Is Las Vegas Metro or Rapid City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Las Vegas Metro is safer than Rapid City (Safety Score 19/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 3,053 per 100,000 versus 4,516 for Rapid City — 32% lower. Las Vegas Metro has lower rates in 4 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Las Vegas Metro has a 41% lower rate.
Note: Las Vegas Metro is 21.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Las Vegas Metro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Rapid City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Las Vegas Metro, NV
Rapid City, SD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Las Vegas Metro | Rapid City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,052.7 | 4,516.0 | -1,463.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 430.0 | 723.8 | -293.9 |
| Murder Rate | 6.2 | 6.2 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 51.6 | 135.9 | -84.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 64.8 | 103.8 | -38.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 473.1 | -165.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,622.7 | 3,792.1 | -1,169.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 461.5 | 427.4 | +34.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,564.5 | 2,986.8 | -1,422.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 596.7 | 378.0 | +218.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Las Vegas Metro or Rapid City safer?
Las Vegas Metro is safer with a total crime rate of 3,053 per 100K vs 4,516 for Rapid City — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Las Vegas Metro has a violent crime rate of 430.0 per 100K while Rapid City has 723.8. Las Vegas Metro has lower violent crime.
About Las Vegas Metro, NV
Las Vegas Metro encompasses the vibrant Entertainment Capital of the World, a city that sprung from a railroad stop in the Mojave Desert. Its population of over 2.3 million is a diverse mix, drawn to its unique blend of resort tourism and burgeoning tech industries. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 1,716,565, Las Vegas Metro has a total crime rate of 3,052.7 per 100,000 residents.
About Rapid City, SD
Rapid City, nestled at the foot of the Black Hills, is a gateway to Mount Rushmore. This city in western South Dakota has a population of over 78,000, making it the second largest in the state. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 80,957, Rapid City has a total crime rate of 4,516.0 per 100,000 residents.