Brookings County, South Dakota

County in South Dakota, United States

U.S. county in South Dakota

Brookings County

U.S. county

Brookings County Courthouse in Brookings

Location within the U.S. state of South Dakota

South Dakota's location within the U.S.

Country|  United States
State|  South Dakota
Founded| 1862 (created)
July 3, 1871 (organized)
Named for| Wilmot Wood Brookings
Seat| Brookings
Largest city| Brookings
Area

• Total| 805 sq mi (2,080 km2)
• Land| 792 sq mi (2,050 km2)
• Water| 13 sq mi (30 km2)  1.6%
Population

(2020)

• Total| 34,375
• Estimate

(2021)

| 34,639
• Density| 43/sq mi (16/km2)
Time zone| UTC−6 (Central)
• Summer (DST)| UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district| At-large
Website| www.brookingscountysd.gov

Brookings County is a county in the U.S. state of South Dakota. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 34,375,[1] making it the fifth-most populous county in South Dakota. Its county seat is Brookings.[2] The county was created in 1862 and organized in 1871.[3]

Brookings County comprises the Brookings, SD Micropolitan Statistical Area.

## Contents

* 1 History
* 2 Geography
* 2.1 Major highways
* 2.2 Airports
* 2.3 Adjacent counties
* 2.4 Lakes
* 2.5 Protected areas
* 3 Demographics
* 3.1 2000 census
* 3.2 2010 census
* 4 Communities
* 4.1 Cities
* 4.2 Towns
* 4.3 Census-designated place
* 4.4 Unincorporated communities
* 4.5 Townships
* 5 Politics
* 6 See also
* 7 References
* 8 External links

## History

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The county was founded July 3, 1871, and was named for Wilmot Wood Brookings (1830-1905), a politician and pioneer of southeastern South Dakota. Medary was the first county seat, from 1871 to 1879, when it was moved to the city of Brookings.

## Geography

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Soils of Brookings County

Brookings County is on the east side of South Dakota. Its east boundary line abuts the west boundary line of the state of Minnesota. The Big Sioux River flows south-southeastward through the east central part of the county; its point of entry into Moody County marks Brookings County's lowest elevation: 1,568' (478m) ASL.[4]

The county terrain consists of sloped flatlands, marked by numerous lakes and ponds especially in the western part. The area is largely devoted to agricultural use.[5] The county has a total area of 805 square miles (2,080 km2), of which 782 square miles (2,030 km2) is land and 13 square miles (34 km2) (1.6%) is water.[6]

### Major highways

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* Interstate 29
* U.S. Highway 14

* U.S. Highway 14 Bypass
* U.S. Highway 81
* South Dakota Highway 13
* South Dakota Highway 30
* South Dakota Highway 324

### Airports

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* Brookings Regional Airport
* Arlington Municipal Airport

### Adjacent counties

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* Deuel County – north
* Lincoln County, Minnesota – east
* Pipestone County, Minnesota – southeast
* Moody County – south
* Lake County – southwest
* Kingsbury County – west
* Hamlin County – northwest

### Lakes

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* Brush Lake
* Johnson Lake
* Lake Campbell
* Lake Goldsmith
* Lake Hendricks (partial)
* Lake Poinsett
* Lake Sinai
* Lake Tetonkaha
* Oak Lake[7]
* Oakwood Lake

### Protected areas

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* Aurora Prairie Nature Preserve[8]
* Black Slough State Game Production Area
* Brookings County State Game Production Area
* Brookings Prairie Park[9]
* Dakota Nature Park[10]
* Deer Creek State Game Production Area
* Kvernmoe Slough State Game Production Area
* Lake Hendricks State Lakeside Use Area
* Lake Poinsett State Recreation Area
* Mehegan State Game Production Area
* Moe Slough State game Production Area
* Nelson State Game Production Area
* Oak Lake State Game Production Area
* Oakwood Lake State Game Production Area
* Oakwood Lakes State Park

## Demographics

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Historical population

Census | Pop. |  | %±
1870| 163| | —
1880| 4,965| | 2,946.0%
1890| 10,132| | 104.1%
1900| 12,561| | 24.0%
1910| 14,178| | 12.9%
1920| 16,119| | 13.7%
1930| 16,847| | 4.5%
1940| 16,560| | −1.7%
1950| 17,851| | 7.8%
1960| 20,046| | 12.3%
1970| 22,158| | 10.5%
1980| 24,332| | 9.8%
1990| 25,207| | 3.6%
2000| 28,220| | 12.0%
2010| 31,965| | 13.3%
2020| 34,375| | 7.5%
2021 (est.)| 34,639| [11]| 0.8%
US Decennial Census[12]
1790-1960[13] 1900-1990[14]
1990-2000[15] 2010-2020[1]

### 2000 census

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As of the 2000 United States Census,[16] there were 28,220 people, 10,665 households, and 6,217 families in the county. The population density was 36 people per square mile (14/km2). There were 11,576 housing units at an average density of 15 per square mile (6/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.36% White, 0.31% Black or African American, 0.90% Native American, 1.34% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.30% from other races, and 0.75% from two or more races. 0.88% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 39.2% were of German, 23.2% Norwegian and 5.7% Irish ancestry.

There were 10,665 households, out of which 28.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.00% were married couples living together, 6.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.70% were non-families. 29.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.97.

The county population contained 20.80% under the age of 18, 26.80% from 18 to 24, 24.30% from 25 to 44, 17.30% from 45 to 64, and 10.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females there were 102.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $35,438, and the median income for a family was $48,052. Males had a median income of $30,843 versus $22,074 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,586. About 6.20% of families and 14.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.10% of those under age 18 and 7.50% of those age 65 or over.

### 2010 census

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As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 31,965 people, 12,029 households, and 6,623 families in the county.[17] The population density was 40.3 inhabitants per square mile (15.6/km2). There were 13,137 housing units at an average density of 16.6 per square mile (6.4/km2).[18] The racial makeup of the county was 93.2% white, 2.7% Asian, 0.9% American Indian, 0.8% black or African American, 0.9% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 2.0% of the population.[17] In terms of ancestry, 47.9% were German, 24.3% were Norwegian, 11.9% were Irish, 6.9% were English, 6.1% were Dutch, and 2.0% were American.[19]

Of the 12,029 households, 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.6% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 44.9% were non-families, and 29.6% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.93. The median age was 26.3 years.[17]

The median income for a household in the county was $45,134 and the median income for a family was $63,338. Males had a median income of $40,425 versus $30,023 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,995. About 5.9% of families and 19.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.2% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.[20]

## Communities

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### Cities

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* Arlington (partial)
* Brookings (county seat)
* Bruce
* Elkton
* Volga
* White

### Towns

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* Aurora
* Bushnell
* Sinai

### Census-designated place

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* Lake Poinsett

### Unincorporated communities

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* Ahnberg
* Medary

### Townships

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* Afton
* Alton
* Argo
* Aurora
* Bangor
* Brookings
* Elkton
* Eureka
* Lake Hendricks
* Lake Sinai
* Laketon
* Medary
* Oaklake
* Oakwood
* Oslo
* Parnell
* Preston
* Richland
* Sherman
* Sterling
* Trenton
* Volga
* Winsor

## Politics

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Typical of the Great Plains, Brookings County voters are reliably Republican, even for a county with politics influenced by a college town. In only two national elections since 1932 has the county selected the Democratic Party candidate. Despite being reliably Republican territory, no Republican has taken over 60% of the vote since Ronald Reagan in 1984.

United States presidential election results for Brookings County, South Dakota[21] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party

|
|
|

No. | % | No. | % | No. | %
2020 | 8,000  | 54.92% | 6,110  | 41.94%  | 457  | 3.14%
2016 | 6,748  | 53.22% | 4,879  | 38.48%  | 1,053  | 8.30%
2012 | 6,220  | 50.16% | 5,827  | 46.99%  | 353  | 2.85%
2008 | 6,431  | 46.12%  | 7,207  | 51.68% | 307  | 2.20%
2004 | 7,662  | 57.29% | 5,443  | 40.70%  | 270  | 2.02%
2000 | 6,212  | 56.55% | 4,546  | 41.39%  | 226  | 2.06%
1996 | 5,112  | 45.35% | 5,105  | 45.29%  | 1,055  | 9.36%
1992 | 4,698  | 39.14% | 4,645  | 38.70%  | 2,659  | 22.15%
1988 | 5,394  | 52.34% | 4,860  | 47.16%  | 51  | 0.49%
1984 | 6,679  | 61.76% | 4,089  | 37.81%  | 46  | 0.43%
1980 | 5,727  | 52.15% | 3,934  | 35.83%  | 1,320  | 12.02%
1976 | 5,278  | 52.64% | 4,685  | 46.73%  | 63  | 0.63%
1972 | 5,182  | 52.26% | 4,701  | 47.41%  | 33  | 0.33%
1968 | 4,674  | 57.84% | 3,202  | 39.62%  | 205  | 2.54%
1964 | 3,692  | 46.83%  | 4,191  | 53.17% | 0  | 0.00%
1960 | 5,710  | 65.75% | 2,974  | 34.25%  | 0  | 0.00%
1956 | 5,293  | 66.89% | 2,620  | 33.11%  | 0  | 0.00%
1952 | 5,988  | 76.29% | 1,861  | 23.71%  | 0  | 0.00%
1948 | 3,975  | 57.39% | 2,907  | 41.97%  | 44  | 0.64%
1944 | 4,136  | 66.61% | 2,073  | 33.39%  | 0  | 0.00%
1940 | 5,016  | 65.25% | 2,671  | 34.75%  | 0  | 0.00%
1936 | 3,899  | 53.40% | 3,161  | 43.29%  | 242  | 3.31%
1932 | 3,231  | 48.96%  | 3,247  | 49.20% | 121  | 1.83%
1928 | 4,586  | 70.05% | 1,915  | 29.25%  | 46  | 0.70%
1924 | 4,708  | 48.51% | 1,010  | 10.41%  | 3,987  | 41.08%
1920 | 2,743  | 68.64% | 564  | 14.11%  | 689  | 17.24%
1916 | 1,638  | 51.79% | 1,385  | 43.79%  | 140  | 4.43%
1912 | 0  | 0.00%  | 740  | 30.90%  | 1,655  | 69.10%
1908 | 1,697  | 63.58% | 588  | 22.03%  | 384  | 14.39%
1904 | 2,220  | 76.18% | 353  | 12.11%  | 341  | 11.70%
1900 | 1,707  | 57.36% | 1,084  | 36.42%  | 185  | 6.22%
1896 | 1,263  | 48.71%  | 1,288  | 49.67% | 42  | 1.62%
1892 | 1,082  | 51.57% | 189  | 9.01%  | 827  | 39.42%

## See also

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* National Register of Historic Places listings in Brookings County, South Dakota

## References

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1. ^ a b "2020 Census Results". US Census Bureau. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
3. ^ "Dakota Territory, South Dakota, and North Dakota: Individual County Chronologies". Dakota Territory Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library. 2006. Archived from the original on April 2, 2018. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
4. ^ ""Find an Elevation" Google Maps (accessed January 30, 2019)". Archived from the original on May 21, 2019. Retrieved January 31, 2019.
5. ^ Brookings County SD Google Maps (accessed 30 January 2019)
6. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". US Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
7. ^ Oak Lake, Brookings County, SD Google Maps (accessed 30 January 2019)
8. ^ Aurora Prairie Google Maps (accessed 30 January 2019)
9. ^ Brookings Prairie Google Maps (accessed 30 January 2019)
10. ^ Dakota Nature Park Google Maps (accessed 30 January 2019)
11. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021". Retrieved March 25, 2022.
12. ^ "US Decennial Census". US Census Bureau. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
13. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
14. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". US Census Bureau. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
15. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). US Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
16. ^ "U.S. Census website". US Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
17. ^ a b c "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
18. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
19. ^ "Selected Social Characteristics in the US – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
20. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
21. ^ Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 13, 2018.

## External links

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Brookings County, South Dakota.

* Brookings County, SD government website

Places adjacent to Brookings County, South Dakota

| Hamlin County | Deuel County |

|
|

|  |
Kingsbury County |

Brookings County, South Dakota

| Lincoln County, Minnesota
|  |
Lake County | Moody County | Pipestone County, Minnesota

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Brookings County, South Dakota, United States

County seat: Brookings

Cities|

* Arlington‡
* Brookings
* Bruce
* Elkton
* Volga
* White

Towns|

* Aurora
* Bushnell
* Sinai

CDPs|

* Lake Poinsett‡
* Newdale Colony
* Norfeld Colony
* Rolland Colony

Other
communities|

* Ahnberg
* Medary

Townships|

* Afton
* Alton
* Argo
* Aurora
* Bangor
* Brookings
* Elkton
* Eureka
* Lake Henricks
* Lake Sinai
* Laketon
* Medary
* Oak Lake
* Oakwood
* Oslo
* Parnell
* Preston
* Richland
* Sherman
* Sterling
* Trenton
* Volga
* Winsor

Footnotes|

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

* United States portal

* v
* t
* e

State of South Dakota

Pierre (capital)

Topics|

* Outline
* Cities
* Famous South Dakotans
* Geography
* Government
* Delegations
* Elections
* History
* Bibliography
* Timeline
* State Parks
* Symbols
* Tourist attractions
* Towns and villages
* Townships
* Transportation

Society|

* Culture
* Crime
* Demographics
* Economy
* Education
* Colleges and universities
* Politics

Regions|

* Badlands
* Black Hills
* Coteau des Prairies
* Missouri Coteau
* Dissected Till Plains
* Drift Prairie
* East River
* Pine Ridge
* Siouxland
* West River

Larger incorporated places
pop. over 5,000|

* Aberdeen
* Belle Fourche
* Box Elder
* Brandon
* Brookings
* Harrisburg
* Huron
* Madison
* Mitchell
* Pierre
* Rapid City
* Sioux Falls
* Spearfish
* Sturgis
* Tea
* Vermillion
* Watertown
* Yankton

Smaller incorporated places
pop. 1,000 - 5,000|

* Aurora
* Baltic
* Beresford
* Britton
* Canton
* Chamberlain
* Clark
* Clear Lake
* Crooks
* Custer
* De Smet
* Deadwood
* Dell Rapids
* Eagle Butte
* Elk Point
* Flandreau
* Fort Pierre
* Freeman
* Garretson
* Gettysburg
* Gregory
* Groton
* Hartford
* Hot Springs
* Lead
* Lemmon
* Lennox
* Milbank
* Miller
* Mission
* Mobridge
* North Sioux City
* Parker
* Parkston
* Platte
* Redfield
* Salem
* Sisseton
* Springfield
* Summerset
* Tyndall
* Volga
* Wagner
* Webster
* Winner

Largest CDPs
pop. over 1,000|

* Blackhawk
* Colonial Pine Hills
* Dakota Dunes
* Fort Thompson
* Green Valley
* North Eagle Butte
* North Spearfish
* Oglala
* Pine Ridge
* Rapid Valley
* Rosebud

Counties|

* Aurora
* Beadle
* Bennett
* Bon Homme
* Brookings
* Brown
* Brule
* Buffalo
* Butte
* Campbell
* Charles Mix
* Clark
* Clay
* Codington
* Corson
* Custer
* Davison
* Day
* Deuel
* Dewey
* Douglas
* Edmunds
* Fall River
* Faulk
* Grant
* Gregory
* Haakon
* Hamlin
* Hand
* Hanson
* Harding
* Hughes
* Hutchinson
* Hyde
* Jackson
* Jerauld
* Jones
* Kingsbury
* Lake
* Lawrence
* Lincoln
* Lyman
* Marshall
* McCook
* McPherson
* Meade
* Mellette
* Miner
* Minnehaha
* Moody
* Oglala Lakota
* Pennington
* Perkins
* Potter
* Roberts
* Sanborn
* Spink
* Stanley
* Sully
* Todd
* Tripp
* Turner
* Union
* Walworth
* Yankton
* Ziebach

Coordinates: 44°22′N 96°47′W﻿ / ﻿44.37°N 96.79°W﻿ / 44.37; -96.79
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