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South Dakota Mortality Report, 2025 (Provisional)
South Dakota resident deaths and leading causes of death by month.
Homicide Deaths in South Dakota, 2020-2023
Between 2020 and 2023, South Dakota recorded 188 homicide deaths, with 2023 reporting the lowest number (39). American Indians experienced the highest homicide rate—18 times greater than White individuals—with 47% of all homicides involving firearms and over half of suspects having known relationships with their victims.
Suicide Deaths in South Dakota, 2020-2023
From 2020 to 2023, suicide deaths in South Dakota declined from 193 to 179, with 50% involving firearms and 78% of decedents being male. American Indian individuals aged 20–29 experienced the highest suicide rate at 126.1 per 100,000, highlighting a critical disparity in age and race demographics.
Violent Deaths in South Dakota, 2020-2023
The 2023 South Dakota Violent Death Reporting System (SD-VDRS) report provides a snapshot of violent deaths statewide from 2020 to 2023. In 2023, there were 232 violent deaths, down from 260 in 2022. Suicides accounted for the vast majority—77%—of all violent deaths, with firearms involved in half of all cases.
Violent Death Reporting System Data Report, 2023
The South Dakota Violent Death Reporting System (SD-VDRS) is a CDC-funded anonymous surveillance system that collects information on suicides, homicides, deaths of undetermined intent, unintentional firearm deaths, and legal intervention deaths in the state.
Childhood Blood Lead Poisoning in South Dakota: 2023 Data Snapshot
In 2023, 4,694 South Dakota children under six were tested for lead and 3.6 percent had elevated levels. More than half of those tested and most with elevated levels were enrolled in Medicaid. Some groups, including Asian and American Indian/Alaskan Native children, showed higher rates. Over half of children with elevated capillary results did not receive needed follow-up venous testing. Lead poisoning is preventable and testing at 12 and 24 months is important.
Traumatic Brain Injury Report, 2025
From 2015 to 2024, there were 2,364 TBI-related deaths among South Dakota residents. In 2024, there were 267 TBI-related deaths, which was an 11% increase from 241 deaths in 2023.
Maternal & Child Health Program Regional Partners Meeting Report, 2025
The report summarizes partner input gathered across South Dakota to identify strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and desired results for improving the health and well-being of women, children, adolescents, and families, including those with special health care needs. Key themes include strong community-based services, the need to improve healthcare access, address community factors influencing health, expand youth supports, and strengthen collaboration and data use.
MCH Needs Assessment Report, 2025
South Dakota’s 2025 Maternal & Child Health Needs Assessment identified major gaps in access to care, especially in rural and tribal communities, with childcare, mental health services, and postpartum and pediatric care standing out as key needs. The report prioritizes improving postpartum visits, safe infant sleep, food security, adolescent well-visits, and coordinated care for children and youth with special healthcare needs.
South Dakota Mortality Data, 2008-2024
Local physicians or coroners submit death certificates to the South Dakota Department of Health. Over the past 17 years, 2008-2024, the two most common causes of death have been heart disease and cancer. Over this time period, influenza and pneumonia have gone from generally being the 7th leading cause to the 13th leading cause. Similarly, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis have gone from generally the 13th leading cause to the 8th leading cause.