Let the numbers do the talking.
Brookings, SD vs Madison, SD
Brookings, SD vs Madison, SD: What the data shows
Brookings, SD is in Brookings, SD while Madison, SD is in Madison, SD — both in the same state. On home prices, Madison, SD is the more affordable option at $173,400 median — $55,100 less than Brookings, SD's $228,500. WYLT rates Brookings, SD as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Madison, SD as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Brookings, SD has Low violent crime and Low property crime. Madison, SD has Low violent crime and Low property crime. On environmental risk, Brookings, SD has Low flood risk and Madison, SD has Low flood risk.
Brookings, SD is the more walkable neighborhood. Brookings, SD scores 44/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus Madison, SD's N/A/100. For families weighing school quality, Brookings, SD has the higher school rating — Brookings, SD rates 5.7/10 and Madison, SD rates 3.9/10.
| Category | Brookings, SD | Madison, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Good for now |
| Median Price | $229K | $173K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $859 | $813 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $61K | $70K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Low | Low |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 44/100 ✓ More walkable | Car-dependent |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A |
| Commute | 30 min | 30 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A | A |
| Violent Crime | Low | Low |
| Property Crime | Low | Low |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 5.7/10 ✓ Better schools | 3.9/10 |
| Best for | College students at the University of South DakotaRetirees looking for a quiet settingSmall families wanting a tight community | budget-conscious familiespeople who prefer quietthose looking to escape high‑cost urban centers |
Bottom line
If you're a college student or retiree seeking a quiet community with access to a larger city, Brookings might be better suited. For a budget-conscious family or individual who values a very low cost of living but needs to drive everywhere, Madison's affordability edges Brookings out. However, families with students might lean towards Brookings for its slightly better schools, but ultimately, both neighborhoods face similar drawbacks.
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