Median Income
$104,806
39% higher than US avg
Home Value
$317,300
13% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
68/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.6%
20% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$989
15% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.1%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.6%
95% lower than US avg
How Brandon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,996
Median Age37.7 yrs
Density1,803/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$104,806
Per Capita$50,055
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty0.6%
County GDP$22,447M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$317,300
Rent$989
Ownership80.3%
Zillow$384,029
Housing Units4,272
Rent Burden24.1%
Crime
F
Violent68/100K
Property264/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault59/100K
Burglary39/100K
Health
Obesity34.1%
Uninsured6.2%
Smoking11.2%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease4.4%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain27.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,343 ft (409 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.6%
High School+97.4%
Graduate+11.1%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 42%
Commute20 min
Broadband94.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries15
Is Brandon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Brandon receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Brandon offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Brandon is $104,806, which is significantly higher than the national average / 39% above $75,149. This places Brandon among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 0.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Brandon is $317,300, 13% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $989 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Brandon is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 68 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 264 per 100,000, 87% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Brandon experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.9 inches, including 45.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Brandon has a population of 10,996 with a density of 1,803 people per square mile, spread across 6.1 square miles. The median age is 37.7 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (93%), with 3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.7yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.6%
73% below US avg
The median household income in Brandon is $104,806, which is 39% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $50,055 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,252, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 9,989 business establishments, including 558 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.5% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $104,806 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $50,055 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,252 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,803 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.6% |
| 95% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,989 |
| County GDP | $22,447M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 558 |
| Healthcare | 581 |
| Retail | 804 |
| Manufacturing | 192 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,828 |
| 95% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.8% |
| Public Transit | 1.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.5% |
The median home value in Brandon is $317,300, 13% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $384,029, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $989 (15% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,272 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2001. The average annual property tax is $6,828 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $317,300 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $384,029 |
| Median List Price | $432,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $432,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $181 |
| Homes Sold | 14 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.8% |
| Price Drops | 18.6% |
| Inventory | 43 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $989 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.7% |
| Housing Units | 4,272 |
| Median Year Built | 2001 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,828 |
| 95% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.15% |
In Brandon, 34.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.4% of residents, below the national average. 27.5% have high blood pressure. 11.2% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 18.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.6% report depression. 15.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:979. The dentist ratio is 1:1,774. 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-25)
PM2.5
8.0
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
9.3
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.6
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.7
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
129.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Brandon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.5% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 4.2% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.2% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.6% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 9.2% |
| Short Sleep | 28.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.2% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:979 |
| Dentists | 1:1,774 |
| Mental Health | 1:396 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 73.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,472/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 581 |
Brandon has a violent crime rate of 68 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 58.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 9.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 264 per 100,000, 87% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 215, burglary at 39, vehicle theft at 10 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Brandon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Brandon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 68.3/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 9.8/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 58.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 263.6/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
| Burglary | 39.1/100K |
| Theft | 214.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 9.8/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Brandon experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 291 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 27.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 45.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,343 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 47.4°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,343 ft (409 m) |
| Area | 6.1 sq mi (15.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,803/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5929°N, 96.5838°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Minnehaha County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.9"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0443 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 8.4 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.16 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.24 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 89.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
143 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
120 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
147 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
633 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 21 fatalities, 432 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
51 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
93 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
90 km |
6 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Brandon has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 18°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Brandon. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $772 |
| Toddler | $772 |
| Preschool | $724 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $518 |
| Toddler | $518 |
| Preschool | $499 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brandon
What is the population of Brandon?
Brandon has a population of 10,996 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 1,803 people per square mile, spread across 6.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.7 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is Brandon expensive to live in?
Brandon is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $104,806, 39% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $317,300 (13% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $989 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Brandon safe?
Brandon is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 68 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 264 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Brandon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Brandon?
Brandon has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.9 inches, with 45.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Brandon?
The job market in Brandon is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,252. There are 9,989 business establishments in the area, including 558 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 16.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Brandon?
The median home value in Brandon is $317,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $384,029. For renters, the median monthly rent is $989. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,828.
How are the schools in Brandon?
Schools in Brandon score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 40.6% of adults in Brandon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. 11.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Brandon?
The obesity rate in Brandon is 34.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.2% of adults are smokers. 18.6% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 6.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:979.
What is transportation like in Brandon?
The average commute in Brandon is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Brandon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Brandon is 93% White, 3% Black or African American. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.6% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability. 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
