Average Rent in Brookings County, SD↑ Rents rising 11.9% YoY

Brookings County, SD has rental prices ranging from $853/month to $1,782/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $858/month — 39% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $67,341/year, spending $858/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Brookings County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,066/month, Brookings County ranks #21 most expensive of the 64 cities tracked in South Dakota — pricier than 59% of all US cities in our data.

The Brookings County Rental Market

The Brookings County, SD area has a population of about 34,968 and 41% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Brookings County, SD have risen by $113/month (11.9%) over the past year, from $953 to $1,066. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Brookings County, SD without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $34,320. The local median household income of $67,341 exceeds that threshold by $33,021, making Brookings County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Brookings County, SD has an unemployment rate of 1.4%, 2.5 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Is Brookings County, SD Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Brookings County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Brookings County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.