Brookings
6.2
High score (8-10)
Brookings is a genuine college town anchored by South Dakota State University, which brings in about 12,000 students and a more educated, transient population than anywhere else in the eastern part of the state. SDSU's engineering, agriculture, and pharmacy programs attract students from across the Midwest, creating a dating pool that actually turns over. The bar scene on 6th Street — Prairie Pub, Nick's Hamburger Shop, a handful of others — has real foot traffic on weekends. The income floor is higher here than most of the state, and the percentage of people under 30 is the best you'll find outside Sioux Falls.
Mid score (6-8) · Your profile
Brookings runs on SDSU and the agricultural economy, and when school is in session it has an actual social scene. The problem is that a lot of the dating pool leaves after graduation, and the permanent population skews toward people who stayed specifically because they have roots here. Still, compared to any other option in east-central South Dakota, Brookings is the clear first choice.
Lower score (below 6)
Brookings is a college town that can feel very college-town during the school year but empties out considerably in summer. SDSU's student body is overwhelmingly from rural South Dakota and Minnesota, which means the cultural range is limited. If you're not affiliated with the university in some way, breaking into the social scene takes real effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the median income in Brookings, SouthDakota?
$91k median
What's the typical marriage age for women in Brookings, SouthDakota?
Women marry at 30
How common is a college degree in Brookings, SouthDakota?
39% men have degree
What's the average male height in Brookings, SouthDakota?
176 cm local avg
What's the average BMI for women in Brookings, SouthDakota?
Local women avg 29.9