Let the numbers do the talking.
Brookings, SD vs Huron, SD
Brookings, SD vs Huron, SD: What the data shows
Brookings, SD is in Brookings, SD while Huron, SD is in Huron, SD — both in the same state. On home prices, Huron, SD is the more affordable option at $153,200 median — $75,300 less than Brookings, SD's $228,500. WYLT rates Brookings, SD as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Huron, SD as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Brookings, SD has the stronger safety profile of the two. Brookings, SD has Low violent crime and Low property crime. Huron, SD has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Brookings, SD has Low flood risk and Huron, SD has Low flood risk.
Brookings, SD is the more walkable neighborhood. Brookings, SD scores 44/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus Huron, SD's 15/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Huron, SD has the higher school rating — Brookings, SD rates 5.7/10 and Huron, SD rates 6.5/10.
| Category | Brookings, SD | Huron, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $229K | $153K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $859 | $817 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $61K | $61K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Low | Low |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 44/100 ✓ More walkable | 15/100 |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A |
| Commute | 30 min | 30 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 5.7/10 | 6.5/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | College students at the University of South DakotaRetirees looking for a quiet settingSmall families wanting a tight community | Families with modest budgetRemote workers who don't need daily city accessRetirees looking for a quiet, low-cost environment |
Bottom line
Between Brookings and Huron, SD, the better choice depends on your lifestyle and priorities. If you value a slightly better school system and more local amenities, but are still okay with commuting to Sioux Falls, Brookings might work for you, especially if you're a college student, retiree, or small family. For those on an extremely tight budget and willing to tolerate limited amenities, Huron is a slightly more affordable option, but still requires you to think twice about its drawbacks.
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