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If you’ve been thinking about a place with slower mornings and peaceful streets—Brookings might be the ideal choice. Life here has room to breathe. Brookings blends small-town calm with a smart, youthful energy (thanks to South Dakota State University). You’ll find reputed schools, safe neighborhoods, and a kind of community where people are amiable.
You’re never far from nature, either. Bike trails, lakes, and parks fill your weekends with more than errands and chores. And the local economy holds up well with jobs in education, healthcare, and manufacturing.
If you’re serious about relocating, you’ll want the facts lined up. We’ve pulled together everything you need—cost of living, housing, schools, safety, and more—so you can move smartly. Let’s get into the details.
Brookings boasts walkable streets, reliable services, and a practical approach to everyday living. The city combines tradition with progress. It maintains small-town character while growing in measured ways. Local ordinances support clean neighborhoods and well-maintained public spaces, and residents benefit from strong civic involvement that keeps things moving forward without losing what matters. You’ll find a range of dining, shopping, and local businesses that feel personal rather than corporate. All of this makes Brookings a solid choice for people who value function over flash and substance over size.
Brookings, South Dakota, is known for being budget-friendly. The cost of living here is about 22% lower than the national average, according to recent reports. With a cost of living index of 84.3, everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and services are more manageable compared to most places across the country. That makes a noticeable difference for families looking to save without giving up comfort.
The median home price in Brookings is around $309,800. It is nearly 25% below the national median. Other costs, including food and basic transportation, also trend lower.
People are moving to Brookings, South Dakota, for its practical cost of living and balanced way of life. The median home price is around $309,800, which is nearly 25% lower than the national average. Groceries, transportation, and everyday expenses follow the same trend, giving families and individuals more financial breathing room. Brookings offers a compact and convenient lifestyle compared to Aberdeen, where housing is expensive. The combination of affordability and a supportive atmosphere is why more people are choosing to settle here.
Brookings is home to 24,312 residents as of July 2023. It reflects a 4% increase since 2020. The city maintains a youthful median age of 24.7 years. It is influenced by the presence of South Dakota State University. Households average 2.31 persons. The community exhibits a predominantly White demographic at 87.1%. Asian, Black or African American, and Hispanic populations contribute to its diversity.
Brookings is smaller in size, and the population is also one of the lowest in the state. That means the streets are less crowded, and you can easily drive here without spending much time behind the wheel, leading to less commuting time. The average one-way commute time in Brookings is 13.8 minutes, much lower than the US average of 26.4 minutes.
If you are keen to know how the city residents reach the office regularly, here are the latest stats:
Brookings, South Dakota, sees all four seasons in full form. Winters are long and snowy, with average lows in January near 13°F. Summers are warm but not overwhelming, with July highs hovering around 71°F. Rain comes mostly in the spring and early summer, while fall is often cool and clear. Snowfall tends to arrive early and lingers through March.
Skies are often clear with a high number of sunny days throughout the year. The temperature swings can be sharp, but many residents say it adds rhythm to the year. If you plan to move, bring layers and a snow shovel. Here are some climate facts about Brookings.
More people are choosing Brookings, South Dakota, for its practical pace and community-minded feel. The city blends affordability with stability, making it easier to plan long-term. Families appreciate safe neighborhoods and public spaces. Brookings continues to grow without losing what makes it approachable—space to live and room to think.
Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Brookings, South Dakota.
Brookings, South Dakota, offers a low cost of living, making it easier for families and individuals to thrive. Housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare costs are all generally lower than national averages.
The economy of Brookings is steady and growing, with a range of job opportunities in education, manufacturing, and healthcare. South Dakota State University is a key employer and economic driver in the area.
Brookings is known for its safe and welcoming neighborhoods. Crime rates are low, and there is a strong sense of community, making it an ideal place to raise a family or retire.
The city of Brookings has a vibrant community life, with numerous parks, recreational activities, and events throughout the year. Residents enjoy a balance of small-town charm and modern amenities.
Brookings offers a range of affordable housing options, from apartments to family homes. The city’s real estate market is stable, allowing for homeownership without high financial strain.
Home to South Dakota State University, Brookings provides top-notch educational resources. The city also has quality public schools and library programs that cater to lifelong learners.
Brookings has beautiful natural landscapes, including nearby parks and trails. Residents enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing in the area’s scenic spots.
The community in Brookings is known for its friendly, inclusive atmosphere. Newcomers are welcomed with open arms, and there are plenty of resources to help new residents settle in.
Brookings is a great place for retirement, offering a slower pace of life, affordability, and activities tailored to seniors. It’s a peaceful and supportive environment for the golden years.
South Dakota is tax-friendly, with no state income tax and low property taxes, making it attractive for individuals and retirees alike.
We are fully aware that you would want to know about the pros and cons of relocating to Brookings. We have compiled the following pros and cons to help you make an informed decision about relocating to Brookings.
If you're planning a move to Brookings, South Dakota, it's natural to want to know where to live. At MoverJunction, we've gathered information on the city's top neighborhoods to help you make an informed decision.
Below is a table ranking ten neighborhoods in Brookings, SD, by average home rental and home value.
| Rank | Neighborhood | Home Rental | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brookings Southeast | $1,665 | $309,816 |
| 2 | Brookings South | $1,665 | $309,816 |
| 3 | Sunnyview / SDSU | $1,665 | $309,816 |
| 4 | City Center | $1,665 | $309,816 |
| 5 | Brookings Municipal Airport | $1,665 | $309,816 |
| 6 | Volga | $1,665 | $309,816 |
| 7 | Aurora | $1,665 | $309,816 |
| 8 | Medary Estates | $1,665 | $309,816 |
| 9 | Prairie Hills | $1,665 | $309,816 |
| 10 | Timberline | $1,665 | $309,816 |
The cost of living in Brookings is 7% lower than the national average and 4% higher than the state average. Housing costs are notably affordable, with a median home value of $268,000, compared to the national median of $338,100. Utilities and transportation expenses are also below national averages, making Brookings an economical choice for residents.
| Living Expense | Brookings | South Dakota | US National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Expense | 93 | 89 | 100 |
| Grocery Expense | 98.6 | 97.0 | 100 |
| Health | 120.8 | 100.0 | 100 |
| Housing | 73.9 | 82.1 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $268,000 | $187,800 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 88.3 | 93.6 | 100 |
| Transportation | 71.2 | 71.2 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 93.5 | 77.6 | 100 |
The job market in Brookings, South Dakota, continues to grow with steady momentum. Key industries include healthcare, education, and manufacturing—each playing a vital role in supporting local families. Opportunities have expanded in recent years, and wages remain steady. The unemployment rate is low at 1.5%, which is well below the national average of 4.5%. The average salary in Brookings is around $49,460 per year. Many residents are able to maintain a stable, dependable income through jobs that reflect the strength of the local economy.
| Indicator | Brookings | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Income per Capita | $46,289 | $37,638 |
| Household Income | $61,979 | $69,021 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.5% | 4.5% |
| Recent Job Growth | 4.11% | -6.2% |
| Future Job Growth | 29.6% | 33.5% |
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Start My Quote NowBrookings is quietly becoming a place full of opportunities for people looking to grow their careers. If you’re moving here, it helps to know which jobs are gaining ground. This way, you can focus your energy on roles where demand is climbing and the future looks bright. From healthcare to technology and skilled trades, the fastest-growing jobs in Brookings reflect the city’s changing needs and promise stable income. Knowing where to look means you can feel more confident about finding a job that suits your skills and goals in this welcoming community. Here are the 10 fastest-growing jobs in Brookings.
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Environmental Scientist | $68,500 | 118.2% |
| 2 | Medical Records Technician | $41,300 | 115.8% |
| 3 | Wind Turbine Technician | $56,700 | 110.3% |
| 4 | Dental Hygienist | $75,900 | 107.9% |
| 5 | Software Developer | $105,400 | 102.4% |
| 6 | Physical Therapist Assistant | $59,200 | 99.7% |
| 7 | Substance Abuse Counselor | $47,100 | 95.6% |
| 8 | Paralegal | $51,800 | 92.3% |
| 9 | HVAC Technician | $49,500 | 90.8% |
| 10 | Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $78,200 | 89.4% |
If you’re moving to Brookings, planning for your income potential can help you settle in more comfortably. Knowing which careers offer strong salaries makes a real difference, especially when you're adjusting to a new city. Brookings might be a small town, but it has serious opportunities across healthcare, education, and technical services. Whether you’re switching fields or growing in your current one, this list highlights careers that not only pay well but also offer long-term stability. These roles reflect what employers here are actively hiring for—so this might give you a head start in your job search. Let’s take a look at the top-paying jobs in Brookings.
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary | Entry Level Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psychiatrist | $241,000 | $136,000 |
| 2 | Engineering Manager | $162,300 | $94,000 |
| 3 | Nurse Anesthetist | $158,900 | $112,000 |
| 4 | Data Science Manager | $143,700 | $85,000 |
| 5 | Pharmacist | $135,800 | $101,000 |
| 6 | Agricultural Scientist | $127,400 | $75,000 |
| 7 | Director of Public Health | $121,600 | $84,000 |
| 8 | University Professor (STEM Fields) | $114,200 | $64,000 |
| 9 | Construction Manager | $109,500 | $61,000 |
| 10 | Financial Analyst | $102,300 | $59,000 |
Brookings offers more than wide-open spaces and quiet neighborhoods—it’s also home to some of South Dakota’s most promising industries. If you’re considering a move here, knowing which fields are growing can give you peace of mind and a clearer sense of what life might look like after settling in. Whether you're shifting careers or looking for stability, these industries have been hiring steadily and offering real paths forward. Brookings is building a future around innovation and sustainability, and there’s room here for people who want to grow along with it. Here are the four major emerging industries in Brookings:
If you're planning to make Brookings your new home, knowing where people love to work can help you feel a little more grounded. Most folks want more than a paycheck—they’re also looking for balance, good leadership and a sense that their time means something. Brookings is home to companies that offer those things and more. Whether you're in research, healthcare, tech or skilled trades, there’s a good chance you’ll find a workplace that fits. Here's a look at ten of the most trusted and employee-friendly companies in the city:
If you’re thinking about moving to Brookings, knowing the average salary can help you set realistic expectations and plan your life here. Salaries vary by industry, experience, and company size, but a few numbers can give you a clearer picture of what to expect in this city. Understanding the local pay scale helps when budgeting for housing, daily expenses, and future goals (because that’s how life really works). Brookings offers a solid earning potential that balances well with its cost of living. Here are the latest figures for average pay in the area:
Brookings offers a housing market that feels accessible and stable. The median home value is $309,816, reflecting a 5.4% increase in the past year. Homes here sell fast, often going under contract in only 18 days. Nearly half the population are renters, which keeps the community balanced between owners and tenants. Average rent sits at $1,230—about 34% below the national average. Over the last decade, homes in Brookings have appreciated by 95.0%. For many, it feels like a place where buying a home is still within reach and growth isn’t outpacing reality.
Brookings continues to attract renters looking for comfort without overspending. With a mix of newer apartments and established homes, rental options are accessible for students, working professionals, and growing families alike. Prices have remained relatively steady, which helps households budget with more confidence. Whether you're moving for work, school, or a change of pace, knowing the current rental rates can help you plan wisely and settle in with fewer surprises.
Living in Brookings means more of your money stays in your wallet. Whether you're buying groceries or settling into a new home, the local tax structure quietly works in your favor. These small wins can add up fast, especially when you're managing a household or planning for the future
Brookings may be small, but it knows how to make people feel at home. The city offers a combination of quiet beauty and local charm. Here is what you can look forward to.
This museum brings out the child in everyone. Kids can explore science, art, and storytelling through hands-on exhibits. Families love the giant T. rex in the outdoor play area and the freedom to explore without being told to stay quiet or sit still.
McCrory Gardens is peaceful and full of color. It spans 70 acres with flower beds, trees, and walking paths. The space invites you to slow down and breathe in something good.
There is something comforting about the combination of old buildings and fresh ideas. Local shops, cozy cafés, and murals give downtown Brookings a lived-in feel. It is a great place to spend a Saturday morning without feeling rushed.
With open trails, small lakes, and rental kayaks, Dakota Nature Park is perfect for those who want a quiet afternoon in the sun. It's where you go to clear your head and breathe fresh air.
You don’t need to be an art expert to enjoy this museum. It’s calm and thoughtful, with rotating exhibits and collections that tell stories about the region and its people.
Visible from almost anywhere in town, this 165-foot tower is part of Brookings’ skyline. If you're up for the climb, the view from the top is worth the effort. You’ll see campus rooftops, neighborhoods, and miles of quiet prairie.
Held on summer weekends, the farmers' market brings the community together. People come for fresh veggies, bread, and handmade goods, but they stay for the conversations and live music under the trees.
If you want to try something different, this center offers archery and firearms training in a safe, welcoming setting. It is where people go to practice with purpose and maybe learn a new skill they didn’t know they’d enjoy.
This museum honors the hard work that built South Dakota. With old tractors, tools, and everyday objects, it helps you understand how farming shaped families and towns. It's more personal than you might expect.
A short drive from town, Oakwood Lakes gives you space to relax. There’s camping, swimming, and a quiet lake where the sky feels bigger. It’s where families unplug, roast marshmallows, and fall asleep to the sound of wind in the trees.
The crime rate in Brookings is 14.88%. It is much lower than the national average of 22.7. The property crime rate of the city stands at 13.10%, which is also below the national median of 35.4. About 72% of cities in the United States are less safe than Brookings. Note that nearly 64% of residents say they feel completely safe here. Here are some updated crime stats in Brookings, SD.
We have compiled a comprehensive list of top schools in Brookings, South Dakota. Here is what you should know.
Brookings High School
Address: 530 Elm Avenue, Brookings, SD 57006
Enrollment: 1,050 students
Sioux Valley High School
Address: 200 Hansina Avenue, Volga, SD 57071
Enrollment: 224 students
South Dakota State University (SDSU)
Medary Elementary School
Address: 718 5th Street South, Brookings, SD 57006
Enrollment: 323 students
Hillcrest Elementary School
Address: 304 15th Avenue, Brookings, SD 57006
Enrollment: 218 students
Dakota Prairie Elementary School
Address: 111 26th Street South, Brookings, SD 57006
Enrollment: 205 students
Camelot Intermediate School
Address: 1401 15th Street South, Brookings, SD 57006
Enrollment: 156 students
Sioux Valley Elementary School
Address: 200 Hansina Avenue, Volga, SD 57071
Enrollment: 354 students
George S. Mickelson Middle School
Address: 1801 12th Street South, Brookings, SD 57006
Enrollment: 751 students
Sioux Valley Middle School
Address: 200 Hansina Avenue, Volga, SD 57071
Enrollment: 656 students
Brookings High School
Address: 530 Elm Avenue, Brookings, SD 57006
Enrollment: 1,050 students
Sioux Valley High School
Address: 200 Hansina Avenue, Volga, SD 57071
Enrollment: 224 students
South Dakota State University (SDSU)
Medary Elementary School
Address: 718 5th Street South, Brookings, SD 57006
Enrollment: 323 students
Hillcrest Elementary School
Address: 304 15th Avenue, Brookings, SD 57006
Enrollment: 218 students
Dakota Prairie Elementary School
Address: 111 26th Street South, Brookings, SD 57006
Enrollment: 205 students
Camelot Intermediate School
Address: 1401 15th Street South, Brookings, SD 57006
Enrollment: 156 students
Sioux Valley Elementary School
Address: 200 Hansina Avenue, Volga, SD 57071
Enrollment: 354 students
George S. Mickelson Middle School
Address: 1801 12th Street South, Brookings, SD 57006
Enrollment: 751 students
Sioux Valley Middle School
Address: 200 Hansina Avenue, Volga, SD 57071
Enrollment: 656 students
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