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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.
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.
South Dakota American Indian Mortality Data, 2008-2024
This report examines the 10 leading causes of death among American Indians in South Dakota from 2008 to 2024. It analyzes data derived from death certificates submitted by local physicians and coroners. The report highlights the most prevalent causes of death, including cancer, heart disease, chronic liver disease, and diabetes, over the 17-year period. Additionally, it explores age-specific mortality patterns, revealing the leading causes of death in different age groups, such as motor vehicle accidents and suicide among children and young adults, chronic liver disease in the 30-59 age group, and the impact of COVID-19 on the 60-69 age group. The report also identifies heart disease as the primary cause of death in individuals aged 90 and above.
South Dakota Mortality Report, 2025 (Provisional)
South Dakota resident deaths and leading causes of death by month.
Suicide Surveillance Report, 2025
In 2024, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in South Dakota, the leading cause of death for individuals aged 20-39 years, and the 5th leading cause of death among American Indians. There were 198 suicide deaths in South Dakota in 2024, which was a 10% increase from 180 deaths in 2023.
South Dakota Mortality Report, 2024
South Dakota resident deaths and leading causes of death by month.
Causes of Death, 2014-2023
This report lists selected causes of death for South Dakota residents from 2014 to 2023 by year of death and excludes infant deaths.