Brookings City

The city of Brookings was surveyed and platted in 1879 in preparation for the railroad. Named after Wilmot W. Brookings, a spirited pioneer who traveled to the unsettled Dakota Territory in the late 1850s, Brookings soon grew into a booming town. Dakota Agricultural College (now South Dakota State University) was founded in 1881.

Today, Brookings is home to endless possibilities. Located in eastern South Dakota along the I-29 corridor, Brookings is home to over 19,000 residents. With a booming job market and the lowest national business costs*, Brookings businesses are achieving local, national and even international success. Likewise, more families are choosing Brookings for its safe, friendly, and progressive environment.

Home to South Dakota State University, Brookings boasts prime educational resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs. A source of recognized research and innovation, SDSU supplies a young, educated workforce with the skill and determination to make your business thrive.

These strides in business, population growth, and education make Brookings more than just a smart location for business growth. It’s a well-rounded place to call home.

*South Dakota was voted as the #1 Lowest Cost State to do Business according to the Milken Insitute.

Brookings Community Profile pdf (898k)