Clark County Crime & Safety

Clark County, South Dakota

Safety Score

91/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Safe

Total Crime Rate

182.4

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

52.1

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

130.3

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

91/100

Higher = safer

State avg 73/100

State Safety Rank

#24

of 66 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Clark County, South Dakota

Clark County Ranks Among the Safest

Clark County features a stellar 99.7 safety score, indicating it is one of the safest places in the country. The total crime rate of 182.4 per 100,000 is over 13 times lower than the national average.

Outperforming the South Dakota Average

Clark County's total crime rate of 182.4 is significantly lower than the South Dakota average of 788.1. Its safety score of 99.7 also exceeds the state average of 98.8.

Consistent Security for Rural Residents

The county's two reporting agencies show a consistently safe environment compared to surrounding regions. Residents enjoy a much lower risk of both violent and property crime than in more populated South Dakota areas.

Very Low Rates for All Crimes

Violent crime occurs at a rate of only 52.1 per 100,000 residents, while property crime is just 130.3. These numbers represent an exceptionally low incidence of crime across the board.

Maintaining the Safety of Clark County

Even in such a safe area, basic home security helps deter opportunistic theft. Keep your home and vehicles secured to preserve the county's reputation for peace and safety.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Clark County, SD?

Clark County has a total crime rate of 182.4 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (52.1 per 100K) and property crimes (130.3 per 100K).

Is Clark County, SD safe?

Clark County has a safety score of 91/100, rated "Safe". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #24 out of 66 counties in South Dakota for safety (1 = safest).

How does Clark County crime compare to the South Dakota average?

Clark County's total crime rate of 182.4 is significantly lower than the South Dakota average of 788.1. Its safety score of 99.7 also exceeds the state average of 98.8.

What types of crime are most common in Clark County?

Violent crime occurs at a rate of only 52.1 per 100,000 residents, while property crime is just 130.3. These numbers represent an exceptionally low incidence of crime across the board.

How is crime data measured and reported for Clark County?

Crime data for Clark County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

Why is Clark County safer than the South Dakota average?

Clark County has a safety score of 91/100, which is above the South Dakota average of 73/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.