If you have lived in South Dakota for any amount of time, you know that it is a generally safe place where everyone knows everyone and can leave their doors and cars unlocked without fear of having anything taken. Sadly, despite our generally honest and good-willed population, there are still some bad (and some downright rotten) eggs scattered about, which can be seen in the FBI’s Crime in the United States report, which names these 10 places as the most dangerous cities in South Dakota:

1. Mitchell
Mitchell, SD 57301, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Mitchell is home to the iconic Mitchell Corn Palace and 15,653 residents, but — sadly — this famous SoDak town is also home to the highest crime rate in the state, so some would consider it one of the worst places to live in South Dakota. As per the FBI's report, Mitchell saw 81 violent crimes in 2018 (consisting of 21 rapes, 6 robberies, and 54 aggravated assaults), plus an additional 573 property crimes (68 burglaries, 447 larceny thefts, 58 motor vehicle thefts, and 2 cases of arson).  Read more about Mitchell.
2. Rapid City
Rapid City, SD, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Seeing as how many tourists and visitors Rapid City receives each year, the higher crime rates do make sense. However, we still cannot help but feel saddened by the fact that Rapid City (population 75,290) experienced a whopping 492 violent crimes in one year, including 2 murders, 99 rapes, 65 burglaries, and 326 aggravated assaults. Unfortunately, violent crime was only the tip of the iceberg, as RC also reported 2,194 property crimes, consisting of 428 burglaries, 1,502 larceny thefts, 264 vehicle thefts, and 7 cases of arson. It's not the most dangerous city in South Dakota, but it's up there. Learn more about Rapid City.
3. Chamberlain 
Chamberlain, SD 57325, USA
Flickr/Jennifer Lamb
Home to 2,388 residents, Chamberlain is the poster child for the All-American small town, but even charming communities can have their fair share of trouble. Case in point: in 2018, Chamberlain saw 19 violent crimes (1 murder, 3 rapes, 1 robbery, and 14 aggravated assaults) and 61 property crimes (11 burglaries, 46 larceny thefts, and 4 car thefts). Check out more about Chamberlain.
4. Pierre
Pierre, SD 57501, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Not-so-fun fact: Nearly every capital city in America made their state's top 10 crime list and — unfortunately — Pierre was no exception. As per the FBI's report, Pierre (population 14,050) saw 18 rapes, 1 robbery, 51 aggravated assaults, 36 burglaries, 325 larceny thefts, 19 motor vehicle thefts, and 2 cases of arson within 1 year.  Find out more about Pierre, South Dakota.
5. Yankton
Yankton, SD 57078, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Located along the Missouri River in southeast South Dakota, Yankton is a beautiful college town that boasts a population of 14,523 and the fifth-highest crime rate in the state, which includes both 75 violent (16 rapes, 1 robbery, and 58 aggravated assaults) and 379 property (31 burglaries, 322 larceny thefts, and 26 motor vehicle thefts) crimes. See more about Yankton.

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6. Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Wikimedia Commons
With a population of 180,335, Sioux Falls is by far the largest city in South Dakota, which comes with its fair share of violent crime in the form of 5 murders, 121 rapes, 107 robberies, and 555 aggravated assaults. In addition to violent crime, Sioux Falls also experienced 5,288 property crimes, including 625 burglaries, 4,092 larceny thefts, 544 motor vehicle thefts, and 36 cases of arson. Read more about Sioux Falls.
7. Flandreau
Flandreau, SD 57028, USA
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Known as the "Heart of Eastern South Dakota," Flandreau is a beautiful town of 2,332 residents and a surprisingly high crime rate. According to the FBI, 2018 brought Flandreau 9 violent crimes (2 rapes, 2 robberies, and 5 aggravated assaults) and an additional 57 property crimes (9 burglaries, 41 larceny thefts, and 7 motor vehicle thefts). Learn more about Flandreau.
8. Spearfish
Spearfish, SD, USA
Wikimedia Commons
One of the most picturesque towns in the Black Hills is Spearfish, which — despite only housing 11,763 residents — saw 8 rapes, 3 robberies, 14 aggravated assaults, 40 burglaries, 318 larceny thefts, and 17 motor vehicle thefts in 2018 alone.  Check out more about Spearfish.
9. Aberdeen
Aberdeen, SD 57401, USA
Flickr/Daniel Greene
Like every town, Aberdeen (population 28,713) has areas you want to avoid, which is made evident by the fact that this historic settlement town has experienced 124 violent crimes (1 murder, 33 rapes, 4 robberies, and 86 aggravated assaults) and an additional 602 property crimes (101 burglaries, 466 larceny thefts, 35 motor vehicle thefts, and 4 cases of arson). Find out more about Aberdeen.
10. Box Elder
Box Elder, SD, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Last on the FBI's Crime in the United States report is the town of Box Elder. Home of the Ellsworth Air Force base and nearly 10,000 residents, Box Elder also boasts a staggering 43 violent crimes — 5 rapes, 1 robbery, and 37 aggravated assaults — and another 175 property crimes in the form of 41 burglaries, 116 larceny thefts, 18 car thefts, and 2 cases of arson. See more about Box Elder.

If you’re wondering, “is South Dakota dangerous?” you might be worried now, but don’t be too scared. Many of these places have wonderful redeeming qualities and can be great places to visit or live as long as you stay safe.

What is your take on the FBI’s findings? Let us know in the comments. For even more dangerous places in SoDak, check out these five deadly prisons that can only be found in South Dakota.

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Most Dangerous Cities in South Dakota

Danielle Schwartz | June 17, 2022

What are the most scenic towns in South Dakota?

Our state is full of beautiful places to enjoy the scenery. It can be hard to know which to visit first, so we've put together a list of some of the most scenic towns in South Dakota for you to explore. Chamberlain is one of the best places to go for views of the stunning Missouri River. The greenery alone will make you stop and stare. Dell Rapids is fantastic for taking in the Big Sioux River.

What are the creepiest places in South Dakota?

While our state is full of natural beauty and features many peaceful places to relax, sometimes you just want some thrills! When you're ready for some adrenaline-pumping fun, check out this road trip to the most haunted places in South Dakota. The Bullock Hotel in Deadwood is one such spot, and if you're looking for ghosts, make a beeline for this haunted hotel. Even more ghosts live at the Historic Homestake Opera House in Lead. Fittingly, people also hear voices when they're here!

What is the oldest town in South Dakota?

The oldest town in South Dakota is Yankton. It was incorporated in 1869, making this a great place for history buffs to learn all about the state's early times. Whether you go for the views of the Missouri River or the historical buildings, you'll have a great time in Yankton.

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