Brookings: The Data Profile (2026)

Brookings, South Dakota, presents a unique statistical anomaly in the 2026 relocation landscape. With a population of 23,710, it operates as a micro-metro hub with a highly educated workforce. The median income sits at $61,979, which is 16.9% lower than the US median of $74,580. However, this income disparity is offset by a cognitive surplus: 49.7% of residents hold a college degree, significantly outpacing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic for Brookings in 2026 is the "Post-Urban Knowledge Worker." This profile includes remote professionals seeking low-overhead living, academics tied to South Dakota State University, and small-business owners leveraging the high education index. The critical data point here is the 0.0% variance in the aggregate Cost of Living Index compared to the US average; Brookings offers national pricing parity with a localized economic stability that defies the regional wage gap.

Cost of Living Analysis

Despite the aggregate Cost of Living Index matching the US average at 100.0, the internal mechanics of the budget reveal distinct advantages. The primary driver is energy costs, where electricity averages $0.1286 per kWh, significantly lower than the US average of $0.160. While groceries and transportation match national benchmarks at 100.0, the disposable income potential is dictated by the local utility of the workforce.

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $61,979 takes home approximately $4,150 monthly after standard deductions. With a monthly expenditure of $2,184, the theoretical savings rate is 47.4%. For a dual-income household matching the median, the disposable income margin exceeds $4,000 monthly, positioning Brookings as a high-savings velocity location despite the lower gross wages.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Brookings is perfectly aligned with national averages, a rarity for a city of its size. The Median Home Price sits at $295,000, identical to the US average. This equilibrium suggests a market with zero artificial inflation or deflation, offering a safe harbor for capital preservation. However, the rental market shows a slight discount for larger units, making renting an attractive short-term strategy for families.

Buying vs. Renting Analysis:
Relative to the national curve, buying in Brookings is a "fair value" proposition—you pay exactly the national price for the asset. However, renting is significantly discounted. The -8.3% difference in Price/SqFt suggests that while land value is stable, construction or finish quality may be slightly below premium national specs. For 2026, renting is the mathematically superior financial choice for the first 18–24 months of residency to test market fit before committing capital to a median-priced asset.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

In the 2026 post-remote economy, Brookings benefits from a "hybrid stability" model. The local economy is anchored by South Dakota State University and agriculture processing, providing a recession-resistant floor. The 2.1% unemployment rate is essentially full employment, indicating a tight labor market where employers must compete for talent.

RTO & Commute:
With the national shift back to office proximity, Brookings offers a distinct commute advantage. The average commute time is 14 minutes, compared to the national average of 27 minutes. This saves the average worker 130 hours annually in transit time. While local RTO mandates exist for the university sector, the high density of college-educated remote workers (49.7%) allows for a flexible "work-from-hub" lifestyle, mitigating the need for daily interstate commuting.

Quality of Life Audit

The Quality of Life metrics for Brookings present a "High Function / High Risk" health profile. While the aggregate Health Score is strong at 82.3/100, the obesity rate of 35.9% is notably higher than the US average of 31.9%. Conversely, the low rates of diabetes (7.8%) and smoking (10.8%) suggest a population that manages metabolic health well despite weight challenges.

Safety & Environment:

• Safety: Violent crime is 35% lower than the national average, while property crime is roughly 15% lower.
• Air Quality: With an AQI of 35 and PM2.5 levels of 5.2 µg/m³, Brookings offers pristine air quality, ranking in the top 10% of US cities for respiratory health.
• Schools: The Brookings School District consistently ranks in the top 15% of South Dakota districts for graduation rates and math proficiency.
• Weather: Current conditions reflect the regional reality: 19°F with a high of 22°F. The cost of living savings are partially offset by the heating season, though low electricity rates mitigate this expense.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Savings Velocity: The combination of lower-than-average rents ($789 for 1BR) and high educational attainment (49.7%) creates an environment for rapid wealth accumulation.
• Economic Stability: An unemployment rate of 2.1% guarantees employment security.
• Health Infrastructure: An 82.3 health score and top-tier air quality (AQI 35) reduce long-term healthcare liabilities.

Cons:

• Wage Ceiling: Median income is $61,979, which is $12,601 below the national median, limiting gross earning potential for local employees.
• Health Risks: The obesity rate of 35.9% indicates a sedentary local culture that may negatively impact social motivation.
• Climate: The current temperature of 19°F requires a high tolerance for winter living.

Final Recommendation:
Brookings is a STRONG BUY for remote workers earning above the national median who can leverage the local housing arbitrage. It is a CAUTION for local job seekers due to the wage gap, and a HIGH RISK for those with low metabolic health resilience.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Brookings?
For a single adult, a salary of $65,000 provides a comfortable lifestyle with significant savings. This covers the $2,184 monthly budget and allows for $2,000+ in monthly savings or investment.

2. How does the value proposition compare to larger metros?
While you save 34.2% on rent compared to the US average, you sacrifice 16.9% in gross income potential. The value is realized in the $0.1286 per kWh electricity costs and the 14-minute commute, which effectively adds value in time and utility savings.

3. Are the safety stats reliable for a small city?
Yes. With a violent crime rate 35% below the national average and an unemployment rate of 2.1%, the statistical safety profile is robust. The small population (23,710) ensures that crime data is stable and not prone to statistical volatility.

4. What is the best timing for relocation?
The optimal moving window is April to May. This avoids the heating season costs associated with the current 19°F temperatures and aligns with the pre-summer real estate inventory surge.