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Brookings County, South Dakota — County Report Card

SD

#51 in South Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
48.5
County Score
Health 85.3Soil Quality 67.6Income & Jobs 59.9

County Report Card

About Brookings County, South Dakota

Nearing National Parity

Brookings County earns a composite score of 48.5, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile that rivals many mid-sized counties across the country.

Trailing the State Average

Despite its local prominence, Brookings County's score of 48.5 falls below the South Dakota average of 55.9. Higher living costs and taxes weigh down its ranking compared to more rural neighbors.

Exceptional Health and Income

The county shines in health outcomes with a score of 85.3 and a solid income score of 59.9. A median household income of $67,341 supports a high standard of living for many residents.

Housing and Tax Costs

Affordability is a challenge, as the cost score of 33.3 reflects a higher median home value of $246,300. The tax score of 28.9 also indicates a higher burden than many other parts of the state.

Ideal for Healthy Professionals

Brookings County is a great match for career-oriented professionals and health-conscious individuals who value quality medical care. It trades off a higher cost of living for better health outcomes and economic opportunity.

2040608010028.933.348.385.346.459.95057.247.1Tax28.9Cost33.3Safety48.3Health85.3Schools46.4Income59.9Risk50Water57.2Weather47.148.5/100
This county
National avg
1 above average2 below average

Brookings County DNA

Foverall

How Brookings County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Brookings County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (85.3/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (28.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
28.9-23.1
Cost
33.3-14.700000000000003
Safety
48.3
Health
85.3+35.3
Schools
46.4
Income
59.9+8.899999999999999
Risk
50
Water
57.2
Weather
47.1-8.899999999999999
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$246,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$874/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$246,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,341/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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Nearby counties

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69.3
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Deuel County
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Lake County
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Pipestone County
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Hamlin County
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Kingsbury County
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Deep Dives

Brookings County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Brookings County

via TaxByCounty

Brookings taxes slightly exceed national average

At 1.135%, Brookings County's effective tax rate sits just above the national median of 1.13%, placing it squarely in the national middle. However, the median tax bill of $2,795 exceeds the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's higher median home value of $246,300.

Brookings among South Dakota's higher-tax counties

Brookings County ranks in the upper third of South Dakota's 66 counties with a 1.135% effective rate, above the state average of 1.094%. The median tax of $2,795 is the highest in the state, driven by the county's highest median home value of $246,300.

Region's most expensive to own property

Brookings County's 1.135% rate is higher than Aurora (1.080%), Beadle (1.053%), and Bennett (1.027%), but the real driver of higher taxes is home values. At $246,300 median value, Brookings homes are substantially pricier than surrounding rural counties.

Median home: $246,300 = $2,795 tax

Brookings County homeowners pay approximately $2,795 annually on the median home value of $246,300 at a 1.135% effective rate. This works out to about $233 per month, making it the costliest county for property taxes in South Dakota.

Don't skip assessment appeals in Brookings

With the state's highest property values and tax bills, Brookings County homeowners should particularly scrutinize their assessments. Even a small overassessment error can cost hundreds of dollars annually—requesting a review or appeal is worthwhile.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Brookings County

via CostByCounty

Brookings combines growth with affordability

Brookings County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio runs slightly above national comfort (30% threshold), but the median household income of $67,341—competitive nationally—helps offset higher rents of $874 monthly. The county balances urban amenities with reasonable housing costs.

Brookings rents pull at average incomes

With a 15.6% rent-to-income ratio slightly above South Dakota's 13.8% average, Brookings reflects growth-driven housing demand in the state's second-largest metro area. Higher incomes ($67,341) help residents manage the premium rents.

Brookings leads in home values, rents

Brookings County's median home value of $246,300 and median rent of $874 both rank highest among these eight counties, reflecting its status as South Dakota's education and economic center. This premium pricing reflects demand tied to South Dakota State University and regional growth.

Ownership costs strain even solid incomes

While renters pay $874 monthly (15.6% of income), homeowners shoulder $1,155 monthly ownership costs (20.6% of the $67,341 median income). Purchase prices here approach $250,000, meaning homeownership requires substantial financial commitment.

Brookings rewards higher earners and renters

Consider Brookings if your income exceeds $67,000 and you value university culture, healthcare, and urban services—but budget accordingly for higher housing costs. Renting remains more accessible here than buying, given the premium home values.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Brookings County

via IncomeByCounty

Brookings nearly reaches US average

Brookings County's median household income of $67,341 sits about $7,414 below the national median of $74,755—a modest 10% gap. This near-alignment reflects Brookings' position as a regional hub with South Dakota State University anchoring its economy.

Above-average earners in state

Brookings' $67,341 median exceeds South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by $415, marking Brookings as a solid performer statewide. The county's per capita income of $34,769 approaches the state average of $35,667, suggesting relatively balanced income distribution.

Strong performer in the region

Brookings' $67,341 ranks ahead of Bon Homme ($61,275) and Beadle ($63,082), though it trails Aurora ($74,130), Brule ($74,043), and Brown ($70,239). As a college town, Brookings benefits from institutional spending and educated workforce concentration.

Higher housing costs offset income gains

Brookings' rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% suggests housing consumes roughly one-sixth of median income. However, the median home value of $246,300 represents 3.7 years of household income—the highest burden in this group, reflecting university town housing demand.

Invest despite higher housing costs

Even with elevated home prices, Brookings households earning $67,341 should target 10-15% savings rate for retirement and education. Student loan payoff and home equity building can coexist through disciplined budgeting and employer retirement matching.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Brookings County

via CrimeByCounty

Brookings County Safety vs the Nation

Brookings County maintains a safety score of 98.2, outperforming the national landscape. Its total crime rate of 1158.0 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Slightly Below State Safety Average

At 98.2, the county's safety score is just under the state average of 98.8. The local crime rate of 1158.0 exceeds the South Dakota average of 788.1, reflecting its status as a busier hub.

Comparison with Beadle County

Brookings reports a total crime rate of 1158.0, which is higher than neighboring Beadle County's 984.9. Despite this, it remains a relatively safe environment for its residents.

Breakdown of Property and Violence

Property crime sits at 1010.7 per 100K, while violent crime is much lower at 147.3. While violent crime is slightly higher than the state average, it is less than half the national rate.

Smart Security for Your Home

Residents should focus on preventing property crime by using smart locks and motion sensors. Staying informed through local law enforcement updates helps keep the Brookings community secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Brookings County

via SchoolsByCounty

An Educational Powerhouse in Brookings

Brookings County serves a large student body of 4,830 through 18 public schools organized into four districts. The infrastructure is well-balanced with ten elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools. This robust network supports one of the most significant educational populations in the state.

Exceeding Benchmarks in Student Success

The county achieves a stellar 90.8% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 87% and the state's 82.4%. These results are achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,929, which is more efficient than the state average. The composite school score of 53.8 reflects a high-performing system that ranks well above state norms.

The Prominence of Brookings School District

Brookings School District 05-1 is the county's largest, educating 3,431 students across six schools. Other active districts include Elkton and Deubrook Area, which together serve over 800 students. There are no charter schools, as the traditional public districts continue to meet the high demand for quality education.

Vibrant Town Schools and Rural Outposts

The county features a mix of environments, with six town-based schools in the city of Brookings and 12 rural schools in the surrounding areas. Brookings High School is a major regional hub with 1,050 students, while the county average school size is 268. This diversity allows families to choose between a larger, resource-rich high school or smaller rural campuses.

Invest in a Home Near Top Schools

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Brookings County is a premier destination for families. Proximity to these high-achieving schools is a major draw for home buyers and a driver of local property values. Browse available listings today to find your place in this thriving educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Brookings County

via RiskByCounty

Brookings faces notably elevated risk

Brookings County's composite risk score of 50.06 places it in the "Relatively Low" category but 87% above the national average. Your county's position in Tornado Alley drives substantially higher disaster exposure than most American regions.

High-risk tier within South Dakota

Brookings County ranks among South Dakota's higher-risk counties with a composite score of 50.06, nearly double the state average of 26.84. The county faces more hazard exposure than roughly 75% of South Dakota's other counties.

Comparable risk to Beadle County

Brookings' composite score of 50.06 closely mirrors Beadle County (47.14), making both communities among South Dakota's most hazard-prone areas. Both counties significantly exceed state averages and share severe tornado and flood vulnerabilities.

Tornadoes dominate Brookings hazards

Tornado risk (80.28) towers above all other threats in Brookings County, making it your paramount natural disaster concern. Flood risk (48.44) and wildfire exposure (64.25) present substantial secondary hazards that amplify the county's overall vulnerability.

Prioritize tornado and flood protection

Brookings County residents must secure homeowners insurance with explicit tornado and windstorm coverage, plus a separate flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program. Investment in a safe room or designated storm shelter is strongly recommended given the extreme tornado risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Brookings County

via WaterByCounty

Grade C for Brookings Water Systems

Brookings County holds a Grade C rating after recording three health violations over the last five years. However, its violation rate of 8.6 per 100,000 residents remains much lower than the South Dakota state average of 47.6. This suggests that while violations occurred, they affect a relatively small portion of the population.

Watershed Assessments Currently Unavailable

There are no current federal §303(d) assessments recorded for Brookings County water bodies in the EPA ATTAINS database. Because these waters have not been formally assessed for the current cycle, no impairment data is available. This limits our ability to compare local watershed health to state-wide averages.

Extensive Monitoring with Over 2,400 Records

Brookings County features a robust monitoring network with 40 active sites recording 2,486 measurements over the past five years. Sampling efforts cover physical traits, nutrients, and biological indicators like algae and phytoplankton. This high density of data provides one of the clearest water quality pictures in the region.

Big Sioux River Below Typical Flow

The Big Sioux River near Bruce is currently flowing at 268 cfs, which is 82% of its long-term seasonal mean. While below average, this level is still within a relatively normal range for this drainage area. The gauge monitors roughly 2,396 square miles of land, capturing a significant portion of regional runoff.

Utilize Rich Data to Track Trends

Residents are encouraged to use the extensive local monitoring data to stay informed about nutrient levels and algae blooms. While the drinking water grade is a C, the low violation rate suggests that most residents receive water that meets federal standards. Keep an eye on Big Sioux River levels, as reduced flow can influence the concentration of nutrients measured by local sites.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Brookings County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool and Damp Eastern Climate

Brookings County is significantly cooler than the national median, with an annual average of just 42.8°F. This area receives 25.2 inches of precipitation, making it one of the state's more humid regions.

Among the Coldest in South Dakota

The county averages nearly 3 degrees colder than the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. It ranks as one of the chilliest counties in the state, particularly during the deep winter months.

Fewer Heat Days Than Neighbors

Brookings experiences only 7 extreme heat days, far fewer than neighbor Beadle County's 22 days. However, its 25.2 inches of annual rain makes it wetter than much of the central plains.

Deep Freezes and Mild Summers

January is especially harsh with an average temperature of 12.3°F and 35.8 inches of annual snowfall. Summers are mild and pleasant, peaking at a July average of only 70.3°F.

Prioritize High-Efficiency Heating Systems

Homeowners must prioritize heavy insulation to combat the frigid 15.7°F winter average. While summer cooling needs are minimal, winter wardrobes require heavy gear for the long sub-freezing season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Brookings County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Eastern Dakota Soil

Brookings County soil has a pH of 7.04, perfectly aligning with the state average and exceeding the national median of 6.5. The county's soil score is an impressive 67.6, which is notably higher than the state average of 61.2. These numbers reflect some of the most consistent and productive land in the region.

Balanced Silt and Clay Mix

The composition is 45.8% silt, 29.3% sand, and 24.9% clay, creating a heavy but fertile profile. This ratio ensures that the soil does not dry out too quickly while maintaining enough structure to support large crops. It provides a rich reservoir of nutrients for both gardens and large-scale farms.

Above-Average Organic Richness

Organic matter is a robust 4.14%, significantly beating both the state average of 3.75% and the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.192 in/in, this soil is exceptionally fertile. It provides a resilient foundation that supports vigorous growth throughout the season.

Steady Moisture for Deep Roots

Though specific drainage classes are missing from this data, the 24.9% clay content suggests the soil retains water and nutrients very well. This is an asset for deep-rooted perennials but may require careful management to avoid compaction. Local builders should check for high water tables in this silty-clay landscape.

Garden Success in Zone 4b

The Zone 4b climate is ideal for cool-weather favorites like peas, broccoli, and spinach. Your high organic matter of 4.14% means you can grow intensive, high-yield vegetable beds with minimal extra fertilizer. It is a fantastic location for starting a sustainable organic garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Brookings County

via LawnByCounty

Brookings Offers Ideal Lawn Conditions

A high score of 57.7 makes Brookings County one of the most lawn-friendly areas in the state. This Zone 4b county benefits from cooler summers and better-than-average environmental factors for grass health.

Cooler Summers Reduce Lawn Stress

With only 7 extreme heat days per year, grass here suffers much less heat stress than the state average of 24 days. The 25.2 inches of annual precipitation is relatively high for South Dakota, keeping watering needs manageable.

Neutral pH Supports Turf Health

Soil pH sits at 7.04, which is very close to the ideal range for a lush, green lawn. The mixture of 24.9% clay and 29.3% sand provides enough body to retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Resilient Against Prolonged Dryness

Brookings County experienced 20 weeks of drought last year, the lowest among its immediate neighbors. While 100% of the area is currently dry, the cooler 70.3°F July average helps turf recover quickly from moisture deficits.

Harnessing the Early May Start

Fine fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass are excellent choices for the 2,324 growing degree days available here. Start seeding after May 6th and expect to wrap up your major lawn projects before the October 3rd frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brookings County's county score?
Brookings County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 48.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Brookings County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Brookings County ranks #51 among all counties in South Dakota on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Brookings County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Brookings County is $2,795, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Brookings County a tax score of 28.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Brookings County?
The median household income in Brookings County, South Dakota is $67,341 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Brookings County earns an income score of 59.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Brookings County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Brookings County scores 48.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Brookings County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Brookings County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.