Brookings, SD vs Carmel, IN
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Brookings
77.7
#220 nationally
Carmel
74.5
#579 nationally
Carmel leads in median household income ($121,400 vs $57,824). Brookings leads in average commute (12.6 min vs 23.5 min). Brookings leads in walk score (39 vs 28).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Brookings, SD | Carmel, IN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.7 (#220) | 74.5 (#579) |
| Population | 24,312 | 104,776 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $327,724 | $580,014 |
| Median Household Income | $57,824 | $121,400 |
| Average Commute | 12.6 min | 23.5 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 2.3 | Very Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 9 |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 108 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+17.4 | R+6.1 |
C+
77.7 Score
Brookings, SD
Small South Dakota city with local appeal
Median Home
$327,724
Population
24,312
Crime
Low
Walk Score
39
Midwest
View Brookings, SD →
C
74.5 Score
Carmel, IN
Award-winning city planning meets Midwestern charm
Median Home
$580,014
Population
104,776
Crime
Very Low
Schools
A
Midwest
View Carmel, IN →