| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Spearfish/100k people | South Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 285 | n/a (estimate) | 2,087 | 1,948 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 14 | n/a | 102.5 | 51.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 14.6 | 22.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 20 | n/a | 146.4 | 283.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 36 | n/a (estimate) | 264 | 362 | 359 |
| Burglary | 23 | n/a | 168.4 | 194.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 211 | n/a | 1,545.0 | 1,195.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 15 | n/a | 109.8 | 195.9 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 249 | n/a (estimate) | 1,823 | 1,586 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Spearfish is 1.5% 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 Spearfish, there were 36 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 264 per 100,000 individuals, 26.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 249 property crimes, amounting to 1823 per 100,000 residents, 3.6% higher than the U.S. average.
When assessing the total crime rate in Spearfish 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 Spearfish, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Spearfish reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
Spearfish has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 1823 property crimes in Spearfish, 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.
AreaVibes surveyed 5 local residents in Spearfish to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 60% of people answered that there was very little crime in Spearfish and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 40% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Determining whether Spearfish 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, Spearfish has an overall crime rate that is 2% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.78 daily occurrences, comprising 0.1 violent crimes and 0.68 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Spearfish as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Spearfish has increased by 13.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Spearfish, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 71.4%, while property crime has increased by 7.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Spearfish is a safe place to live.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Spearfish crime rate. The poverty level in Spearfish is 12.6%, while the national average is 15.1%.
Spearfish has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.8 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Spearfish has a median home price of $404,265, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Spearfish | South Dakota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 30 | 995 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 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 |
| Whitewood, SD | 1,014 | 208 | 208 | 416 |
| North Spearfish, SD | 2,322 | 86 | 379 | 465 |
| Lead, SD | 3,089 | 164 | 393 | 557 |
| Sturgis, SD | 7,137 | 227 | 1,757 | 1,984 |
| Central City, SD | 163 | 413 | 1,809 | 2,222 |
| Belle Fourche, SD | 5,832 | 151 | 2,301 | 2,452 |
| Nisland, SD | 216 | 512 | 2,242 | 2,753 |
| Spearfish, SD | 12,076 | 264 | 1,823 | 2,087 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Red Bank, TN | 12,075 | 396 | 1,172 | 1,569 |
| Florham Park, NJ | 12,075 | 27 | 576 | 602 |
| Bogalusa, LA | 12,080 | 1,131 | 4,214 | 5,345 |
| Portales, NM | 12,084 | 782 | 2,871 | 3,653 |
| Oskaloosa, IA | 12,090 | 140 | 902 | 1,042 |
| Spearfish, SD | 12,076 | 264 | 1,823 | 2,087 |
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