Spearfish, SD Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Spearfish, SD

The Spearfish crime rates are 12.4% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 31 violent crimes in Spearfish (248 per 100,000 people), which is 33% lower than the national average and there were a total of 296 property crimes (2365 per 100,000 residents) which is 21% higher than 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Spearfish?

What do the local residents think about crime in Spearfish? Well, based on a recent survey of 5 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 60% of Spearfish residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 40% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Spearfish a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Spearfish, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Spearfish presents a total crime rate that is 12% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Spearfish experiences an average of 0.9 daily crimes, comprising 0.08 violent incidents and 0.81 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Spearfish Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Spearfish. 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 Spearfish has increased by 29.8%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 47.6%, while property crime has increased by 28.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Spearfish.

Potential Causes for Crime in Spearfish

In Spearfish, the poverty rate currently stands at 12.6%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Spearfish crime rates.

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Spearfish, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 1%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Spearfish stands at $223,200, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Spearfish crime map