Brookings County

Brookings County, SD, has a population of approximately 35,000 as of the 2020 Census. The racial composition is predominantly White (about 90%), with smaller percentages of Asian (4%), Hispanic or Latino (2%), Black or African American (1.5%), and Native American (1%). The median household income is around $56,000, and the median age is approximately 29 years. About 24% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher. The county is home to South Dakota State University, contributing to a relatively youthful and educated demographic.

As of recent data, the median home value in Brookings County, SD is approximately $225,000. Rent averages around $800 per month. The county has seen a home appreciation rate of about 4.0% over the past year. There are roughly 15,000 housing units, with a homeownership rate of around 62%. The vacancy rate stands at about 7%.

Brookings County, SD, holds regular elections for various local, county, and state positions. The Brookings County Election Office manages election operations, including voter registration, absentee voting, and polling. Elections typically occur in even-numbered years.

In the 2022 general elections, key positions included:

• County Commission: Several commissioner seats were contested. In recent races, candidates such as incumbents Mike Bartley and Ryan Krogman were notable.
• State Legislature: Local districts voted for state representatives and senators. For example, District 7 had Tim Reed (Republican) and Britton Harris (Democrat) for the House.
• City Council and Mayor: Brookings city elections include council members and mayoral races. In 2021, Ope Niemeyer was elected Mayor.

Voter turnout in Brookings County has varied, with recent general elections seeing participation rates around 70-80% of registered voters. Residents can access detailed results and candidate information through the Brookings County official website or the South Dakota Secretary of State's office.

For current and upcoming election details, visit the Brookings County Elections webpage.

Brookings County, SD, is home to South Dakota State University, which significantly contributes to the area's education levels. In terms of educational attainment:

• About 96% of residents 25 and older have at least a high school diploma.
• Approximately 43% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

In comparison:

• Nationally, around 88% of people 25 and older have a high school diploma, and about 33% have a bachelor's degree or higher.
• Statewide, about 91% of South Dakota residents have a high school diploma, and around 28% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Thus, Brookings County exceeds both national and state averages in educational attainment, reflecting a highly educated population influenced by the presence of a major university.

As of the most recent data, Brookings County, SD, boasts a labor force participation rate of around 71%, higher than both the national average of 63% and South Dakota's state average of 69%. The county's unemployment rate is approximately 2.5%, lower than the national average of 3.7% and the state average of 2.8%.

Top industries in Brookings County include Education and Health Services, manufacturing, and retail trade. The Education sector is particularly strong due to South Dakota State University being a major employer. Manufacturing is also robust, led by companies such as Daktronics and Larson Manufacturing.

In comparison, nationally, education and health services also dominate, but the manufacturing sector has a smaller share of employment in the U.S. economy overall. Retail trade shows similar patterns both in Brookings County and at the national level.

As of the latest data available, the median household income in Brookings County, South Dakota, is approximately $58,000. This is slightly below the national median household income, which is around $68,700, and close to the state median, which is about $59,500.

Here is a table summarizing these income statistics:

Brookings County exhibits a median household income that is competitive within the state but lags behind the national average by a notable margin.

As of the most recent available data, Brookings County, SD, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The following statistics detail the primary types of crimes reported:

The overall crime rate in Brookings County is approximately 1,500 incidents per 100,000 residents annually. Violent crime rates remain below the national average, contributing to the county's reputation as a generally safe area to live. Note that these numbers are subject to change and should be periodically reviewed for the most current data.

Sources for these statistics typically include local law enforcement reports and the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program.