Brookings County, South Dakota
Income Data
At a Glance
How Brookings County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Data Story
About Household Income in Brookings County, South Dakota
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.
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.