Brookings, SD
Population 23,710 · South Dakota
About Brookings, SD
Brookings is a mid-sized city in South Dakota with a population of 23,710 residents. The median household income is $61,979 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Brookings is 24.7 years.
Housing in Brookings has a median home value of $243,600 and median monthly rent of $862. Of the 9,872 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 4,299 owner-occupied and 4,561 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Brookings is 4.4% and the poverty rate is 16.1%. 49.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 11.8 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Brookings
What is the population of Brookings, SD?
The population of Brookings, SD is 23,710 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Brookings?
The median household income in Brookings, SD is $61,979 per year.
What is the median home value in Brookings?
The median home value in Brookings, SD is $243,600.
What is the average rent in Brookings?
The median monthly rent in Brookings, SD is $862.
What is the unemployment rate in Brookings?
The unemployment rate in Brookings, SD is 4.4%.