South Dakota is a state known for its vast expanses of open land, welcoming locals, and relatively low cost of living. For those in search of a secure and reasonably priced place to settle down in South Dakota, there are several cities worth considering. In fact, we've compiled a list of the top eight safest places to live in the state. These cities all have crime rates significantly lower than the national average, making them ideal options for those who value safety and security. So, let's take a closer look at these communities and what makes them some of the safest places to live in South Dakota.

Top 8 Safest Places to Live in South Dakota

  • Brandon
  • Brookings
  • Huron
  • Pierre
  • Rapid City
  • Sioux Falls
  • Spearfish
  • Yankton

Brandon

Brandon, a small city located just east of Sioux Falls, has a population of just over 10,878 people. The crime rate in Brandon is 71% lower than the national average, making it one of the safest cities in South Dakota. Other key statistics about Brandon include:

  • Brandon offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, including several parks and a community pool. The Big Sioux Recreation Area also offers hiking, fishing, and camping.
  • The Brandon Area Museum showcases the history of the community.
  • There are no colleges in Brandon, but Augustana University and the University of Sioux Falls are both located in nearby Sioux Falls.
  • The median home price in Brandon is around $240,000, which is lower than the national average.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Brandon is around $750.

Brookings

Brookings is a small town with a population of just over 23,874 people and a crime rate that is 55% lower than the national average. 

  • Brookings is home to South Dakota State University, making it a popular destination for students.
  • Brookings offers plenty of recreational opportunities, including parks, golf courses, and a community ice rink.
  • The South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum showcases the history of agriculture in the state.
  • The median home price in Brookings is around $220,000, which is lower than the national average.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Brookings is around $750, making it an affordable option for those looking to rent.

Huron

Safest Places to Live in South Dakota

Huron is a small city located in central South Dakota with a population of just over 14,203 people. Key facts about Huron include:

  • The crime rate in Huron is 68% lower than the national average, making it one of the safest cities in South Dakota.
  • Huron offers plenty of recreational opportunities, including several parks and a community pool.
  • The Huron Regional Medical Center Museum showcases the history of healthcare in the community.
  • The median home price in Huron is around $110,000, which is significantly lower than the national average.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Huron is around $500, making it an affordable option for those looking to rent.

Pierre

Pierre is the capital city of South Dakota located in the central part of the state with a population of just over 13,954 people. Key facts about Pierre include:

  • The crime rate in Pierre is 24% lower than the national average, making it a safe city to live in.
  • Pierre offers plenty of recreational opportunities, including several parks and a community pool.
  • The South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center showcases the history of the state and is a must-see for history enthusiasts.
  • The median home price in Pierre is around $200,000, which is lower than the national average.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Pierre is around $700, making it an affordable option for those looking to rent.

Rapid City

Rapid City is the second-largest city in South Dakota and is located in the western part of the state with a population of just over 79,989 people. Key facts about Rapid City include:

  • Rapid City has a large-town feel with plenty of amenities.
  • The crime rate in Rapid City is 45% lower than the national average, making it a safe city to live in.
  • Rapid City offers plenty of recreational opportunities, including several parks and hiking trails.
  • The Journey Museum and Learning Center showcases the history of the Black Hills region and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
  • The median home price in Rapid City is around $240,000, which is slightly lower than the national average.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Rapid City is around $800.

Sioux Falls

Safest Places to Live in South Dakota

Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota located in the southeastern part of the state with a population of just over 202,611 people. Key facts about Sioux Falls include:

  • Sioux Falls has a large-town feel with plenty of amenities.
  • The crime rate in Sioux Falls is 18% lower than the national average, making it a safe city to live in.
  • Sioux Falls offers plenty of recreational opportunities, including several parks and a community ice rink.
  • The Old Courthouse Museum showcases the history of the city and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
  • The median home price in Sioux Falls is around $230,000, which is lower than the national average.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Sioux Falls is around $800.

Spearfish

Spearfish is a small city located in the western part of South Dakota with a population of just over 12,678 people. Key facts about Spearfish include:

  • Spearfish has a small-town feel with easy access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
  • The crime rate in Spearfish is 72% lower than the national average, making it one of the safest cities in South Dakota.
  • Spearfish offers plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and camping in the nearby Black Hills National Forest.
  • The D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery showcases the history of fish hatcheries in the United States and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
  • The median home price in Spearfish is around $280,000, which is slightly higher than the national average.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Spearfish is around $900, which is also higher than the national average.

Yankton

Safest Places to Live in South Dakota

Yankton is a small city located in the southeastern part of South Dakota with a population of just over 15,561 people. Key facts about Yankton include:

  • Yankton has a small-town feel with easy access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
  • The crime rate in Yankton is 68% lower than the national average, making it one of the safest cities in South Dakota.
  • Yankton offers plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, including several parks and the Missouri National Recreational River.
  • The Dakota Territorial Museum showcases the history of the area and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
  • The median home price in Yankton is around $170,000, which is significantly lower than the national average.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Yankton is around $500, making it an affordable option for those looking to rent.