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.

Housing in Brookings is relatively affordable compared to other areas of the country. The median home price in Brookings is around $363,466.

There are a variety of housing options available in Brookings, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The city has a mix of new and older homes, and there are also new construction developments underway.

The cost of renting in Brookings is also relatively affordable, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment being around $650 per month, and the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment being around $800 per month.

Overall, the housing market in Brookings is stable, and there are a variety of options available to suit different budgets and preferences. The city has a strong sense of community, and many residents take pride in maintaining their homes and neighborhoods.