Brookings
South Dakota

What stands out

Three things set Brookings County apart from the other 3,142 counties: violent crime is among the lowest in America (2.6 per 1,000), the average commute is in the bottom 2% of American counties (13 minutes), and high-school completion is in the top 2% of American counties (96%). Within South Dakota it ranks 4th of 66 counties for violent crime, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Brookings County, South Dakota. 34,631 people live here with you. The population grew 1.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +123).

South Dakota has no income tax, no estate tax and no corporate income tax, and it is the country's largest trust jurisdiction because of its favorable trust law. Sales tax applies to groceries and most services. Sioux Falls and Rapid City carry most of the growth; the state's winters are long and its plains are exposed to severe storms. Property taxes are moderate.

Money

The typical household here brings in $64,438 a year, higher than 61% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $56,994. Unemployment runs 2.1%, lower than 94% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 13 minutes each way.

South Dakota has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $326K, pricier than 75% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $837 a month. Property tax is 1.17% of home value, roughly $2,662 a year on that median home, higher than 71% of American counties. 58% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 2.6 per 1,000 residents, lower than almost every county in America. Drug overdoses killed 6 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 80.7 years, longer than 94% of American counties. There are 32 active physicians in the county, about 9.2 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 8.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.05 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 52% of American counties. 96% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 13 points. 55% of eligible voters turned out. Under South Dakota law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 46°F, highs near 57 and lows near 34, colder than 90% of American counties. About 27 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 76 out of 100, riskier than 76% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 160 Mbps down, slower than 67% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries.