South Dakota / Brookings County

Moving to Brookings, SD

Thinking of making a move to Brookings, SD? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Brookings, SD

Considering a move to Brookings, SD? This welcoming community of 23,200 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $265,000 and average rents near $1,050. Commute times average 15 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Brookings's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Brookings, SD

Brookings has a population of 23,200 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 23 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 89% White, 2% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
23,200
Density
2,450 per sq mi
Median Age
23.4
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
5.4%

Ethnic Composition

White
89.0%
Black
2.2%
Asian
3.1%
Others
5.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Brookings, SD?

The cost of living in Brookings is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.6. Median home values are around $265,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,050. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$265,000
Gross Rent
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,720
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$560
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 4.2%
Cost Of Living Index
89.6
Grocery
94.2
Housing
82.5
Utilities
101.3
Transportation
91.8
Health Care
96.4
Miscellaneous
92.7

Crime

Is Brookings, SD a safe place to live?

Brookings is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 170 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 62. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in South Dakota.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
170
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,620
Crime Index
1,790
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 62

Weather

What is the weather like in Brookings, SD year-round?

Brookings experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 8°F. The area receives about 26 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
8°F
Max
28°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
25.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $53,800 and a low poverty rate of 20.1%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 34% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 15 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$31,500
Household Income
$53,800
Family Income
$77,200
Per Capita Income
$31,900
Income Male
$38,500
Income Female
$30,200
Poverty Rate
20.1%
Non English Speakers
11.0%
Rent
$1,050
Unemployment Rate
2.4%
Public Transport Usage
1.3%
Commute Time
14.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
93.5%
Bachelors or More
34.0%

Education

How are the schools in Brookings, SD?

Brookings offers quality education options, with public schools like Brookings High School and Dakota Prairie Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including South Dakota State University and McNally School of Fine Arts. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Brookings High School
Street
233 4th St
Phone
605-696-4100
Students
800
Student Teacher Ratio
14.5
Name
Dakota Prairie Elementary School
Street
800 10th St S
Phone
605-696-4500
Students
520
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1

Private Schools

Name
Sioux Valley Lutheran School
Street
2000 22nd Ave S
Phone
605-692-6157
Students
180

Colleges

Name
South Dakota State University
City
Brookings
State
SD
Distance
0 miles
Students
12,300
Name
McNally School of Fine Arts
City
Brookings
State
SD
Distance
1 mile
Students
250

Healthcare

Brookings residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Brookings Health System and Avera Medical Group Brookings nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 92.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Brookings Health System
Address
300 22nd Ave, Brookings, SD 57006
Phone
(605) 696-9000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Avera Medical Group Brookings
Address
310 22nd Ave S, Brookings, SD 57006
Phone
(605) 696-4700
Type
Outpatient & Primary Care
Emergency Services
No

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
92.1%
Health Care Index
69.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Brookings, SD?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $265,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 61%. The market has seen a 3.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Brookings offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate
60.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.6%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Brookings handle vehicle services through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, conveniently located in Pierre. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
South Dakota
Department
South Dakota Department of Public Safety
Address
118 W Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone
(605) 773-3178

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Brookings, SD

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Brookings, review the core fields on this page: population 23,200, median home value $265,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,050, commute time 14.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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