Brookings, SD vs Gardner, KS

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

vs

Gardner

76

#395 nationally

Brookings leads in average commute (12.6 min vs 24 min). Brookings leads in crime level (2.3 vs 3.8). Brookings leads in walk score (39 vs 24).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Brookings, SD Gardner, KS
WhereAtHome Score 77.7 (#220) 76 (#395)
Population 24,312 25,378
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $327,724 $355,396
Median Household Income $57,824 $91,232
Average Commute 12.6 min 24 min
Walk Score 39 24
Crime Level 2.3 3.8
School Rating N/A N/A
Cost of Living Index 97 101
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored R+17.4 D+8.5