Brookings, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Brookings, South Dakota is 23,710 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 4th-largest city in South Dakota. The median household income is $61,979, the median home value is $243,600, and the median age is 24.7.
The population has grown 10.9% since 2010 (22,139 → 24,555).
23,710
Population
1699
People / sq mi
$61,979
Median Income
$243,600
Median Home Value
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Brookings covers 14.0 sq mi of land at 1699 people per square mile.
About Brookings, SD
Brookings skews on age — the median resident is 24.7, younger than the national median. Brookings is a city in South Dakota with a population of 23,710. It is the #4-largest of all cities in South Dakota nationally.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $61,979, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 6.0%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $243,600, with typical rent around $862.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US cities — 49.7% of adults hold a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. About 10.1% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 12 minutes each way.
Brookings city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Brookings city had a population of 22,139 in 2010 and 24,555 in 2024, a 10.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 24,555 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.75%.
24,555
Population (2024)
22,139
Population (2010)
24,555
Peak (2024)
0.75%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 22,139 |
| 2011 | 22,241 |
| 2012 | 22,670 |
| 2013 | 22,935 |
| 2014 | 23,135 |
| 2015 | 23,532 |
| 2016 | 23,927 |
| 2017 | 24,267 |
| 2018 | 24,406 |
| 2019 | 24,415 |
| 2020 | 23,371 |
| 2021 | 23,556 |
| 2022 | 23,980 |
| 2023 | 24,272 |
| 2024 | 24,555 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.1% |
| Black or African American | 1.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$61,979
Median Household Income
$31,799
Per Capita Income
6.0%
Poverty Rate
3.0%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$243,600
Median Home Value
$862
Median Rent
48.5%
Owner-Occupied
Education
96.7%
High School+
49.7%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.6%
Drive Alone
74.6%
Public Transit
10.1%
Work From Home
11.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
42.1%
Foreign Born
90.4%
Non-English at Home
4.2%
Veterans
9.6%
With Disability
95.6%
Health Insurance
95.9%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 30.6% |
| Manufacturing | 19.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.8% |
| Information | 5.0% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 3.7% |
| Construction | 3.2% |
| Public Administration | 2.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 2.3% |
| Retail Trade | 1.3% |
Largest cities in South Dakota
Largest counties in South Dakota
Part of South Dakota
Metro areas in South Dakota
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Brookings, South Dakota has a population of 23,710 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 4th-largest city in South Dakota.
The median household income in Brookings, South Dakota is $61,979, with 6.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Brookings, South Dakota is $243,600, with median monthly rent at $862 and a homeownership rate of 48.5%.
The median age in Brookings, South Dakota is 24.7 years. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The population has grown 10.9% since 2010 (22,139 → 24,555).
Where to stay in Brookings
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.