WELCOME TO BROOKINGS

Brookings is South Dakota’s fourth largest city with a population of 23,933 when South Dakota State University is not in session. When the SDSU school year starts, Brookings can see an increase of 9,000 - 12,000 residents.

Any Brookings resident will tell you that the weather can change in the blink of an eye, but you can generally expect to see these average temperatures.

Spring (March to May):

High: 48°F (9°C) to 66°F (19°C)

Low: 24°F (-4°C) to 41°F (5°C)

Summer (June to August):

High: 76°F (24°C) to 84°F (29°C)

Low: 52°F (11°C) to 60°F (16°C)

Fall (September to November):

High: 53°F (12°C) to 72°F (22°C)

Low: 29°F (-2°C) to 44°F (7°C)

Winter (December to February):

High: 24°F (-4°C) to 35°F (2°C)

Low: 1°F (-17°C) to 18°F (-8°C)

It's important to note that these are average temperatures, and actual temperatures can vary from year to year and even day to day.

The average one-way commute in Brookings takes 13.2 minutes. That's shorter than the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes.

Public K-12 Schools: The Brookings School District operates six public schools, including three elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school, one high school, and an alternative high school. The newest elementary school was built in 2015, with the other two currently undergoing renovations. The district is known for its strong academic programs, extracurricular activities, and sports teams.

Higher Education: South Dakota State University (SDSU) is located in Brookings and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including agriculture, engineering, nursing, business, and education. SDSU is the largest and only land-grant university in South Dakota and is known for its research and outreach programs.

Overall, Brookings offers a diverse range of educational opportunities for students of all ages and interests, from public K-12 schools to the largest higher education institution in South Dakota.

Brookings is also home to several medical clinics and top-notch assisted living and nursing homes.

Brookings Health System, which includes a 49-bed hospital, has earned multiple national recognitions. It was named a Top 20 Rural Community Hospital by the National Rural Health Association and a World’s Best Hospital in 2025 by Newsweek. For the past decade, it has also ranked among the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals. Additionally, Brookings Hospital was the only hospital in South Dakota to receive a Patient Satisfaction Award in Newsweek’s 2024 list of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals.

Check out this video highlighting our great community.

Brookings continues to grow—and for good reason. Our community offers a unique mix of affordability, housing variety, and development momentum that makes it an ideal place to put down roots.

Housing in Brookings is relatively affordable compared to many areas of the country. The median home price is around $363,466, and you’ll find a wide range of housing options—from charming older homes to sleek, modern builds. Whether you're looking for single-family homes, townhouses, or apartments, there’s something here for every lifestyle and budget.

For renters, Brookings offers reasonable rates with the average one-bedroom apartment around $650/month and a two-bedroom averaging $800/month.

And the best part? Brookings is still building.

• As of June 2025, single-family home construction is pacing right alongside previous years.

• The number of total new residential units permitted ranks as the 5th highest since 1961—with half the construction season still ahead.

• Commercial development is also holding steady, showing consistent investment in our local economy.

From established areas with deep roots to new construction developments underway, Brookings continues to offer a welcoming space for current and future residents.