South Dakota is renowned for its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and welcoming inhabitants. Nevertheless, not every city within the Mount Rushmore State offers an ideal living environment. According to a recent ranking by RoadSnacks, a website specializing in city data analysis, one South Dakota city has found its place among the “worst cities” in the entire United States, and that city is Rapid City, the state’s second-largest city and the gateway to the Black Hills.
How was this ranking determined?
RoadSnacks employed a combination of factors to ascertain the worst places to reside in the United States for 2022. These factors included population size, median income, unemployment rate, poverty rate, crime statistics, education quality, and quality of life.
Additionally, the website considered the opinions of both residents and visitors, as well as each city’s reputation in the media. This ranking was based on data from reputable sources such as the U.S. Census, the FBI, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, among others.
Why Rapid City was ranked as one of the worst cities in the country?
Rapid City secured the 10th position on the list of the worst places to live in the United States, lagging behind cities such as Memphis, Tennessee; Dayton, Ohio; and Shreveport, Louisiana. RoadSnacks reported that Rapid City boasts a population of approximately 75,000 individuals, a median income of $51,000, an unemployment rate of 5.4%, and a poverty rate of 14.5%.
The website also alleged that Rapid City grapples with a high crime rate, with a violent crime rate of 6.4 incidents per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 49.8 incidents per 1,000 people. These rates exceed the national averages of 3.7 and 22.0, respectively.
Furthermore, RoadSnacks criticized Rapid City for its subpar quality of education and quality of life. According to the website, Rapid City exhibits a low high school graduation rate of 82%, which falls short of the national average of 88%. The website also indicated that the median home value in Rapid City is lower at $189,000 compared to the national average of $217,000. Additionally, the city received a low happiness index rating of 5.9 out of 10, which is below the national average of 6.9, according to RoadSnacks.
How did Rapid City residents and officials respond to the ranking?
Unsurprisingly, many residents and officials in Rapid City expressed their dissatisfaction with the ranking and contested the website’s assessment. Some residents emphasized the city’s positive aspects, including its picturesque views, outdoor activities, cultural diversity, and strong community spirit. Certain officials defended the city and questioned the accuracy and validity of the website’s data and methodology. For instance, Mayor Steve Allender referred to the ranking as “nonsense” and the website as “not credible.” He proudly asserted that Rapid City is a “great place to live” and highlighted the city’s accomplishments and progress.
In conclusion,
Rapid City, a city in South Dakota, has been labeled as one of the “worst cities” in the United States by a website that analyzes data on American cities. The ranking considered various factors such as income, crime rates, education, and quality of life. However, many residents and officials in Rapid City have contested this ranking and highlighted the city’s positive attributes. While Rapid City may face certain challenges and areas for improvement, it also possesses numerous strengths and opportunities that make it a distinctive and appealing place to live.