OnBrookings.com
A vibrant city fueled by innovation and community spirit.
About Brookings, SD
The economy of Brookings is diverse, with significant contributions from manufacturing, education, and healthcare industries. Major companies such as Daktronics, a leader in electronic scoreboards and display systems, call Brookings home, reflecting the city's knack for innovation. Beyond industry, Brookings boasts a rich cultural scene with numerous local festivals, a thriving arts community, and family-friendly events throughout the year. Residents and visitors alike enjoy cultural venues like the South Dakota Art Museum and the Children's Museum of South Dakota. This combination of industry, education, and culture makes Brookings a unique and thriving place to live.
Known for its high quality of life, Brookings residents enjoy a mix of small-town friendliness and progressive values. The city offers well-maintained parks, recreational facilities, and a community-oriented lifestyle that attracts families and professionals. Its strategic location along major highways provides convenient access to larger urban centers while maintaining its identity as a welcoming and proud South Dakota community.
Quality of Life Scores
Data-driven insights into what makes Brookings special
Quality of life scores are aggregated from publicly available data sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, EPA Air Quality Index, walkability studies, and local municipal data. Scores are calculated on a 0-100 scale and updated periodically to reflect current conditions.
Demographics & Economy
Understanding the community and economic landscape
Demographics
With strong ties to South Dakota State University, Brookings offers a youthful, vibrant community, balancing education and family lifestyle.
Economy
Strong economic foundation driven by diverse industries including education, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, technology.
Housing
Real estate market offers opportunities for residents and investors with balanced housing options across neighborhoods.
Education Excellence
World-class learning opportunities and achievements
Education Levels
Institutions
- Schools: 8
- Universities: 1
- Libraries: 1
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15.4:1
Sports & Entertainment
Home to professional and collegiate athletics
College & Development
Major Venues
Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium: 19,000
Frost Arena: 6,500
Transportation & Infrastructure
Getting around Brookings
Roads & Highways
Major Highways: I-29, US-14
Average Commute: 13 minutes
Public Transit
Brookings Area Transit Authority
Airports
FSD - Sioux Falls Regional Airport
Places & Attractions
Discover what makes Brookings unique
Landmarks
- Campanile
- Downtown Brookings Historic District
- Bee and Honey Research Lab
Attractions
- McCrory Gardens
- Children's Museum of South Dakota
- Swiftel Center
- South Dakota Art Museum
- Brookings Summer Arts Festival
Museums
- South Dakota Art Museum
- Children's Museum of South Dakota
- South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum
Parks
- Hillcrest Park
- McCrory Gardens
- Dakota Nature Park
Healthcare
- Brookings Health System
- Avera Medical Group - Brookings
Key Industries
Economic drivers powering Brookings
Living Here
Essential information about life in Brookings
Climate & Geography
Climate: Humid Continental
Elevation: 1,622 feet
Time Zone: America/Chicago
County: Brookings County
Metro Area: Sioux Falls, SD Metro Area
Contact Information
Area Code: 605
ZIP Codes: 57006
Location
Find Brookings on the map
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