Is Mitchell or Sioux Falls Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mitchell is safer than Sioux Falls (Safety Score 34/100 vs 14/100), with a total crime rate of 2,230 per 100,000 versus 3,442 for Sioux Falls — 35% lower. Mitchell has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Mitchell has a 59% lower rate.
Note: Sioux Falls is 13.5x 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
Sioux Falls — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mitchell, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mitchell | Sioux Falls | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,229.8 | 3,442.0 | -1,212.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 262.7 | 526.7 | -264.0 |
| Murder Rate | 6.4 | 6.6 | -0.2 |
| Rape Rate | 38.4 | 28.0 | +10.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 19.2 | 47.4 | -28.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 198.6 | 444.7 | -246.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,967.1 | 2,915.2 | -948.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 166.6 | 303.0 | -136.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,595.4 | 2,174.7 | -579.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 205.0 | 437.6 | -232.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mitchell or Sioux Falls safer?
Mitchell is safer with a total crime rate of 2,230 per 100K vs 3,442 for Sioux Falls — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mitchell has a violent crime rate of 262.7 per 100K while Sioux Falls has 526.7. 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 Sioux Falls, SD
Sioux Falls, named for the Big Sioux River and its waterfalls, is South Dakota's largest city. It's a regional hub for healthcare and finance, with a growing population of over 200,000 residents. The city's economy has historically been tied to agriculture. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 210,926, Sioux Falls has a total crime rate of 3,442.0 per 100,000 residents.