| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Mitchell/100k people | South Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 348 | n/a (estimate) | 2,230 | 1,948 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 6.4 | 4.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 38.4 | 51.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 19.2 | 22.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 31 | n/a | 198.6 | 283.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 41 | n/a (estimate) | 263 | 362 | 359 |
| Burglary | 26 | n/a | 166.6 | 194.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 249 | n/a | 1,595.4 | 1,195.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 32 | n/a | 205.0 | 195.9 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 307 | n/a (estimate) | 1,967 | 1,586 | 1,760 |

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Mitchell crime rate is higher than the national average by 5.2%. Specifically, there were 41 violent crimes in Mitchell, equivalent to 263 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 26.8%. Furthermore, Mitchell recorded 307 property crimes, amounting to 1967 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 11.8%.
When assessing the total crime rate in Mitchell per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Mitchell, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
Mitchell has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 1967 property crimes in Mitchell, while the national average was 1760 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Mitchell residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 9 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 33% of Mitchell residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 67% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Mitchell is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Mitchell has an overall crime rate that is 5% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.95 daily occurrences, comprising 0.11 violent crimes and 0.84 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Mitchell as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Mitchell has decreased by 14.1% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Mitchell 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 decreased by 41.4%, while property crime has decreased by 8.4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Mitchell.
In Mitchell, the current unemployment rate stands at 1.9%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Mitchell crime rates.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Mitchell, the cost of living is 11.34% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Mitchell, the median home price stands at $272,145, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

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| Item | Mitchell | South Dakota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 40 | 995 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 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 |
| Mount Vernon, SD | 514 | 399 | 1,750 | 2,149 |
| Alexandria, SD | 786 | 412 | 1,803 | 2,215 |
| Ethan, SD | 341 | 441 | 1,932 | 2,374 |
| Fulton, SD | 142 | 474 | 2,077 | 2,551 |
| Mitchell, SD | 16,163 | 263 | 1,967 | 2,230 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Warsaw, IN | 16,160 | 414 | 1,760 | 2,174 |
| Clarksburg, WV | 16,166 | 372 | 2,220 | 2,592 |
| Los Lunas, NM | 16,172 | 584 | 2,913 | 3,496 |
| Mebane, NC | 16,152 | 306 | 3,212 | 3,518 |
| La Palma, CA | 16,175 | 209 | 1,824 | 2,033 |
| Mitchell, SD | 16,163 | 263 | 1,967 | 2,230 |