Brookings, SD
Population 23,710 · South Dakota
About Brookings, SD
Brookings is a mid-sized city located in South Dakota with a population of 23,710 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,979 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 24.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brookings features a median home value of $243,600, which is 1% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Brookings in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $862, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,872 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (4,299 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (4,561 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brookings shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brookings have an average one-way commute time of 11.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
49.7% of Brookings residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.7% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 6.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Brookings Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Brookings, SD
Compared to national averages, Brookings has a median household income of $61,979 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $243,600, which is 1% below the national median. Monthly rent at $862 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Brookings's income is 4% below the state average of $64,650, and home values are 69% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Brookings, SD?
Brookings offers affordable housing with a median home value of $243,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $862/month, and a well-educated community where 49.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 11.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,979) that falls below the national average. However, Brookings’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brookings has a population of 23,710 with a median age of 24.7 years. Compare Brookings with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Brookings
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown | 22,859 | $62,721 | $212,300 | Compare |
| Aberdeen | 28,297 | $63,715 | $205,500 | Compare |
| Mitchell | 15,637 | $56,374 | $182,000 | Compare |
| Yankton | 15,501 | $69,071 | $202,300 | Compare |
| Huron | 14,347 | $51,556 | $164,700 | Compare |
| Pierre | 14,008 | $74,053 | $219,500 | Compare |
| Spearfish | 12,551 | $59,731 | $309,200 | Compare |
| Box Elder | 12,457 | $73,698 | $271,800 | 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 Brookings With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brookings
What is the population of Brookings, SD?
The population of Brookings, SD is 23,710 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 Brookings?
The median household income in Brookings, SD is $61,979 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brookings?
The median home value in Brookings, SD is $243,600, which is 1% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Brookings?
The median monthly rent in Brookings, SD is $862, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brookings?
The unemployment rate in Brookings, SD is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brookings, SD a good place to live?
Brookings offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 23,710 and a median age of 24.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Brookings, SD?
49.7% of residents in Brookings 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 Brookings?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brookings, SD: median home value is $243,600 (1% below national), median rent is $862/month, and median household income is $61,979. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Brookings?
The poverty rate in Brookings, SD is 16.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Brookings, SD?
Brookings's population is 1.7% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 6.8% of residents are foreign-born.