| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Watertown/100k people | South Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 311 | n/a (estimate) | 1,328 | 1,948 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 15 | n/a | 64.1 | 51.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 22.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 56 | n/a | 239.1 | 283.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 71 | n/a (estimate) | 303 | 362 | 359 |
| Burglary | 16 | n/a | 68.3 | 194.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 208 | n/a | 888.2 | 1,195.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 16 | n/a | 68.3 | 195.9 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 240 | n/a (estimate) | 1,025 | 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 Watertown crime rate is lower than the national average by 37.3%. Specifically, there were 71 violent crimes in Watertown, equivalent to 303 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 15.6%. Furthermore, Watertown recorded 240 property crimes, amounting to 1025 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 41.8%.
Watertown showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
Is Watertown a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Watertown has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 37%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.85 daily incidents, encompassing 0.19 violent crimes and 0.66 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Watertown as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Watertown. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Watertown has decreased by 11.4%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 42%, while property crime has decreased by 20.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Watertown.
Watertown reports an unemployment rate of 2.1%, 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 Watertown crime rates.
In Watertown, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.33 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.
In Watertown, the average rental rates are $1,144 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
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 | Watertown | South Dakota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 51 | 995 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 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 |
| Goodwin, SD | 104 | 355 | 1,556 | 1,911 |
| Castlewood, SD | 599 | 374 | 1,638 | 2,012 |
| Hazel, SD | 149 | 431 | 1,888 | 2,319 |
| Florence, SD | 378 | 454 | 1,991 | 2,445 |
| South Shore, SD | 266 | 492 | 2,156 | 2,648 |
| Watertown, SD | 22,909 | 303 | 1,025 | 1,328 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Villa Park, IL | 22,904 | 181 | 1,567 | 1,748 |
| Clinton, UT | 22,893 | 89 | 770 | 859 |
| Maple Heights, OH | 22,891 | 403 | 2,125 | 2,527 |
| Fairhope, AL | 22,887 | 109 | 1,152 | 1,261 |
| Nixa, MO | 22,872 | 46 | 606 | 651 |
| Watertown, SD | 22,909 | 303 | 1,025 | 1,328 |
Here are the best places to live in South Dakota
These are the 10 cheapest cities in South Dakota
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
Safest Cities In The US