Brown County, South Dakota

Income Data

+5% vs. South Dakota average
$70,239
Median Household Income
$39,599
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$70,239
+5% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$39,599
+0% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
33.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in South Dakota
#32 / 66
by median household income

How Brown County Compares

Brown County$70,239
South Dakota Average$66,926
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$70,239
Median Household Income
$39,599
Per Capita Income
$212,900
Median Home Value
33.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Brown County, South Dakota

Brown earns 6% below US average

Brown County's median household income of $70,239 trails the national median of $74,755 by $4,516—only a 6% gap. This relatively close alignment reflects Brown's status as home to Aberdeen, a regional service and manufacturing center.

Strong performer in South Dakota

Brown's $70,239 exceeds South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by $3,313, ranking it among the state's stronger-earning counties. Per capita income of $39,599 also significantly outpaces the state average of $35,667, indicating substantial household wealth concentration.

Regional leader behind Aurora

Brown's $70,239 trails only Aurora ($74,130) and Brule ($74,043) among peer counties, comfortably exceeding Brookings ($67,341), Beadle ($63,082), and Bon Homme ($61,275). Brown's diversified economy and regional hub status support solid earning power.

Balanced housing and income

Brown's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% indicates housing takes roughly one-seventh of median income—comfortable but moderate. The median home value of $212,900 represents 3 years of gross income, requiring substantial down payments but remaining achievable for dual-income households.

Time to accelerate wealth building

Brown County households earning $70,239 have real capacity to invest aggressively in retirement and college savings. Automating 15-20% of gross income into 401(k)s and 529 education plans can position families for long-term financial security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Brown County, South Dakota?
The median household income in Brown County, South Dakota is $70,239, 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 Brown County?
The per capita income in Brown County is $39,599, 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 $70,239.
How does Brown County compare to the South Dakota average?
Brown County's median household income of $70,239 is higher than the South Dakota state average of $66,926. The per capita income is $39,599, compared to the state average of $35,667.
What is the per capita income in Brown County, South Dakota?
The per capita income in Brown County, South Dakota is $39,599, 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 Brown County income higher than the South Dakota average?
Brown County's median household income of $70,239 is higher than the South Dakota average of $66,926. This difference of $3,313 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 Brown County rank for income in South Dakota?
Brown County ranks #32 out of 66 counties in South Dakota by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $70,239 and per capita income of $39,599, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $70,239 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+5%

vs. National Median

-6%

vs. Brown County MedianAbout equal
vs. South Dakota Average5% above
vs. National Median6% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($5,853) vs. median rent ($794/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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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.