Clay County Crime & Safety

Clay County, South Dakota

Safety Score

24/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1879.2

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

160.5

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1718.7

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

24/100

Higher = safer

State avg 73/100

State Safety Rank

#60

of 66 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Clay County, South Dakota

Clay County Safety Below National Average

Clay County has a safety score of 97.0, and its total crime rate is 1,879.2 per 100,000 residents. While this rate is higher than many neighbors, it remains safer than the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

A Higher Crime Rate Than State Norms

Clay County's total crime rate of 1,879.2 is more than double the South Dakota average of 788.1. Its safety score of 97.0 also falls below the state average of 98.8.

Higher Activity Levels in the Region

Compared to nearby rural counties, Clay County experiences more frequent crime reports through its three reporting agencies. This is often typical of counties with larger population centers or universities.

Property Crime Dominates the Statistics

Property crime is the primary issue here, with a rate of 1,718.7 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is lower at 160.5, though this still exceeds the South Dakota state average of 131.6.

Focus on Home and Property Security

Because property crime is elevated, residents should prioritize securing valuables and installing home security systems. Using smart locks and cameras can help reduce the high frequency of local theft and vandalism.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Clay County, SD?

Clay County has a total crime rate of 1879.2 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (160.5 per 100K) and property crimes (1718.7 per 100K).

Is Clay County, SD safe?

Clay County has a safety score of 24/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #60 out of 66 counties in South Dakota for safety (1 = safest).

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

Clay County's total crime rate of 1,879.2 is more than double the South Dakota average of 788.1. Its safety score of 97.0 also falls below the state average of 98.8.

What types of crime are most common in Clay County?

Property crime is the primary issue here, with a rate of 1,718.7 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is lower at 160.5, though this still exceeds the South Dakota state average of 131.6.

How is crime data measured and reported for Clay County?

Crime data for Clay 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.

What is being done about crime in Clay County?

Clay County has a safety score of 24/100, which is below the South Dakota average of 73/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.