Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Located in the state of South Dakota, Brookings is a mid-sized city with a population of 24,479 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (89% White). Given that fact, Brookings could be considered less diverse than other cities. Brookings tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 25 is far below the national average. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 37% of the Brookings population is married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Brookings is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 13 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Brookings is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in South Dakota, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like crime, education, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Brookings and in the areas around Brookings is a much easier task.
Brookings has a livability score of 76/100 and is ranked #15 in South Dakota and #2,722 in the USA. Based on this score, Brookings would be considered a very livable city! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. For each of the livability categories, we know that Brookings ranks very well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (B) and housing (A-).
Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Brookings shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 177 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Brookings has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Brookings is real estate affordability. The median home price for Brookings homes is $187,100, which is 27.5% higher than the South Dakota average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Brookings, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 25% higher than the South Dakota average.
| Statistic | Brookings | South Dakota | National |
| Average one way commute | 13min | 17min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.0% | 79.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.9% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.8% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 5.6% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.1% | 5.5% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in South Dakota
See the best places to live in Brookings
These are the largest cities in South Dakota
Most Dangerous States In The US