What are the hidden costs of living in Brookings?

Higher local property taxes to support public schools Transportation costs for commuting to larger cities Homeowners insurance premiums can be higher due to weather-related risks

What is the median home price in Brookings?

The median home price in Brookings is approximately $228,500.

Is Brookings walkable?

Brookings has a Walk Score of 44 out of 100. Most errands require a car.

Brookings, SD

Updated May 1, 2026 · Would You Live There?

Think twice

Verdict

$229K

Median Price

44/100

Walk Score

5.7/10

Schools

30 min

to Sioux Falls

Score Breakdown

DWalkability

44/100

C-Schools

57/100

BAffordability

78/100

B+Quietness

80/100

B+Commute

85/100

ASafety

92/100

WYLT Score73/100

Our Take

Brookings is a small, affordable town with a low flood risk and decent school options, but it suffers from car dependence, limited nightlife and employment options, and a walk score that makes daily errands inconvenient unless you drive. If you’re okay with a quiet, close‑knit community and can commute to Sioux Falls for work or amenities, it might suit you. Otherwise, look elsewhere.

Map

Loading map…

The Good

✓Affordable home prices relative to national averages
✓Low flood risk (Zone X)
✓Several schools with ratings above average
✓Strong sense of community and low population density

Real Talk

!Very car‑dependent—public transit options are minimal
!Limited dining and nightlife, especially after 8pm
!Local job market is small; most jobs are in nearby Sioux Falls
!Internet speeds may vary; remote work requires reliable broadband
$Higher local property taxes to support public schools
$Transportation costs for commuting to larger cities
$Homeowners insurance premiums can be higher due to weather-related risks

Best For

College students at the University of South DakotaRetirees looking for a quiet settingSmall families wanting a tight communityRemote workers who value low cost of living

Risk Snapshot

Flood riskLow

Violent crimeLow

Property crimeLow

Air qualityGood

Price volatilityLow

Crime & Safety

Brookings, SD

Safety grade

Safety score92 / 100

High riskVery safe

⚠️Violent Crime

Low

1.6incidents / 1,000 residents / yr

0Natl avg (3.7)11+

57% safer than the national average

🔒Property Crime

Low

9.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr

0Natl avg (19.5)59+

50% safer than the national average

Verify with real-time data

AreaVibes crime →City-Data stats →NeighborhoodScout →

Rates are estimated from neighborhood characteristics using national FBI baselines. Actual figures vary by block — always verify with local sources before making decisions.

Similar Neighborhoods

Think twice

Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA

$202K · 6.8/10 schools

Good for now

Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA

$269K · 6.9/10 schools

Think twice

Chicago

Chicago, IL

$306K · 6.8/10 schools

Think twice

Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA

$135K · 6.7/10 schools

From Residents

🏘

Loading…

Know someone considering this area? Send them this report.

wouldyoulivethere.com/report/brookings-sd-57006

📬

Stay in the loop on Brookings

Get one email when this report refreshes (~every 90 days). No spam.