South Dakota Gun Violence Statistics & Prevention
How can we measure the impact of gun violence in South Dakota, and what can employers and facility managers realistically do to keep their people safe?
At Omnilert, we specialize in AI security software and emergency notification systems. We work with organizations all across South Dakota to help solve for the worst case security scenarios – especially active shooter events.
South Dakota presents unique security challenges shaped by its rural character and dispersed population. With no major metropolitan areas and many remote communities spread across vast distances, emergency response times can be significantly longer than in urban centers. The state’s tourism industry—from Mount Rushmore and Sturgis to the Badlands—brings seasonal influxes of visitors to small communities, while educational institutions range from remote K-12 schools to tribal colleges on sovereign reservations. Traditional security measures often fall short in this environment, where many facilities lack extensive camera systems and law enforcement response times can stretch to 30 minutes or more in remote areas.
Where Does South Dakota Rank in Gun Violence?
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics conducts an annual survey of firearm mortality by state. So where does South Dakota rank for gun violence amongst all fifty states?
Gun Related Deaths: #46
112 fatalities in 2023, ranking them number 46 of 50.
Population-Based Death Rate: #37
12,3 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people.
Top 5 Most Dangerous Cities in South Dakota
- Rapid City
- Aberdeen
- Pierre
- Wagner
- Box Elder
Top 5 Safest Cities in South Dakota
- Madison
- Brookings
- Tea
- Belle Fourche
- Vermillion
South Dakota’s Approach to Limiting Gun Violence
South Dakota takes a permissive approach to gun rights, prioritizing Second Amendment freedoms over restrictive regulations. The state has no foundational gun laws and is classified among “national failures” for gun law strength, having recently expanded its Stand Your Ground law and eliminated its concealed carry permitting requirement.
- Constitutional carry – No permit required for concealed carry for anyone 18+ who can legally possess a firearm
- Stand Your Ground law – No duty to retreat before using deadly force in self-defense in any place where a person has a right to be
- Minimal purchase restrictions – No waiting periods, universal background checks, or extreme risk protection orders
- Expanded carry locations – Recent legislation allows concealed carry in bars and restaurants and removes many location restrictions
- Felony-based prohibitions only – Gun possession restrictions primarily limited to those with recent violent crime or drug felony convictions within specific timeframes
South Dakota’s permissive gun policies have coincided with a 19% increase in gun death rates from 2014 to 2023, with the state averaging 123 gun deaths annually.
Why South Dakota Needs Help Why South Dakota Facilities Need Better Security Solutions to Prevent Gun Violence
Most security systems today operate with inherent limitations that make them less practical for preventing a determined active shooter. On that front, these systems are better at documenting incidents than they are at actually preventing violence.
Limitations of traditional security systems for shooter prevention:
- Surveillance cameras only help with investigations after incidents occur
- Gunshot detection waits until someone’s already shooting
- Manual monitoring fails because humans can’t watch dozens of feeds effectively
- Emergency response protocols depend on someone being available to activate them
In other words, by the time traditional systems kick in, it’s often too late.
How Omnilert Can Help Using Military-Grade AI Technology to Detect Firearms Before Shots are Fired
When seconds matter most, AI visual gun detection can identify firearms before shots are fired. Military-grade technology like Omnilert’s can integrate with your existing cameras to protect your facility and enact an automated emergency response if a threat is detected.
By themselves, security cameras can’t prevent what they can’t predict. Omnilert brings gun detection technology to facilities across the United States to transform your existing surveillance into an active threat prevention system. Instead of documenting incidents after they happen, AI-powered visual detection spots firearms the moment they appear and triggers immediate response protocols.
Benefits of Omnilert Engaging a Full-Scale Emergency Response to Active Shooters
If an active threat is confirmed at your South Dakota facility, there’s no time to waste. The situation calls for an immediate and complete emergency response. Facilities that use Omnilert initiate an automated response across multiple technologies to help protect as many lives as possible.
Instant Notifications
Multi-channel emergency notifications instantly alert staff, security, and law enforcement.
Automated Response
Automated response workflows that trigger lockdown procedures, activate alarms, and more.
Mobile Alerts
Mobile applications that keep staff informed and connected during emergencies.
Alarm Activation
Use audio and video systems to sound alarms and deliver clear safety instructions.
Access Control
Lock or unlock doors to contain threats, secure exits, and protect vulnerable areas.
Custom Response
Engage a fully-custom response using your existing security technology.
Law Enforcement
Notify local police of an active threat or verified security incident.
Liability Protection
Omnilert’s DHS SAFETY Act designation offers liability protection.
Protecting Spaces Everywhere What Types of South Dakota Industries Are Vulnerable to Gun Violence?
We provide our security platform to all kinds of industries in South Dakota. Each environment has its own security challenges, but the core need remains the same: early threat detection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Common Questions About South Dakota Gun Violence Statistics
How many people die from gun violence in South Dakota each year?
In an average year, 123 people die from gun violence in South Dakota, meaning someone dies from gun violence every three days.
What percentage of gun deaths are suicides vs. homicides?
Seventy-seven percent of gun deaths in South Dakota are suicides, and 16% are homicides. In 2022, 77% of the state’s 260 violent deaths were suicides, and 50% of all violent deaths were firearm-related. (Violent Death definition comes from the World Health Organization and is used specifically for public health surveillance purposes. It’s broader than just criminal violence—it includes self-directed violence (suicide) and accidents involving firearms.)
How has South Dakota’s gun death rate changed over time?
The rate of gun deaths in South Dakota increased by 19% from 2014 to 2023, compared to a 33% increase nationwide. In 2023, South Dakota had the fifteenth lowest gun death rate among the states.
Which populations are most affected by gun violence in South Dakota?
South Dakota had the third highest gun death rate among American Indian/Alaska Native people in the country in 2023, and young people ages 15-34 accounted for 42% of all gun deaths. American Indian/Alaska Native males and White males ages 75+ are at highest risk for firearm suicide.
What is the economic cost of gun violence in South Dakota?
Gun violence costs South Dakota $1.7 billion each year.
Sources (as of December 23, 2025)
- https://everytownresearch.org/report/city-data/
- https://www.safehome.org/safest-cities/sd/
- https://www.areavibes.com/sd/most-dangerous-cities/
- https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-south-dakota/
- https://crimegrade.org/safest-places-in-south-dakota/
- https://www.safehome.org/safest-cities/sd/
- https://giffords.org/lawcenter/gun-laws/states/south-dakota/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_South_Dakota
- https://doh.sd.gov/health-data-reports/injury-prevention/violent-death-reporting-system/
- https://crimegrade.org/safest-places-in-south-dakota/
- https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions
- https://www.homesnacks.com/answers/sd/is-south-dakota-a-dangerous-state/
- https://www.travelsafe-abroad.com/most-dangerous-cities-in-south-dakota/
