CountyScore

Brookings County

South Dakota · SD

#46 in South Dakota
69.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Brookings County, South Dakota

Brookings performs well nationally

Brookings County's composite score of 69.1 ranks it in the 69th percentile nationally, meaningfully above the U.S. median of 50.0. It's a livable, above-average choice by national standards.

Slightly below state average

Brookings's score of 69.1 falls slightly short of South Dakota's average of 71.3, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 66 counties. It's a reasonable but not top-tier choice within South Dakota.

Strong health outcomes and lower risk

Brookings boasts a health score of 80.0, one of the highest among these counties, indicating excellent healthcare access and community wellness. Its tax score of 70.4 and risk score of 50.0 provide balanced financial stability.

Housing costs and weak income growth

Brookings's cost score of 75.1 reflects median homes at $246,300 and rent at $874/month—significantly pricier than neighboring counties. Its income score of 27.3 (median $67,341) doesn't fully offset the higher cost of living.

For health-focused families with jobs

Brookings suits families who prioritize healthcare quality and community wellness and have secure employment to justify higher housing costs. The home of South Dakota State University, it offers education and economic anchors.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax70.4Cost75.1SafetyComing SoonHealth80SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.3Risk50WaterComing Soon
🏛70.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡50
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Brookings County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Crawford County
Arkansas
69.1
Median income: $60,362
Johnson County
Arkansas
69.1
Median income: $44,808
Routt County
Colorado
69.1
Median income: $104,803
Taylor County
Georgia
69.1
Median income: $41,743
Twin Falls County
Idaho
69.1
Median income: $65,338

Deep Dives

Brookings County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Brookings County

via HealthByCounty

Brookings leads nation in longevity

Brookings County's 79.9-year life expectancy ranks among America's healthiest and exceeds the U.S. average of 74.5 years by 5.4 years. Just 12.1% of residents report poor or fair health, nearly a point below the national average of 15%, reflecting strong population health.

South Dakota's healthiest county

Brookings County's 79.9-year life expectancy is the highest in South Dakota, 4.5 years above the state average of 75.4 years. The county's 12.1% poor/fair health rate is the lowest in the state, demonstrating exceptional population wellness outcomes.

Regional health leader by wide margin

Brookings's 79.9-year life expectancy outpaces all regional neighbors: Beadle (78.4), Brule (79.1), and Bennett (67.9). With 58 primary care providers and 161 mental health providers per 100K, Brookings offers robust healthcare infrastructure anchored by South Dakota State University presence.

Lowest uninsured rate statewide

Brookings County's 7.7% uninsured rate is the lowest in South Dakota and well below the state average of 11.1%. Strong provider density (58 primary care, 161 mental health per 100K) ensures most residents can access preventive and specialty care easily.

Maintain Brookings's coverage advantage

With only 7.7% uninsured, Brookings County leads the state in health coverage—but those 1 in 13 uninsured residents still need protection. Check healthcare.gov or your employer's plan to keep your family in that healthy, insured majority.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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