Cost of Living in Brookings County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Brookings County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Brookings County ranks #1,752 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 44%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Brookings County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Brookings County is affordable. The median rent is $874/month against a median household income of $67,341, putting rent at 15.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Brookings County pay $874/month on average, compared to $1,155/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 24%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $49,500/year. With a median household income of $67,341, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Brookings County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hughes County where rent averages $930/month, Brookings County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Brookings County
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
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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