Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Rapid City, SD recorded 35 traffic deaths in 33 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 8.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 56/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 56% of ranked US cities (#1 of 4 in South Dakota, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Rapid City, South Dakota?
Rapid City has a Road Danger Score of 56/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 33 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 35 people — 8.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Rapid City ranks #1 out of 4 ranked cities in South Dakota and #947 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 56% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Rapid City's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 61% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Rapid City fell 40% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Rapid City’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 33 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Rapid City | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 7 | 21.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 12 | 36.4% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 10 | 30.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 20 | 60.6% | 49.8% |
Rapid City Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Rapid City, South Dakota from NHTSA FARS. Single-year swings are normal in smaller cities; the Road Danger Score uses the full 5-year window.
| Year | Traffic Deaths |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2020 | 7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Rapid City, South Dakota?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Rapid City recorded 33 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 35 traffic deaths — an average of 7.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Rapid City?
Rapid City has a Road Danger Score of 56/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 56% of ranked US cities. The city averages 8.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Rapid City?
Of Rapid City's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 21% involved a drinking driver, 36% involved speeding, 30% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 61% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Rapid City each year?
An average of 7.0 people per year died in car accidents in Rapid City across 2020–2024 (35 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Rapid City more dangerous than in other South Dakota cities?
Rapid City ranks #1 of 4 ranked South Dakota cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #947 of 2,153 nationally.