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Brookings, SD
★ Available

A vibrant city fueled by innovation and community spirit.

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24K Population
💰
$50K Median Income
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$228K Median Home Price
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13 Square Miles

About Brookings, SD

Brookings, SD, is a vibrant community located in the heart of the Upper Midwest, known for its robust academic environment and innovative spirit. Founded in the late 19th century, the city is home to South Dakota State University, which plays a significant role in its culture and economy. SDSU is a hub for education, research, and community engagement, drawing students and faculty from across the globe. The university's presence has fostered a dynamic blend of youthful energy and academic prowess, complementing the city's industrial and agricultural base.

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

58
🚶 Walkability
83
🛡️ Safety
65
🍽️ Food Scene
70
🎭 Arts & Culture
60
🌙 Nightlife
60
⚽ Sports Culture
58
🌬️ Air Quality
88
🚗 Traffic Flow

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

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Demographics

Median Age 24.9 years
Diversity Index 32.0%

With strong ties to South Dakota State University, Brookings offers a youthful, vibrant community, balancing education and family lifestyle.

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Economy

Median Income $49,920
Unemployment Rate 3.2%
Job Growth Rate 1.7%

Strong economic foundation driven by diverse industries including education, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, technology.

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Housing

Median Home Price $228,000
Cost of Living Index 90
Rent/Own Ratio 45.5%

Real estate market offers opportunities for residents and investors with balanced housing options across neighborhoods.

Education Excellence

World-class learning opportunities and achievements

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Education Levels

Bachelor's Degree or Higher 47.6%
High School Graduation Rate 93.0%
College Enrollment Rate 72.5%
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Institutions

  • Schools: 8
  • Universities: 1
  • Libraries: 1
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15.4:1

Sports & Entertainment

Home to professional and collegiate athletics

College & Development

🎓 College
Summit League, Missouri Valley Football Conference
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Major Venues

Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium: 19,000

Frost Arena: 6,500

Transportation & Infrastructure

Getting around Brookings

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Roads & Highways

Major Highways: I-29, US-14

Average Commute: 13 minutes

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Public Transit

Brookings Area Transit Authority

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Airports

FSD - Sioux Falls Regional Airport

Places & Attractions

Discover what makes Brookings unique

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Landmarks

  • Campanile
  • Downtown Brookings Historic District
  • Bee and Honey Research Lab
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Attractions

  • McCrory Gardens
  • Children's Museum of South Dakota
  • Swiftel Center
  • South Dakota Art Museum
  • Brookings Summer Arts Festival
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Museums

  • South Dakota Art Museum
  • Children's Museum of South Dakota
  • South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum
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Parks

  • Hillcrest Park
  • McCrory Gardens
  • Dakota Nature Park
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Healthcare

  • Brookings Health System
  • Avera Medical Group - Brookings

Key Industries

Economic drivers powering Brookings

Education Manufacturing Healthcare Agriculture Technology

Living Here

Essential information about life in Brookings

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Climate & Geography

Climate: Humid Continental

Elevation: 1,622 feet

Time Zone: America/Chicago

County: Brookings County

Metro Area: Sioux Falls, SD Metro Area

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Contact Information

Area Code: 605

ZIP Codes: 57006

Location

Find Brookings on the map

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