If you’ve ever explored the Crime and Courts section of Pierre’s Capital Journal, you’ll discover a well-known fact among many South Dakotans: this heartland state has its fair share of hazardous locations.
Perhaps it’s the sameness of the plains, the lack of job opportunities, or the issue of low wages. Indeed, all these factors and more contribute to the situation. Therefore, it would be wise to review RoadSnacks’ compilation of South Dakota’s most dangerous areas for 2022 before embarking on any life-changing endeavors.
How did we identify the riskiest places in The Mount Rushmore State? We relied on data. We meticulously examined 29 cities in total, analyzing the FBI’s latest crime report for violent and property crime statistics for each location with a population exceeding 2,000.
Our analysis revealed some intriguing figures for South Dakota concerning violent and property crime compared to the national average. The state leads in arson incidents but lags in murder and aggravated assault cases.
Surprisingly, the city with the highest number of assaults and murders in the state has a population of fewer than 3,000 inhabitants.
While South Dakota didn’t make it to the top ten list of America’s most dangerous states, it still harbors a significant number of cities that could have easily made it onto the list of the country’s most dangerous cities. Could these cities benefit from a stronger police presence?
We can’t say for certain, but one thing is clear: you should take a look at the list of South Dakota’s most perilous places below; you might find some unexpected entries.
5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in South Dakota
City
Population
Rank Last Year
Violent Crimes Per 100k
Property Crimes Per 100k
Rapid City
78,492
3
857
3,996
Chamberlain
2,364
2
676
3,214
Pierre
13,888
7
921
2,973
Yankton
14,712
4
564
3,221
Sioux Falls
187,370
6
597
3,131
1. Rapid City
Rapid City, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Black Hills,” is a lively urban center with a population of 78,492 residents. As the second most populous city in South Dakota, it plays a crucial role as a starting point for tourists exploring Mount Rushmore and Deadwood.
However, behind its welcoming atmosphere for tourists, Rapid City holds a troubling distinction: it has the highest crime rate in the state. With 673 reported violent crimes, including 108 instances of rape and 13 murders, along with 3,137 property crimes in a year, it’s important for residents and visitors alike to exercise caution while in the city.
Despite these concerning statistics, Rapid City thrives as a city, offering a unique blend of urban conveniences and stunning natural landscapes.
Nestled along the Missouri River, a charming town is famous for its rich history and is home to the South Dakota Hall of Fame. However, within this small community of 2,364 residents lies a darker side.
In the span of a year, there were 16 violent crimes, which included 3 cases of rape, along with 76 property crimes reported, making it the second most dangerous place in the state.
Nevertheless, despite these challenges, Chamberlain continues to exude its charm, offering its inhabitants a peaceful lifestyle intertwined with a touch of history.
Pierre, the capital city of the state, is a renowned urban center in South Dakota. Though it has a relatively modest population of 13,888 residents, it grapples with a notable crime rate, recording 413 property crimes and 128 violent crimes annually.
Being the state’s capital, Pierre serves as a bustling hub for political affairs and houses numerous state government offices. Despite the concerning crime figures, the city has its allure, emanating a quaint small-town charm through its historical edifices and picturesque views of the river.
Yankton is a historic city situated along the Missouri River, boasting a population of 14,712 residents. However, it faces a concerning issue, as it ranks fourth in South Dakota for its high crime rate. In a year, there were 83 violent crimes and 474 property crimes reported.
Notwithstanding these statistics, Yankton continues to hold importance in South Dakota’s past, being one of the early settlement points in the area. Presently, the city attracts visitors with its blend of historical landmarks and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Sioux Falls, the most populous city in South Dakota with a population of 187,370, faces its fair share of crime. With 1,120 incidents of violent crimes and 4,259 cases of property crimes reported annually, it stands as the fourth most violent location in the state.
However, despite these statistics, Sioux Falls remains a city that continues to flourish and expand. It boasts a lively downtown area, a thriving arts scene, and an abundance of parks and green spaces, making it an attractive place to live and visit.
