Is Sioux Falls or Yankton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Yankton is safer than Sioux Falls (Safety Score 34/100 vs 14/100), with a total crime rate of 2,249 per 100,000 versus 3,442 for Sioux Falls — 35% lower. Sioux Falls has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Yankton has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Sioux Falls is 13.4x 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
Yankton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Sioux Falls, SD
Yankton, SD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Sioux Falls | Yankton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,442.0 | 2,248.7 | +1,193.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 526.7 | 280.3 | +246.4 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 6.4 | +0.3 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 82.8 | -54.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 47.4 | 6.4 | +41.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 444.7 | 178.4 | +266.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,915.2 | 1,968.4 | +946.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 303.0 | 82.8 | +220.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,174.7 | 1,796.4 | +378.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 437.6 | 89.2 | +348.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sioux Falls or Yankton safer?
Yankton is safer with a total crime rate of 2,249 per 100K vs 3,442 for Sioux Falls — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Sioux Falls has a violent crime rate of 526.7 per 100K while Yankton has 280.3. Yankton 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 Yankton, SD
Yankton, South Dakota, once the territorial capital, lies on the Missouri River near the Nebraska border. This city of just over 15,000 residents boasts a rich history and a scenic riverfront. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 15,698, Yankton has a total crime rate of 2,248.7 per 100,000 residents.