Most Dangerous Places In South Dakota: Nighttime Perils

While South Dakota is often seen as an excellent location for raising a family, it’s crucial to recognize that there exist specific regions within the state that hold the reputation of being the most dangerous places in South Dakota. In these towns and cities, it’s imperative for individuals to exercise increased vigilance when venturing out after nightfall.

Below is a Compilation of the Most Dangerous Places in South Dakota

 

Chamberlain: One of the most dangerous places in South Dakota. (Photo: Travel South Dakota)

First on the list is Chamberlain. Chamberlain, a small South Dakota community with a rich history as the host of the South Dakota Hall of Fame, has also gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous places in South Dakota, ranking as the state’s second most perilous location.

Despite its modest population of 2,386, Chamberlain, often perceived as a quaint town, holds the dubious distinction of being one of the of the most dangerous places in South Dakota. Although its unemployment rate remains low, it has experienced a recent uptick in violent and property crimes. In fact, Chamberlain was so fraught with danger in 2013 that its residents faced a daunting 1 in 25 chance of becoming victims of theft or arson.

Rapid City: One of the most dangerous places in South Dakota. (Photo: Travel South Dakota)

Next on the list of the most dangerous places in South Dakota is Rapid City. It is as one of South Dakota’s major population centers with 78,492 residents, ranks as the state’s second-most populous city. Beyond its population size, Rapid City serves as a convenient home base for exploring some of the area’s most renowned attractions, including destinations like Mount Rushmore and Deadwood, both of which are located in relatively close proximity. Despite the city’s scenic charm, it’s worth noting that Rapid City is known for having neighborhoods that aren’t among the safest in the state.

In fact, the odds of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Rapid City are 1 in 149, a higher risk compared to the overall state average of 1 in 261. This means that Rapid City is among the most dangerous places in South Dakota, and it’s essential to exercise caution while in the city, particularly in certain areas with safety concerns in South Dakota.

Pierre: One of the most dangerous places in South Dakota. (Photo: Travel South Dakota)Lastly, Pierre. Pierre serves as the state’s capital, thus making it one of the more prominent communities in South Dakota. With a population of 13,888, Pierre is among the smallest government centers in the United States. Despite its modest size, Pierre grapples with its own share of criminal activity. In the past year, the city recorded 413 property crimes and 128 incidents of violent crime.

In terms of crime rate, Pierre ranked sixth in property crime pace within South Dakota. Conversely, for violent crime, the city held the highest rate. Although Pierre managed to reduce theft and arson incidents by 21% from 2011 to 2013, it still finds itself on the list of the most dangerous places in South Dakota due to a recent 19% uptick in violent crime.

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