D-
32%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
18%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
34%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleSturgis/100k peopleSouth Dakota/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime218n/a (estimate)3,0612,1142,324
Murder0n/a0.04.36.3
Rape4n/a56.255.840.0
Robbery1n/a14.025.366.1
Assault26n/a365.1292.0268.2
Violent crime31n/a (estimate)435377370
Burglary59n/a828.5263.0269.8
Theft113n/a1,586.91,231.81,401.9
Vehicle theft15n/a210.6242.2282.7
Property crime187n/a (estimate)2,6261,7371,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Sturgis, SD

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 Sturgis crime rate is higher than the national average by 31.7%. Specifically, there were 31 violent crimes in Sturgis, equivalent to 435 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 17.7%. Furthermore, Sturgis recorded 187 property crimes, amounting to 2626 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 34.4%.

Sturgis 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Sturgis?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Sturgis. Based on the results of the surveys (9 responses), 56% of people felt that there was very little crime in Sturgis and felt safe walking alone at night. While 44% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Sturgis a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Sturgis 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, Sturgis has an overall crime rate that is 32% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.6 daily occurrences, comprising 0.08 violent crimes and 0.51 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Sturgis as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Sturgis Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Sturgis. 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 Sturgis has increased by 13%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 55%, while property crime has increased by 8.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Sturgis.

Potential Causes for Crime in Sturgis

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Sturgis crime rates. Sturgis registers a population density of 1120.7 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Sturgis, there are 2.82 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

In Sturgis, the average rental rates are $703 per month, compared to the national average of $949. 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.

Sturgis crime map



The Sturgis crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Sturgis as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Sturgis crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Sturgis crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Sturgis, SD Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Sturgis crime rates are 32% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Sturgis are 18% higher than the national average
      • In Sturgis you have a 1 in 33 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Sturgis is safer than 20% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Sturgis has increased by 11%

      Sturgis, SD Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Sturgis

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        See all Sturgis poll results

        Daily Crime In Sturgis (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Sturgis, South Dakota is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Sturgis are 1.45 times more than the South Dakota average and 1.32 times more than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Sturgis are 1.15 times more than than South Dakota and 1.18 times more than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Sturgis are 1.51 times more than than South Dakota and 1.34 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Sturgis (higher is better)

        When comparing the safety of Sturgis to every other city in South Dakota, as well as the entirety of the United States, is Sturgis safe? The gauges above illustrate that Sturgis is safer than 19% of every city located within South Dakota along with 20% of the all the cities located in the United States. The results of these graphs are created after analyzing each of the cities in South Dakota and in the United States as a whole. As a result, Sturgis, SD is ranked below average when compared to the rest of the US cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Sturgis

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Sturgis is 1 in 230
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Sturgis is 1 in 39
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Sturgis is 1 in 33
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Sturgis? In Sturgis, you have a 1 in 230 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 39. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Sturgis, SD is 1 in 33.

        Year Over Year Crime In Sturgis (per 100,000 people)

        A good indicator of whether Sturgis is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live can be determined by analyzing the year over year crime rate (per 100,000 people). The number of violent crimes in Sturgis has increased by 53%, while the property crime rate in Sturgis has increased by 6% year over year. The number of total crimes in Sturgis has increased by 11% year over year.

        Sturgis police department

        Item Sturgis South Dakota National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)19995558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.82.23.3
        There are a total of 19 Sturgis police officers. This results in 2.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 26.6% greater than the South Dakota average and 13.2% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in South Dakota

        State Total offenders South Dakota /100K National /100K
        South Dakotan/an/an/a

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Summerset, SD2,607125576701
        Piedmont, SD1,188137629766
        Lead, SD2,9792201,0141,234
        Blucksberg Mountain, SD4402541,1701,424
        Whitewood, SD9864552,0972,552
        Spearfish, SD11,7022482,3652,612
        Vale, SD1144792,2072,686
        Sturgis, SD6,9144352,6263,061

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Baywood, NY6,9153861,5511,937
        Huron, OH6,9161911,1561,347
        Herkimer, NY6,9125342,1452,680
        Treasure Island, FL6,91084509593
        La Junta, CO6,9073855,0255,410
        Sturgis, SD6,9144352,6263,061
        Source: The Sturgis, SD crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.