Cost of Living in Brookings County, South Dakota

$874/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$246,300

Median Home Value

16% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$874/mo

16% above state average

Median Home Value

$246,300

13% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

24.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Brookings County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Brookings County$874/mo

South Dakota Average$756/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$874/mo

Median Gross Rent

$246,300

Median Home Value

$1,155/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

24.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Brookings County, South Dakota

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Brookings County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

15.6%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,571

per month

Owner Cost Burden

20.6%

of gross income

The median home in Brookings County may be a stretch

Median home value is $246,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,966 vs. your max of $1,571.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio15.6%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Brookings County, South Dakota?

Brookings County, South Dakota has a median monthly rent of $874/mo and a median home value of $246,300. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 24.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Brookings County?

The median gross rent in Brookings County is $874/mo. This is 16% above state average for South Dakota.

Is Brookings County affordable?

Brookings County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 24.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Brookings County's rent compare to the state average?

Brookings County's median rent of $874/mo is 16% above state average of $756/mo for South Dakota.

What is the median home value in Brookings County?

The median home value in Brookings County, South Dakota is $246,300. This is 13% below the national median home value of $281,900.