Brookings, SD vs Ferndale, MI
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
Ferndale
82.8
#19 nationally
Brookings leads in crime level (2.3 vs 5.6). Brookings leads in average commute (12.6 min vs 26.1 min). Ferndale leads in walk score (67 vs 39).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Brookings, SD | Ferndale, MI |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.7 (#220) | 82.8 (#19) |
| Population | 24,312 | 19,083 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $327,724 | $254,401 |
| Median Household Income | $57,824 | $86,120 |
| Average Commute | 12.6 min | 26.1 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 67 |
| Crime Level | 2.3 | 5.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 99 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+17.4 | D+10.6 |
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 →
B-
82.8 Score
Ferndale, MI
Small Michigan city with local appeal
Median Home
$254,401
Population
19,083
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
67
Midwest
View Ferndale, MI →