Understanding the safety of a state is crucial, whether you are planning to move, live temporarily or permanently, work, or simply visit. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the crime data of South Dakota, shedding light on the state’s overall crime rate and offering valuable insights to aid you in making well-informed decisions.
Within the diverse landscape of South Dakota, various types of criminal activities occur. To offer you a clear picture, we will categorize these offenses into three primary groups: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.
Total number of crimes in South Dakota. The information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.
Is South Dakota Safe? Crimes Breakdown
| Violent | Property | Other | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 3,675 | 19,202 | 11,610 |
| Rate per 1000 | 4.46 | 23.3 | 14.09 |
Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 19 different types of crimes recorded in South Dakota. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.
South Dakota’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)
South Dakota has a higher violent crime rate compared to the national average. In South Dakota, the rate of violent crimes is 4.46 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.
Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: South Dakota vs. National Average
Examining the violent crime rate in South Dakota compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in South Dakota in relation to the broader national landscape.
South Dakota’s Violent Crimes Statistics
| Murder | Rape | Assault | Robbery | Kidnapping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 30 | 585 | 2,735 | 169 | 139 |
| Rate per 1000 | 0.04 | 0.71 | 3.32 | 0.23 | 0.17 |
| Population | 824,054 | ||||
United States Violent Crimes Statistics
| Murder | Rape | Assault | Robbery | Kidnapping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 23,195 | 145,750 | 939,092 | 207,616 | 36,890 |
| Rate per 1000 | 0.07 | 0.44 | 2.83 | 0.63 | 0.11 |
| Population | 331,889,360 | ||||
Insights into Violent Crimes in South Dakota
- South Dakota’s murder crime rate is 0.04, which is lower than the national average of 0.07 by 43%.
- On the other hand, The state’s rape crime rate is 0.71, which is higher than the national average of 0.44 by 61%.
- The assault crime rate of the state stands at 3.32, which is higher than the national average of 2.83 by 17%.
- Robbery is not a significant concern in South Dakota, with a crime rate of 0.23, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.63 by 63%.
- The state’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.17, which is higher than the national average of 0.11 by 55%.
South Dakota’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)
South Dakota has a higher property crime rate compared to the national average. In South Dakota, the rate of property crimes is 23.3 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average for property crimes is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.
Comparison of Property Crime Rates: South Dakota vs. National Average
Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in South Dakota compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.
South Dakota’s Property Crime Rate Statistics
| Burglary | Arson | Vandalism | Blackmail | Theft | Vehicle Theft | Identity Theft | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 2,024 | 72 | 4,306 | 23 | 10,572 | 1,959 | 246 |
| Rate per 1000 | 2.46 | 0.09 | 5.23 | 0.03 | 12.83 | 2.38 | 0.3 |
| Population | 824,054 | ||||||
United States Property Crimes Statistics
| Burglary | Arson | Vandalism | Blackmail | Theft | Vehicle Theft | Identity Theft | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 898,487 | 27,917 | 1,307,229 | 12,270 | 4,630,773 | 888,618 | 187,853 |
| Rate per 1000 | 2.72 | 0.08 | 3.94 | 0.04 | 13.95 | 2.68 | 0.87 |
| Population | 331,889,360 | ||||||
Insights into Property Crimes in South Dakota
- South Dakota experiences a burglary crime rate of 2.46, which is lower than the national average of 2.72 by 10%.
- The arson crime rate is 0.09, which is higher than the national average of 0.08 by 13%.
- Vandalism is a concern in South Dakota, with a crime rate of 5.23, which is higher than the national average of 3.94 by 33%.
- The blackmail crime rate is 0.03, which is lower than the national average of 0.04 by 25%.
- Theft is not an area of focus, with a crime rate of 12.83 in South Dakota, which is lower than the national average of 13.95 by 8%.
- On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the state has a rate of 2.38, which is lower than the national average of 2.68 by 11%.
- South Dakota faces a lower rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 0.3, which is 66% lower than the national average of 0.87.
South Dakota’s Other Crimes Statistics
| Drugs Offenses | Weapon Law Violations | Prostitution | Animal Cruelty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 10,688 | 859 | 33 | 30 |
| Rate per 1000 | 12.97 | 1.04 | 0.04 | 0.04 |
| Population | 824,054 | |||
United States Other Crimes Statistics
| Drugs Offenses | Weapon Law Violations | Prostitution | Animal Cruelty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Number | 1,290,858 | 267,955 | 11,565 | 16,497 |
| Rate per 1000 | 3.89 | 0.81 | 0.04 | 0.05 |
| Population | 331,889,360 | |||
South Dakota’s Other Crimes Data Insights
- Drug offenses are a significant concern in South Dakota, with a rate of 12.97, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.89 by 233%.
- Weapon law violations are an area of concern in the state. The state’s weapon law violations rate is 1.04, which is higher than the national average of 0.81 by 28%.
Conclusion
In South Dakota, the murder crime rate is significantly lower than the national average, while the rape rate is slightly higher. The assault rate is lower, and robbery is not a major concern. The state has a lower kidnapping rate, and vandalism is not significant. Theft rates are below the national average, including motor vehicle theft and identity theft. However, drug offenses are a significant concern, with a rate much higher than the national average. Weapon law violations are also an area of focus, but their rate is lower than the national average. Targeted efforts are needed to address drug-related crimes in South Dakota.