South Dakota is best known as the home of Mount Rushmore, with its four iconic faces that seem to cast a protective, watchful eye over its residents. Sparsely populated with only 882,000 residents, the state features plenty of agricultural and ranching activities, as well as the breathtaking Black Hills—lots of space to build your new home. On the safety front, South Dakota residents worry less about safety than most of the country, according to a recent Safewise survey. Let’s take a look at South Dakota’s 10 safest cities that residents are proud to call home.
The Top 10 Safest Cities in South Dakota
1. Brandon
- Population: 10,107
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 108.s8
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 534
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
75% Below National Crime Rate
Brandon takes the first-place trophy for the safest city in South Dakota. The schools in this charming town also receive excellent grades. Brandon is affordable and has a growing population of young families. Come see the wildlife roaming along the Big Sioux River and stroll through the town’s unique shops.
2. Lead
- Population: 2,597
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 202.9
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 372.0
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
78% Below National Crime Rate
Number two on the list, Lead is a quiet town with a rich mining history. In fact, most of the community was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. And if you crave entertainment, Lead offers fun summer festivals and the popular Winterfest.
3. Sisseton
- Population: 2,395
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 83.5
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,294.4
- Most Common Crime: Property
46% Below National Crime Rate
This community in the northeast corner of the state may be small but it’s filled with activity, from rodeos and historical festivals to the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Wacipi, or pow-wow. Not surprisingly, Sisseton gets plenty of snow, averaging 44 inches per year.
4. Madison
- Population: 7,441
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 134.4
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,102.0
- Most Common Crime: Property
52% Below National Crime Rate
Don’t blink or you might miss this hidden gem tucked in between Madison and Hermon lakes. Home to Dakota State University, Madison offers plenty of outdoor activities from the nearby lakes and state parks to a new walking trail in town. The historic downtown also provides plenty of unique shops and dining experiences.
5. Summerset
- Population: 2,690
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 37.2
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,412.6
- Most Common Crime: Property
44% Below National Crime Rate
Located just outside of Rapid City, South Dakota’s second-largest city, Summerset is a small, diverse town with plenty of sightseeing and natural attractions, including the nearby Black Hills National Forest and Mount Rushmore to the south. If you’re house hunting, consider putting down roots here. You can find new homes for just under $300,000.
6. Tea
- Population: 5,725
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 139.7
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,310.0
- Most Common Crime: Property
44% Below National Crime Rate
The small town of Tea packs a big punch with top ratings for education. A suburb of South Dakota’s largest city, Sioux Falls, Tea (the name was selected for its brevity) is the perfect bedroom community, combining a small-town atmosphere with nearby city amenities.
7. Brookings
- Population: 24,206
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 190.0
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,338.5
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
41% Below National Crime Rate
Brookings is the most populated town on our list and home to South Dakota State University, the largest university in the state. You’ll find a wealth of activities here from kite festivals and car shows to a community theatre and museums. With homes listed just under $200,000, you better come stake your claim soon.
8. North Sioux City
- Population: 2,821
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 35.4
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 2,091.5
- Most Common Crime: Property
17% Below National Crime Rate
Perched near the Missouri River and McCook Lake at the southeastern tip of the state, North Sioux City is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. The town also offers a high quality of life as part of the Sioux City, Iowa, metropolitan area.
9. Hot Springs
- Population: 3,426
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 321.1
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,080.0
- Most Common Crime: Property
45% Below National Crime Rate
The southern gateway to the Black Hills, Hot Springs is also home to the Mammoth Site and Evans Plunge mineral springs. This small town surrounded by majestic beauty offers plenty of outdoor recreation, including boating, swimming, and fishing on nearby Angostura Reservoir. You won’t break the bank moving here; the median home price is an easy-to-afford $100,000.
10. Canton
- Population: 3,481
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 299.8
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,649.9
- Most Common Crime: Property
25% Below National Crime Rate
Canton dates to the 1860s, offering rich history and safe neighborhoods. The community is dedicated to helping one another thrive and succeed, and that includes the kids, with a strong school system. Canton was once named South Dakota’s “Community of the Year,” and it has its fair share of unique shops and locally owned restaurants.
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Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.
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Lisa Dahme
I cannot believe Sisseton sd is on the list! It’s known for meth and the sheriffs office posts frequently for wanted individuals and lots of drug busts!