over $1.6 billion in facility improvements are underway. Families PCSing to Ellsworth now will arrive during this historic transition.

What is the closest city to Ellsworth AFB?

Rapid City, South Dakota, is approximately 7 miles west of the Main Gate. Box Elder, where the base is technically located, is immediately adjacent to the installation.

Is Ellsworth AFB a good assignment?

For outdoor-loving families, Ellsworth consistently ranks among the top Air Force assignments. Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, and the Black Hills are all within 90 minutes. Cost of living is low, South Dakota has no state income tax, and the military community is tight-knit. For families who need urban amenities or proximity to major metros, the isolation can be challenging after a year or two.

What is the 2026 BAH rate at Ellsworth AFB?

Ellsworth falls under the Rapid City/Ellsworth AFB BAH area (MHA SD264). For example, an E-5 with dependents receives $1,986/month; an O-4 with dependents receives $2,691/month. See the full table above or use the official DoD BAH calculator.

What schools do Ellsworth AFB kids attend?

Children attend either Meade School District (Box Elder area and on-base families) or Rapid City Area School District (off-base families in Rapid City), depending on where you live. Vandenberg Elementary and Francis Case Elementary serve most on-base families. There is no DoDEA school at Ellsworth.

What is the medical facility at Ellsworth AFB?

The 28th Medical Group at 2900 Doolittle Dr provides primary care, dental, pharmacy, and optometry. For specialty care and emergencies, families are referred to civilian providers through TRICARE. Monument Health Rapid City Hospital at (605) 755-1000 is the nearest major civilian hospital.

Does Ellsworth AFB have on-base housing?

Yes. Privatized on-base housing is managed by Belford Management at (605) 923-9000. Waitlists can be lengthy for certain unit types, so contact housing the moment your orders drop. Not all units have basements — confirm this detail before accepting a unit if it matters to your family.

Is it worth buying a home at Ellsworth AFB?

For tours of three or more years, buying often makes financial sense. Home prices are relatively low, South Dakota has no state income tax, and VA loans require no down payment. Connect with a military-experienced real estate agent who knows the Rapid City market to evaluate your specific situation.

What is the weather like at Ellsworth AFB?

Summers are warm and dry (70s–90s°F). Winters are cold and snowy, with blizzards possible from November through March. Wind chills can be severe. An AWD or 4WD vehicle and a winter emergency car kit are strongly recommended for every family stationed here.

Key Takeaways

• Ellsworth AFB is the future home of the B-21 Raider — first delivery expected 2027; $1.6B in facility improvements underway, including a runway rebuilt in December 2025
• 2026 BAH rates are confirmed at $1,800–$2,538 (with dependents) for enlisted, and $2,022–$2,889 for officers — significantly higher than many families expect for this market
• South Dakota has no state income tax, which means your military pay, retirement, and investment income are protected
• On-base housing is managed by Belford Management at (605) 923-9000 — contact them the day orders drop; waitlists can be long
• Schools are divided between Meade School District (on-base and Box Elder families) and Rapid City Area School District (off-base families in Rapid City)
• Medical care is through the 28th Medical Group with civilian overflow to Monument Health Rapid City Hospital via TRICARE
• South Dakota winters are serious — blizzards are real, AWD/4WD is strongly recommended, and an emergency car kit is not optional
• The outdoor recreation is world-class — Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Custer State Park, and the Black Hills are within 90 minutes
• Join the Ellsworth AFB PCS Pay-It-Forward® group for real-time intel from families currently stationed there
• Start your PCS plan now — use our free PCS planner and explore VA home loan options before you arrive

Need help planning your PCS to Ellsworth? Start your PCS plan here or explore our full base guide directory.

Looking for housing help? Our VA Home Loan guide walks you through every step of using your benefit in South Dakota.