Custer County Crime & Safety

Custer County, South Dakota

Safety Score

44/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

1268.4

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

129.2

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1139.2

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

44/100

Higher = safer

State avg 73/100

State Safety Rank

#54

of 66 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Custer County, South Dakota

Custer County Offers High National Safety

Custer County earns a safety score of 98.0, indicating a secure environment for residents. Its total crime rate of 1,268.4 per 100,000 is about half of the national average of 2,385.5.

Trailing Slightly Behind State Averages

The county's total crime rate of 1,268.4 is higher than the South Dakota average of 788.1. Its safety score of 98.0 also sits just below the statewide average of 98.8.

A Unique Profile in the Black Hills

With only one reporting agency, Custer's data captures a specific snapshot of local law enforcement activity. The county faces higher crime rates than some neighboring rural areas, likely due to its high volume of tourism.

Property Crime as the Main Issue

Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,139.2 per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 129.2. Violent crime in Custer County is actually slightly lower than the South Dakota state average.

Keeping Your Custer County Home Secure

Since most local crime involves property, residents should use cameras and secure locks to deter theft. In a high-tourism area, it is especially important to keep valuables out of sight in vehicles and homes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Custer County, SD?

Custer County has a total crime rate of 1268.4 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (129.2 per 100K) and property crimes (1139.2 per 100K).

Is Custer County, SD safe?

Custer County has a safety score of 44/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #54 out of 66 counties in South Dakota for safety (1 = safest).

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

The county's total crime rate of 1,268.4 is higher than the South Dakota average of 788.1. Its safety score of 98.0 also sits just below the statewide average of 98.8.

What types of crime are most common in Custer County?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,139.2 per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 129.2. Violent crime in Custer County is actually slightly lower than the South Dakota state average.

How is crime data measured and reported for Custer County?

Crime data for Custer 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 Custer County?

Custer County has a safety score of 44/100, 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.