Brookings, SD vs Topeka, 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
Topeka
73.5
#729 nationally
Brookings leads in crime level (2.3 vs 23.5). Brookings leads in average commute (12.6 min vs 17.1 min). Topeka leads in cost of living index (87 vs 97).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Brookings, SD | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.7 (#220) | 73.5 (#729) |
| Population | 24,312 | 125,475 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $327,724 | $198,385 |
| Median Household Income | $57,824 | $54,052 |
| Average Commute | 12.6 min | 17.1 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | N/A |
| Crime Level | 2.3 | 23.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 97 | 87 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+17.4 | Even |
Data coverage note: Topeka is missing data for 1 metric that Brookings has. Scores with less coverage are penalized — see our methodology.
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
73.5 Score
Topeka, KS
Mid-size Kansas city with community character
Median Home
$198,385
Population
125,475
Crime
High
Median Income
$54,052
Midwest
View Topeka, KS →