Embarking on significant journeys in South Dakota demands caution, as the state holds its share of precarious locations. An examination by RoadSnacks, utilizing the latest FBI crime data, discloses the top 10 riskiest cities in South Dakota for 2023. From the vibrant streets of Rapid City to the historic allure of Yankton, each locale presents distinct challenges. Explore our summary for insights into safety concerns and unexpected entries in the Mount Rushmore State.
10 Dangerous Cities in South Dakota
- Rapid City:
Rapid City, known as the “Gateway to the Black Hills,” boasts a population of 78,492 and claims the title of South Dakota’s most dangerous city in 2023. Despite its appeal to tourists, the city reports 857 violent crimes, including 108 rapes and 13 murders, along with 3,996 property crimes per 100k residents. - Chamberlain:
Nestled along the Missouri River with a population of 2,364, Chamberlain secures the second spot as the state’s second most dangerous place. Despite its historical charm and the South Dakota Hall of Fame, Chamberlain reports 676 violent crimes and 3,214 property crimes per 100k residents. - Pierre:
Pierre, the state’s capital with a population of 13,888, stands out with a significant crime rate. Despite its smaller population, Pierre reports 921 violent crimes and 2,973 property crimes per 100k residents, offering political activity amid safety concerns. - Yankton:
Yankton, a historical city along the Missouri River with 14,712 residents, ranks as the fourth most dangerous place. Reporting 564 violent crimes and 3,221 property crimes per 100k residents, Yankton balances its historical significance with safety challenges. - Sioux Falls:
Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s most populous city with 187,370 inhabitants, claims the fifth spot among the most dangerous places. Reporting 597 violent crimes and 3,131 property crimes per 100k residents, Sioux Falls continues to thrive amid safety concerns. - Mitchell:
Mitchell, a tourist destination renowned for the Corn Palace, faces challenges as the sixth most dangerous city. With 464 violent crimes and 3,306 property crimes per 100k residents, Mitchell remains popular despite crime statistics. - Box Elder:
Located near the western border and home to the Ellsworth Air Force Base, Box Elder secures the seventh spot. With 567 violent crimes and 2,807 property crimes per 100k residents, Box Elder’s growth is accompanied by safety considerations. - Aberdeen:
Aberdeen, the third most populous city with 28,494 residents, ranks seventh in violence. With 558 violent crimes and 2,337 property crimes per 100k residents, Aberdeen maintains economic significance amid safety challenges. - Spearfish:
Spearfish, known for its golden past and proximity to the Black Hills National Forest, takes the ninth spot. With 294 violent crimes and 2,579 property crimes per 100k residents, Spearfish balances its natural beauty with crime concerns. - Huron:
Situated in the heart of South Dakota and renowned for hosting the State Fair, Huron concludes the list. With 319 violent crimes and 2,138 property crimes per 100k residents, Huron’s agricultural hub status coexists with safety considerations.
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The Duct Tape Killer and Mathis Family Murders
In one of South Dakota’s most gruesome chapters, Robert LeRoy Anderson, famously known as “The Duct Tape Killer,” perpetrated a horrifying crime in 1994. Convicted of kidnapping and murdering Larisa Dumansky and Piper Streyle, Anderson’s actions shook the state, leaving an enduring mark as one of its most chilling incidents.
Similarly, the Mathis Family Murders stand as a dark episode in South Dakota’s history, marked by death and deceit. Ladonna Mathis’s cold-blooded killing inside the family’s metal shed remains one of the state’s notorious murder cases, serving as a haunting reminder of the depths of human cruelty and the vital role of justice and law enforcement.
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