Is Mitchell or Rapid City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mitchell is safer than Rapid City (Safety Score 34/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 2,230 per 100,000 versus 4,516 for Rapid City — 51% lower. Mitchell has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Mitchell has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Rapid City is 5.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Mitchell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Rapid City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mitchell, SD
Rapid City, SD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mitchell | Rapid City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,229.8 | 4,516.0 | -2,286.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 262.7 | 723.8 | -461.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.4 | 6.2 | +0.2 |
| Rape Rate | 38.4 | 135.9 | -97.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 19.2 | 103.8 | -84.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 198.6 | 473.1 | -274.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,967.1 | 3,792.1 | -1,825.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 166.6 | 427.4 | -260.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,595.4 | 2,986.8 | -1,391.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 205.0 | 378.0 | -172.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mitchell or Rapid City safer?
Mitchell is safer with a total crime rate of 2,230 per 100K vs 4,516 for Rapid City — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mitchell has a violent crime rate of 262.7 per 100K while Rapid City has 723.8. Mitchell has lower violent crime.
About Mitchell, SD
Mitchell, South Dakota, a city of around 15,000 residents, is home to the world-famous Corn Palace, an annual marvel of agricultural art. Located in Davison County, it serves as a regional hub for agriculture and education, with Dakota Wesleyan University. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 15,607, Mitchell has a total crime rate of 2,229.8 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.