Rapid City, SD, United States

Capital City

Living in Rapid City means dealing with a heavy tax burden and persistent bureaucratic headaches. The city has a population of 74,703, making it the second-largest in South Dakota. Winters are long, dry, and cold, with temperatures plummeting to -31°F on record. While the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore provide scenic backdrops, the city's vulnerability to devastating floods is an ever-present risk - the 1972 disaster killed 238 people and caused $160 million in damage. Rapid City may appeal to those drawn to its rugged outdoor recreation and tourism industry, but its harsh climate and occasional natural disasters make it a poor fit for the faint of heart.