Brandon, SD
Population 10,996 · South Dakota
About Brandon, SD
Brandon is a mid-sized city located in South Dakota with a population of 10,996 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $104,806 per year, which is 39% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brandon features a median home value of $317,300, which is 30% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Brandon in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $989, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,221 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (3,276 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (805 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brandon shows an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Brandon have an average one-way commute time of 20.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
40.6% of Brandon residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.9% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 3.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Brandon Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Brandon, SD
Compared to national averages, Brandon has a median household income of $104,806 (39% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $317,300, which is 30% above the national median. Monthly rent at $989 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Brandon's income is 62% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 121% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Brandon, SD?
Brandon offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $104,806, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $989/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.5%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 40.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 2.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.2 minutes.
Brandon has a population of 10,996 with a median age of 37.7 years. Compare Brandon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Brandon
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermillion | 11,800 | $52,815 | $210,200 | Compare |
| Box Elder | 12,457 | $73,698 | $271,800 | Compare |
| Spearfish | 12,551 | $59,731 | $309,200 | Compare |
| Pierre | 14,008 | $74,053 | $219,500 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 7,790 | $101,534 | $281,400 | Compare |
| Huron | 14,347 | $51,556 | $164,700 | Compare |
| Rapid Valley | 7,153 | $85,217 | $226,300 | Compare |
| Sturgis | 7,111 | $51,101 | $236,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Dakota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Brandon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brandon
What is the population of Brandon, SD?
The population of Brandon, SD is 10,996 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in South Dakota.
What is the median household income in Brandon?
The median household income in Brandon, SD is $104,806 per year, which is 39% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brandon?
The median home value in Brandon, SD is $317,300, which is 30% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brandon?
The median monthly rent in Brandon, SD is $989, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brandon?
The unemployment rate in Brandon, SD is 1.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Brandon, SD a good place to live?
Brandon offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 10,996 and a median age of 37.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Brandon, SD?
40.6% of residents in Brandon aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Brandon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brandon, SD: median home value is $317,300 (30% above national), median rent is $989/month, and median household income is $104,806. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brandon?
The poverty rate in Brandon, SD is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Brandon, SD?
Brandon's population is 3.9% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 3.0% two or more races. 3.8% of residents are foreign-born.