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 moderately-sized city located in the state of South Dakota. The city has a population of 10,388 inhabitants. 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.
Living in Brandon can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of South Dakota, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Brandon and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from commute, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the South Dakota and national averages.
With a livability score of 87/100, Brandon is ranked #268 in the United States and #1 in South Dakota. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Brandon could be a great choice! Brandon is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we examine each of the categories on their own, we see that Brandon ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+) and education (A+). Regrettably for Brandon, there are some categories for which it does not rank 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 73 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.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Brandon has an unemployment rate of 1.4% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Brandon schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 70%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Brandon an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
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 $435,152, which is 67% 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 3.2, which is 3% 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% |
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