| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Rapid City/100k people | South Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,652 | n/a (estimate) | 4,511 | 1,948 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 6.2 | 4.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 110 | n/a | 135.9 | 51.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 84 | n/a | 103.8 | 22.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 383 | n/a | 473.1 | 283.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 582 | n/a (estimate) | 719 | 362 | 359 |
| Burglary | 346 | n/a | 427.4 | 194.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,418 | n/a | 2,986.8 | 1,195.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 306 | n/a | 378.0 | 195.9 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 3,070 | n/a (estimate) | 3,792 | 1,586 | 1,760 |
The Rapid City crime rates are 112.9% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 582 violent crimes in Rapid City (719 per 100,000 people), which is 100.2% higher than the national average and there were a total of 3070 property crimes (3792 per 100,000 residents) which is 115.5% higher than average.
With a crime rate of 4511 per 100,000 residents, Rapid City has a crime rate that is 112.87% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Rapid City that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Rapid City ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 719 per 100,000 people, Rapid City is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 140 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Rapid City, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
Rapid City has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 3792 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Rapid City is 1 in 27, which is far higher than the national average.
AreaVibes surveyed 131 local residents in Rapid City to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 35% of people answered that there was very little crime in Rapid City and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 65% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Determining whether Rapid City is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Rapid City has an overall crime rate that is 113% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 10.01 daily occurrences, comprising 1.59 violent crimes and 8.41 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Rapid City as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Rapid City crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Rapid City has increased by 23.3% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 13.5% and property crime has increased by 25.3%.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Rapid City crime rate. The poverty level in Rapid City is 16.2%, while the national average is 15.1%.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Rapid City crime rates. The population density in Rapid City is 1460.6 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Rapid City, 86.9% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
| Item | Rapid City | South Dakota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 142 | 995 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | South Dakota /100K | National /100K |
| South Dakota | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Colonial Pine Hills, SD | 2,828 | 57 | 249 | 306 |
| Piedmont, SD | 1,213 | 76 | 333 | 409 |
| Green Valley, SD | 1,290 | 115 | 502 | 617 |
| Summerset, SD | 2,698 | 66 | 565 | 632 |
| Ashland Heights, SD | 1,118 | 138 | 606 | 744 |
| Blackhawk, SD | 3,149 | 144 | 633 | 778 |
| Box Elder, SD | 10,205 | 350 | 1,193 | 1,542 |
| Rapid City, SD | 79,549 | 719 | 3,792 | 4,511 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Waldorf, MD | 79,554 | 450 | 2,196 | 2,646 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 79,542 | 613 | 2,470 | 3,083 |
| Cedar Park, TX | 79,540 | 96 | 1,198 | 1,294 |
| Upland, CA | 79,505 | 370 | 1,793 | 2,163 |
| Gastonia, NC | 79,485 | 849 | 3,514 | 4,364 |
| Rapid City, SD | 79,549 | 719 | 3,792 | 4,511 |
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