Is Rapid City or Watertown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Watertown is safer than Rapid City (Safety Score 62/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 1,328 per 100,000 versus 4,516 for Rapid City — 71% lower. Rapid City has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Watertown has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Rapid City is 3.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Rapid City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Watertown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Rapid City, SD
Watertown, SD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Rapid City | Watertown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,516.0 | 1,328.1 | +3,187.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 723.8 | 303.2 | +420.6 |
| Murder Rate | 6.2 | 0.0 | +6.2 |
| Rape Rate | 135.9 | 64.1 | +71.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 103.8 | 0.0 | +103.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 473.1 | 239.1 | +234.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,792.1 | 1,024.9 | +2,767.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.4 | 68.3 | +359.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,986.8 | 888.2 | +2,098.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 378.0 | 68.3 | +309.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rapid City or Watertown safer?
Watertown is safer with a total crime rate of 1,328 per 100K vs 4,516 for Rapid City — a 71% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Rapid City has a violent crime rate of 723.8 per 100K while Watertown has 303.2. Watertown has lower violent crime.
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.
About Watertown, SD
Watertown, named for its many lakes, is a regional hub in northeastern South Dakota. Home to Terry Redlin's art center, the city has a population of around 23,000. With a safety score of 62/100 and a population coverage of 23,417, Watertown has a total crime rate of 1,328.1 per 100,000 residents.