South Dakota Home Security Guide

South Dakota has an overall crime rate of 19.48 per 1,000 residents (2024 FBI data). Violent crime is 3.62 per 1,000 - right at the national average. Property crime is 15.86 per 1,000. Both Sioux Falls and Rapid City have crime rates well above the national average, driving the state's numbers.

South Dakota's safety varies dramatically by location. Rapid City is one of the most dangerous cities in America for its size, with high rates of both violent and property crime. Sioux Falls also has elevated crime, particularly auto theft. Smaller towns like Brookings, Watertown, and Aberdeen are much safer.

Rapid City has a crime rate of 45.9 per 1,000 - among the highest in America for its size. High assault rates (7.28 per 1,000) and property crime drive this. Motor vehicle theft is also very elevated. The city has struggled with poverty and substance abuse issues that contribute to crime.

DIY systems like SimpliSafe work well in South Dakota because they use cellular monitoring - essential for rural areas. ADT and Vivint serve Sioux Falls and Rapid City. Local companies like Dakota Alarm and Black Hills Security understand the state's unique needs including extreme weather monitoring.

South Dakota's harsh winters make freeze sensors essential to prevent pipe bursts. Cellular backup is important for areas prone to power outages. Given high auto theft in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, vehicle GPS trackers are worth considering. Motion-activated lighting helps year-round.