Is Sioux Falls or Vermillion Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Vermillion is safer than Sioux Falls (Safety Score 61/100 vs 14/100), with a total crime rate of 1,346 per 100,000 versus 3,442 for Sioux Falls — 61% lower. Sioux Falls has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Vermillion has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Sioux Falls is 17.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Sioux Falls — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Vermillion — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Sioux Falls, SD
Vermillion, SD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Sioux Falls | Vermillion | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,442.0 | 1,346.0 | +2,096.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 526.7 | 181.7 | +345.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 49.6 | -21.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 47.4 | 0.0 | +47.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 444.7 | 132.1 | +312.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,915.2 | 1,164.3 | +1,750.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 303.0 | 49.6 | +253.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,174.7 | 982.7 | +1,192.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 437.6 | 132.1 | +305.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sioux Falls or Vermillion safer?
Vermillion is safer with a total crime rate of 1,346 per 100K vs 3,442 for Sioux Falls — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Sioux Falls has a violent crime rate of 526.7 per 100K while Vermillion has 181.7. Vermillion has lower violent crime.
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.
About Vermillion, SD
Vermillion, home to the University of South Dakota, is a small city in southeastern South Dakota, near the Missouri River. Its population of around 11,000 is largely influenced by the university. The National Music Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, is a prominent cultural institution. With a safety score of 61/100 and a population coverage of 12,110, Vermillion has a total crime rate of 1,346.0 per 100,000 residents.