Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Brookings?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Brookings, you need to earn at least $41,240/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $57,824, which means the typical resident is $16,584 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 23,530

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$722	$2,407	$28,880	$-28,944
1 Bedroom	$856	$2,853	$34,240	$-23,584
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,031	$3,437	$41,240	$-16,584
3 Bedroom	$1,258	$4,193	$50,320	$-7,504
4 Bedroom	$1,547	$5,157	$61,880	+$4,056

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Brookings's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$57,824

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$41,240

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$16,584

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 21.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Brookings

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Brookings's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,446

Studio

$722/mo

1 BR

$856/mo

2 BR

$1,031/mo

3 BR

$1,258/mo

4 BR

$1,547/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Brookings.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Brookings's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Brookings

Living in Brookings is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $16,584 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Brookings typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Brookings, a studio at $722/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,258/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $50,320.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $61,860 would position you well — though many residents in Brookings manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Brookings, South Dakota.

With a total population of 23,530, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 13,148 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $41,240 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

13,148

Active civilian employees in Brookings

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Brookings

What salary do I need to live in Brookings, South Dakota?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Brookings under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $41,240. The median household income in Brookings is $57,824.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Brookings on $57,824?

The affordability verdict for Brookings is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 21.4%, meaning median earners have a $16,584 surplus.

What is the average rent in Brookings compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Brookings is $856/month. With a median household income of $57,824, residents spend approximately 21.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Brookings?

A studio in Brookings rents for approximately $722/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $28,880 to afford this.

Is Brookings considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $16,584 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Brookings is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $41,240 to the local median household income.

How Brookings Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements