Why Work in Brookings

Overhead view of Brookings, SD, showing parks, homes, streets and trees

Brookings, South Dakota is a great place to live and grow your healthcare career. 

The City of Brookings offers the benefits of small town living with easy access to outdoor recreation, public parks, and low crime. As the home of South Dakota State, we also have big city appeal with Division I athletics, cultural attractions and a vibrant downtown.

No matter where you live in Brookings County or the surrounding area, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed, balanced lifestyle, including easier commutes with less traffic and family-friendly neighborhoods.

Brookings has an average cost-of-living that is lower than both the South Dakota and U.S. averages. We were ranked the #2 Most Affordable College Town in the U.S. by Wallethub in 2025 and the #4 Best Places for Young Professionals in South Dakota in 2023. 

Brookings is also an inclusive community, scoring 100% in the Municipal Equality Index Human Rights for 6 years and running. Over 20 languages are spoken by people from over 85 nations.