Brookings, SD vs Independence, MO

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

Independence

73.6

#702 nationally

Brookings leads in crime level (2.3 vs 15.6). Brookings leads in average commute (12.6 min vs 23.9 min). Brookings leads in walk score (39 vs 28).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Brookings, SD Independence, MO
WhereAtHome Score 77.7 (#220) 73.6 (#702)
Population 24,312 120,922
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $327,724 $214,173
Median Household Income $57,824 $57,415
Average Commute 12.6 min 23.9 min
Walk Score 39 28
Crime Level 2.3 15.6
School Rating N/A N/A
Cost of Living Index 97 90
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored R+17.4 D+19.3