Selling a Business in Brookings County
Brookings County has 958 employer businesses, and 87% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here. The largest industries here are construction and repair, personal care and other services.
Areas in South Dakota
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Brookings County by the numbers
958
958
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
87%
87%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
2,427
2,427
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
15,151
15,151
EMPLOYMENT
$716 million
$716 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
428
428
BUSINESSES WITH 5 TO 49 EMPLOYEES
U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 and Nonemployer Statistics 2024. Counts are employer establishments, meaning business locations with paid employees.
How Brookings County compares
Brookings County ranks 7th of 66 South Dakota counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 7.2% between 2018 and 2023.
428 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Brookings County ranks 7th of 66 South Dakota counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 7.2% between 2018 and 2023.
428 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Construction: 123 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 109 employer businesses
Retail: 109 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 105 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 96 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Construction: 123 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 109 employer businesses
Retail: 109 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 105 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 96 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Brookings County
Construction, repair, personal care and other services, retail, health care and social assistance
Every kind of business we sell in Brookings County
These are the industries in Brookings County and the number of employer businesses in each. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Construction & Engineering
129 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
General Contracting: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Electrical: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Roofing & Siding: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
60 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
46 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Insurance Agencies: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Logistics & Transportation
43 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
General Freight Trucking: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
40 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Dental Practices: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Primary & Family Care: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
36 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
32 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Auto Repair: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Entertainment & Recreation
29 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Bars & Pubs: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
22 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
17 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Gas Stations: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Beauty & Personal Care
15 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Hair Salons: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
15 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Daycare Centers: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Home Services
13 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Residential Cleaning: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
12 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
10 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Hotels: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
8 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Water & Wastewater Services: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Health & Fitness
8 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
6 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Assisted Living Facilities: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Technology & Media
6 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Creative Agencies: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Pet Services
5 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
These are the industries in Brookings County and the number of employer businesses in each. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Construction & Engineering
129 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
General Contracting: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Electrical: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Roofing & Siding: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
60 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
46 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Insurance Agencies: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Logistics & Transportation
43 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
General Freight Trucking: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
40 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Dental Practices: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Primary & Family Care: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
36 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
32 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Auto Repair: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Entertainment & Recreation
29 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Bars & Pubs: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
22 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
17 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Gas Stations: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Beauty & Personal Care
15 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Hair Salons: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
15 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Daycare Centers: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Home Services
13 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Residential Cleaning: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
12 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
10 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Hotels: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
8 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Water & Wastewater Services: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Health & Fitness
8 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
6 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Assisted Living Facilities: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Technology & Media
6 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Creative Agencies: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Pet Services
5 related employer businesses in Brookings County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Working with owners in Brookings County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Brookings County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Brookings County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Brookings County?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers.
How is a business valued in Brookings County?
Valuation starts with the earnings the business produces for an owner, then adjusts for assets, size, industry and the terms a buyer is likely to accept. The result is a range, and the asking price is set inside it.
Is the sale confidential?
Buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name of the business or its financial statements.
FROM OUR BLOG
Guides for owners in Brookings County
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article