Brookings County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 5th-largest in South Dakota
The population of Brookings County, South Dakota is 34,968 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 5th-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $67,341, the median home value is $246,300, and the median age is 28.0.
The population of Brookings County has grown 13.6% since 2010 (32,003 → 36,359), a +0.92% annualized rate.
34,968
Population
+0.92%
Annual growth
44
People / sq mi
$67,341
Median Income
$246,300
Median Home Value
Brookings County covers 792 sq mi of land at 44.1 people per square mile.
About Brookings County, SD
Brookings County skews on age — the median resident is 28.0, younger than the national median. With 34,968 residents, Brookings County is a county in South Dakota. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in South Dakota in the country, at #5 by population.
The typical household here earns about $67,341, below the US median of $78,538. Only 5.0% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $246,300, with typical rent around $874.
Degree attainment is near the top of the range for US counties: 44.0% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s, above the 35.0% national rate. A solid 10.9% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.
Brookings County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Brookings County had a population of 32,003 in 2010 and 36,359 in 2024, a 13.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 36,359 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.92%.
36,359
Population (2024)
32,003
Population (2010)
36,359
Peak (2024)
0.92%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 32,003 |
| 2011 | 32,151 |
| 2012 | 32,799 |
| 2013 | 33,059 |
| 2014 | 33,304 |
| 2015 | 33,861 |
| 2016 | 34,371 |
| 2017 | 34,871 |
| 2018 | 35,266 |
| 2019 | 35,463 |
| 2020 | 34,349 |
| 2021 | 34,705 |
| 2022 | 35,442 |
| 2023 | 35,912 |
| 2024 | 36,359 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.7% |
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
28.0
Median Age
48.9%
Female
51.1%
Male
13.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.4% · Seniors (65+): 13.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,341$-5,080 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,946 |
| Per-capita income | $34,769 |
| Poverty rate | 5.0%-2.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Brookings County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
3.4%
Carpool
75.1%
Public transit
10.9%
Work from home
13.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$246,300+$9,500 vs state
Median home value
$874
Median rent
58.9%
Homeownership rate
15,025
Total housing units
89.8%
Occupied
10.2%
Vacant
41.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.7%
With health insurance
95.7%
With broadband internet
38.1%
Foreign-born
4.9%
Veterans (18+)
9.1%
With a disability
91.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
96.7%
High School+
44.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in South Dakota
Other counties in South Dakota
Part of South Dakota
Metro areas in South Dakota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Brookings County, South Dakota has a population of 34,968 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 5th-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 44 people per square mile.
The population of Brookings County has grown 13.6% since 2010 (32,003 → 36,359), a +0.92% annualized rate.
The median household income in Brookings County, South Dakota is $67,341, with mean (average) household income of $87,946 and per-capita income of $34,769. 5.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Brookings County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.7%), Hispanic or Latino (2.5%), Black or African American (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Brookings County, South Dakota is 28.0 years. Residents are 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
The median home value in Brookings County is $246,300 and median monthly rent is $874. 58.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,025 total housing units, 10.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Brookings County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Brookings County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
Brookings County, SD Climate
Brookings County, SD has an average annual temperature of 6.3°C (43°F) and receives about 584 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.3°C
Avg Temp
584
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -12° / 11° | 10 mm |
| February | -8° / 18° | 12 mm |
| March | -1° / 30° | 33 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 55 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 73 mm |
| June | 19° / 67° | 104 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 82 mm |
| August | 20° / 69° | 73 mm |
| September | 15° / 60° | 63 mm |
| October | 8° / 47° | 45 mm |
| November | -1° / 30° | 23 mm |
| December | -9° / 16° | 11 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Brookings County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Brookings County, SD are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -17°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Brookings County
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across South Dakota
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.