Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Brandon is a mid-sized city located in the state of South Dakota. The city has a population of 10,030 people. The majority of Brandon residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Brandon will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 21 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Brandon is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in South Dakota, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Brandon and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, commute, health & safety and other important metrics.
Brandon, SD receives 86/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #1 in South Dakota and #228 in the USA. Compared to the United States average, Brandon ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Brandon has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). Unfortunately for Brandon, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).
Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Brandon shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 55 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
The unemployment rate in Brandon has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.31%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Brandon have an average test score of 70%, which is well above the US average.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Brandon market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Assuming that Brandon meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Brandon. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Brandon are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Brandon come in at $245,500, which is 67.3% higher than the South Dakota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Brandon, the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 7.1% lower than the South Dakota average.
| Statistic | Brandon | South Dakota | National |
| Average one way commute | 21min | 17min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.0% | 79.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.5% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.7% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 10.5% | 5.5% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in South Dakota
See the best places to live in Brandon
These are the largest cities in South Dakota
Most Dangerous Cities In The US