Brookings, SD Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Brookings Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Brookings, SD presents an emerging short-term rental opportunity in a small but growing market, with just 12 active Airbnb listings and a notable 125% year-over-year growth in supply. Average annual revenue sits at $33,626 against an average home value of $454,872, producing a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio for a college-town market. With an above-average supply/demand balance and limited competition, investors willing to enter early may find favorable positioning in this niche South Dakota market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Brookings short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Brookings

Brookings appeals to investors seeking a low-competition market with favorable supply/demand dynamics and college-town demand drivers.

Expert Market Assessment

"Brookings earns an ROI score of 62 out of 100, placing it in the Attractive Opportunity tier — a market where demand and revenue align reasonably well with property costs. Revenue peaks strongly in July at $3,813, while April dips to $1,692, creating meaningful seasonality that investors should plan around with pricing strategy and expense management. The above-average supply/demand balance is a standout factor, suggesting the market isn't yet oversaturated despite rapid listing growth. Investors who optimize for the May-through-October peak window and manage costs carefully during slower winter months can build a viable income stream here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Brookings

Average revenue by month in Brookings

Brookings shows clear seasonality, with July ($3,813) and August ($3,567) leading revenue and April ($1,692) marking the low point — a spread of over $2,100 between peak and trough. Investors should expect roughly 55% of annual revenue to concentrate in the May-through-October window, making off-season cost management essential for profitability.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Brookings

The market's active supply consists entirely of 3-bedroom properties (5 listings with reportable data), suggesting an extremely narrow competitive set. This concentration could signal opportunity for investors offering smaller studio/1-bedroom units or larger 4+ bedroom homes to capture underserved demand segments.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Brookings

Three-bedroom properties in Brookings command an ADR of $195, which is $22 above the market-wide average of $173. With only one property size segment reporting, there's limited ADR comparison across sizes, but the premium over the overall average suggests 3-bedrooms are positioned toward higher-value bookings.

Average RevPAN by property size in Brookings

Three-bedroom listings deliver a RevPAN of $91, meaningfully above the market-wide average of $65, reflecting their stronger occupancy and slightly higher nightly rates. This gap indicates that well-maintained 3-bedroom properties are capturing more consistent revenue per available night than the broader market average.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Brookings

Three-bedroom properties achieve a 47% occupancy rate, outperforming the overall market average of 38% by 9 percentage points. This higher fill rate suggests 3-bedrooms are the sweet spot for guest demand in Brookings, offering more reliable cash flow compared to other configurations in this small market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Brookings

Three-bedroom listings generate $2,143 in average monthly revenue, which serves as the baseline for this market given no other property sizes report data. While below the overall market average of $2,802, this figure represents properties with consistent booking data and provides a conservative revenue benchmark for investors.

Average annual revenue by property size in Brookings

At $25,722 in average annual revenue, 3-bedroom properties offer a grounded baseline for investment modeling in Brookings. Against an average home value of $454,872, this yields a gross revenue-to-price ratio of roughly 5.7%, which investors should weigh alongside operating costs and financing terms.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Brookings

Kitchens and parking dominate at 92% prevalence each, followed closely by self check-in (83%) and laundry facilities (67–75%), reflecting guest expectations for home-like convenience in a small-market setting. Half of listings allow pets, which could be a differentiator, while premium amenities like hot tubs (17%) and waterfront access (8%) remain rare and may offer competitive advantages for properties that can include them.

Understanding Brookings's ROI Score: 62/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Brookings earns an ROI score of 62 out of 100, placing it in the Attractive Opportunity band — a market where revenue potential and property costs are reasonably aligned. Its standout factor is an above-average supply/demand balance, meaning demand currently outpaces the limited supply of just 12 listings, while revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth all rate as average. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and consider the market's heavy seasonality when building financial projections.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Brookings

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Brookings. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Brookings, South Dakota may need to obtain a local business license or STR permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Brookings and any applicable South Dakota state agencies.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Brookings can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and potential HOA rules that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Investors should also check whether any zoning classifications or minimum-stay requirements apply to their target property.

Tax Obligations

South Dakota imposes a state sales tax and a municipal tax on lodging accommodations, which typically apply to short-term rentals in Brookings. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full tax obligations with local and state authorities to ensure compliance.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Brookings can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Brookings is likely to see continued supply growth as more hosts recognize the market's potential, though the small base means even a few new listings could shift dynamics. Seasonal patterns suggest summer months (May through August) will remain the primary revenue drivers, with ADR potentially edging up 2–4% as demand from university events, tourism, and seasonal visitors remains steady. Occupancy is estimated to hold in the 36–42% range annually, with stronger performance during peak months. Investors should monitor whether the rapid supply growth stabilizes or begins to outpace demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Brookings, SD

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Brookings?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Brookings is currently 38%, which sits below the South Dakota state average of 43%. Three-bedroom properties, which make up the bulk of the market, perform better at 47% occupancy. Seasonality plays a significant role, with summer months driving notably higher occupancy than winter.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Brookings?

Airbnb hosts in Brookings earn an average of $2,802 per month, or approximately $33,626 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies significantly by season — July tops the chart at $3,813, while April is the softest month at $1,692. Three-bedroom properties specifically average around $25,722 annually.

Is Brookings a good market for Airbnb investment?

Brookings scores a 62 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, rated as an Attractive Opportunity. The market benefits from limited competition with only 12 active listings and an above-average supply/demand balance. While occupancy and growth trends are average compared to other markets, the low saturation and college-town demand drivers make it worth serious consideration for investors seeking a smaller, less competitive market.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Brookings?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Brookings is $173, which is below the South Dakota state average of $261. Three-bedroom properties command a higher ADR of $195. The lower ADR reflects the market's positioning as a smaller college town rather than a premium tourist destination, but it also means lower guest price sensitivity during peak events.

Are short-term rentals legal in Brookings?

Short-term rentals operate in Brookings, with active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, operators should verify all local permitting, zoning, and licensing requirements with the City of Brookings and relevant South Dakota state agencies before investing, as regulations can change. It's also important to check for HOA restrictions that may apply to specific properties.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Brookings?

Peak season in Brookings runs from May through October, with July being the highest-earning month at $3,813 in average revenue. August ($3,567), May ($3,231), June ($3,227), and October ($3,179) also deliver strong performance. The slowest months are December ($2,167) and April ($1,692), making strategic pricing and expense management important during the off-season.

How many Airbnbs are there in Brookings?

As of April 2026, there are 12 active Airbnb listings in Brookings. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 125% year-over-year increase in active listings. The reported property size data shows 3-bedroom properties as the dominant listing type, and the small overall supply means new entrants can still meaningfully differentiate themselves.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Brookings?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Brookings are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Brookings market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics by property size and time period
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.