Brookings, SD vs Helena, AL
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
Helena
74.5
#582 nationally
Brookings leads in walk score (39 vs 12). Brookings leads in average commute (12.6 min vs 30.4 min). Helena leads in median household income ($107,360 vs $57,824).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Brookings, SD | Helena, AL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.7 (#220) | 74.5 (#582) |
| Population | 24,312 | 22,117 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $327,724 | $367,018 |
| Median Household Income | $57,824 | $107,360 |
| Average Commute | 12.6 min | 30.4 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 12 |
| Crime Level | 2.3 | 2.0 |
| 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 | R+40.8 |
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
Helena, AL
Small Alabama city with local appeal
Median Home
$367,018
Population
22,117
Crime
Low
Walk Score
12
Southeast
View Helena, AL →