Brookings, SD vs Shawnee, 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
Shawnee
71.3
#1002 nationally
Brookings leads in crime level (2.3 vs 7.6). Shawnee leads in median household income ($100,649 vs $57,824). Brookings leads in average commute (12.6 min vs 21.2 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Brookings, SD | Shawnee, KS |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.7 (#220) | 71.3 (#1002) |
| Population | 24,312 | 69,417 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $327,724 | $431,429 |
| Median Household Income | $57,824 | $100,649 |
| Average Commute | 12.6 min | 21.2 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 24 |
| Crime Level | 2.3 | 7.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+17.4 | D+8.5 |
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-
71.3 Score
Shawnee, KS
Kansas community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$431,429
Population
69,417
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
24
Midwest
View Shawnee, KS →