Dewey County Crime & Safety

Dewey County, South Dakota

Safety Score

94/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Safe

Total Crime Rate

56.9

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

56.9

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

0.0

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

94/100

Higher = safer

State avg 73/100

State Safety Rank

#15

of 66 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Dewey County, South Dakota

Dewey County's Exceptional Safety Score

Dewey County achieves a near-perfect safety score of 99.9. Its total crime rate of 56.9 per 100K is remarkably low compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

A State Leader in Crime Prevention

Dewey ranks as one of the safest counties in South Dakota, far exceeding the state average safety score of 98.8. Its crime rate is less than 8% of the state average of 788.1.

Unmatched Safety in the Region

Dewey County reports significantly less crime than regional hubs like Davison. This high level of safety is a hallmark of its rural character and low population density.

A Unique Crime Profile

All reported crimes in 2022 were violent, totaling 56.9 per 100K residents. Remarkably, the county reports 0.0 property crimes, suggesting a very quiet year for local theft or vandalism.

Ensuring Dewey County Stays Safe

Even with zero reported property crimes, community vigilance remains essential. Basic home security habits ensure Dewey County remains one of the safest places to live in the state.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Dewey County, SD?

Dewey County has a total crime rate of 56.9 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (56.9 per 100K) and property crimes (0.0 per 100K).

Is Dewey County, SD safe?

Dewey County has a safety score of 94/100, rated "Safe". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #15 out of 66 counties in South Dakota for safety (1 = safest).

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

Dewey ranks as one of the safest counties in South Dakota, far exceeding the state average safety score of 98.8. Its crime rate is less than 8% of the state average of 788.1.

What types of crime are most common in Dewey County?

All reported crimes in 2022 were violent, totaling 56.9 per 100K residents. Remarkably, the county reports 0.0 property crimes, suggesting a very quiet year for local theft or vandalism.

How is crime data measured and reported for Dewey County?

Crime data for Dewey 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 Dewey County safer than the South Dakota average?

Dewey County has a safety score of 94/100, 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.