| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Madison/100k people | South Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 57 | n/a (estimate) | 939 | 1,948 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 82.4 | 51.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 22.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 65.9 | 283.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 9 | n/a (estimate) | 148 | 362 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 82.4 | 194.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 42 | n/a | 692.0 | 1,195.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 16.5 | 195.9 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 48 | n/a (estimate) | 791 | 1,586 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Madison is 55.7% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Madison, there were 9 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 148 per 100,000 individuals, 58.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 48 property crimes, amounting to 791 per 100,000 residents, 55.1% lower than the U.S. average.
In the latest reported crime year, Madison recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
To determine if Madison is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Madison has a total crime rate that is 56% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.16 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.13 daily property crimes) in Madison.
Year-over-year crime rates in Madison has increased by 54.1% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Madison is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 12.5%, while property crime has increased by 65.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Madison.
Madison reports an unemployment rate of 2.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Madison crime rates.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Madison, 89.8% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In Madison, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.64 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

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| Item | Madison | South Dakota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 11 | 995 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | South Dakota /100K | National /100K |
| South Dakota | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Brant Lake, SD | 68 | 146 | 641 | 787 |
| Lake Madison, SD | 833 | 146 | 641 | 787 |
| Colman, SD | 707 | 309 | 1,354 | 1,663 |
| Chester, SD | 292 | 332 | 1,455 | 1,787 |
| Nunda, SD | 51 | 406 | 1,778 | 2,184 |
| Ramona, SD | 426 | 422 | 1,850 | 2,272 |
| Wentworth, SD | 157 | 485 | 2,123 | 2,608 |
| Madison, SD | 7,489 | 148 | 791 | 939 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Paloma Creek South, TX | 7,488 | 130 | 681 | 811 |
| Washington, IA | 7,490 | 222 | 1,870 | 2,091 |
| Ridgefield, CT | 7,492 | 24 | 281 | 305 |
| Parkville, PA | 7,493 | 199 | 1,162 | 1,361 |
| Wauseon, OH | 7,485 | 256 | 1,351 | 1,608 |
| Madison, SD | 7,489 | 148 | 791 | 939 |