Safest Cities in South Dakota 2024
Average Crime Rate
National Average
Combined Population
Overview: Safest Cities in South Dakota
These 3 cities have the lowest crime rates in South Dakota, based on 2024 FBI data. The safest cities average just 3,212 crimes per 100,000 residents — -17% below the national average of 2,752.
The top 3 safest cities are Aberdeen (SD, crime rate: 1,678), Sioux Falls (SD, crime rate: 3,442), and Rapid City (SD, crime rate: 4,516).
Full Rankings
| # | City | State | Population | Total Crime Rate | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate | Safety Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aberdeen | SD | 28,004 | 1,678.3 | 267.8 | 1,410.5 | 69/100 |
| 2 | Sioux Falls | SD | 210,926 | 3,442.0 | 526.7 | 2,915.2 | 37/100 |
| 3 | Rapid City | SD | 80,957 | 4,516.0 | 723.8 | 3,792.1 | 17/100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest city in South Dakota?
Aberdeen, SD is the safest city in South Dakota with a total crime rate of 1,678.3 per 100,000 residents in 2024.
How are the safest cities determined?
Cities are ranked by total crime rate (violent + property crime) per 100,000 residents using 2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Only cities with 25,000+ residents are included.
What crime rate is considered safe?
Cities on this list average 3,212 crimes per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 2,752. Generally, a rate under 2,000 per 100K is considered low.