Brookings, OR
Population 6,733 · Oregon
About Brookings, OR
Brookings is a small town located in Oregon with a population of 6,733 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,384 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brookings features a median home value of $398,700, which is 63% above the national median of $244,900. This places Brookings in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,303, 12% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,465 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (2,181 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (935 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brookings shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Brookings have an average one-way commute time of 16.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.4% of Brookings residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 9.4% White, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 6.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Brookings Ranks in Oregon
Cost of Living in Brookings, OR
Compared to national averages, Brookings has a median household income of $73,384 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $398,700, which is 63% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,303 is 12% above the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, Brookings's income is 4% below the state average of $76,196, and home values are 4% above the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in Brookings, OR?
Brookings offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%, and a low poverty rate of 11.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 16.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,384) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $398,700. However, Brookings’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brookings has a population of 6,733 with a median age of 54.4 years. Compare Brookings with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near Brookings
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh Hills | 6,669 | $109,306 | $865,500 | Compare |
| Junction City | 6,926 | $76,969 | $353,300 | Compare |
| Garden Home-Whitford | 6,970 | $93,345 | $602,800 | Compare |
| West Slope | 6,985 | $102,656 | $700,700 | Compare |
| Sheridan | 6,462 | $69,375 | $281,800 | Compare |
| Milton-Freewater | 7,096 | $47,440 | $209,800 | Compare |
| Warrenton | 6,297 | $67,430 | $386,500 | Compare |
| Talent | 6,271 | $53,843 | $365,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Oregon
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Brookings With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brookings
What is the population of Brookings, OR?
The population of Brookings, OR is 6,733 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Oregon.
What is the median household income in Brookings?
The median household income in Brookings, OR is $73,384 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brookings?
The median home value in Brookings, OR is $398,700, which is 63% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brookings?
The median monthly rent in Brookings, OR is $1,303, which is 12% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brookings?
The unemployment rate in Brookings, OR is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Brookings, OR a good place to live?
Brookings offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 6,733 and a median age of 54.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Brookings, OR?
21.4% of residents in Brookings aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Brookings?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brookings, OR: median home value is $398,700 (63% above national), median rent is $1,303/month, and median household income is $73,384. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Brookings?
The poverty rate in Brookings, OR is 11.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Brookings, OR?
Brookings's population is 9.4% White, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 6.8% of residents are foreign-born.