Brookings County, South Dakota

Income Data

+1% vs. South Dakota average
$67,341
Median Household Income
$34,769
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$67,341
+1% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$34,769
-12% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
27.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in South Dakota
#36 / 66
by median household income

How Brookings County Compares

Brookings County$67,341
South Dakota Average$66,926
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$67,341
Median Household Income
$34,769
Per Capita Income
$246,300
Median Home Value
27.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Brookings County, South Dakota?
The median household income in Brookings County, South Dakota is $67,341, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Brookings County?
The per capita income in Brookings County is $34,769, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $67,341.
How does Brookings County compare to the South Dakota average?
Brookings County's median household income of $67,341 is higher than the South Dakota state average of $66,926. The per capita income is $34,769, compared to the state average of $35,667.
What is the per capita income in Brookings County, South Dakota?
The per capita income in Brookings County, South Dakota is $34,769, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Brookings County income higher than the South Dakota average?
Brookings County's median household income of $67,341 is higher than the South Dakota average of $66,926. This difference of $415 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Brookings County rank for income in South Dakota?
Brookings County ranks #36 out of 66 counties in South Dakota by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $67,341 and per capita income of $34,769, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $67,341 per year

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.