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 is a county in South Dakota with a population of 34,968. It ranks #5 among counties in South Dakota by population. The median age is 28.0, younger than the national median. The population is 51.1% male and 48.9% female.
The median household income in Brookings County is $67,341, below the US median of $74,580. 5.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $246,300, with monthly rent averaging $874. The homeownership rate of 58.9% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Brookings County reflects 44.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 13.8 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.
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Statewide data for South Dakota
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.