Hughes County Crime & Safety

Hughes County, South Dakota

Safety Score

25/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1875.1

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

409.8

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1465.3

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

25/100

Higher = safer

State avg 73/100

State Safety Rank

#59

of 66 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Hughes County, South Dakota

Hughes County Crime Stays Below National Average

Hughes County reports 1,875.1 crimes per 100,000 residents, which remains below the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a safety score of 97.0 out of 100. Three reporting agencies contribute to this data, providing a comprehensive view of local safety.

Higher Activity Than the State Average

Hughes County’s crime rate of 1,875.1 is more than double the South Dakota average of 788.1. Its safety score of 97.0 is also lower than the state average of 98.8. As a regional hub, the county sees more law enforcement activity than its rural neighbors.

A Busier Profile Than Surrounding Counties

Hughes County is much more active than nearby Hand County, which has a rate of just 130.0. It also shows significantly more reported crime than Hamlin’s 435.7 rate. Residents experience a more urban safety profile compared to the surrounding plains.

Violent Crime Exceeds National Levels

Violent crime in Hughes County stands at 409.8 per 100,000, slightly above the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more frequent, reaching ,1465.3 per 100,000 people. This suggests that while theft is common, physical safety requires more personal awareness.

Increasing Your Home’s Defensive Layer

Given the higher property crime rates, consider installing a home security system or doorbell camera. Ensure all entry points are well-lit and locked whenever you are away. Staying proactive helps you navigate the higher activity in this regional center safely.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Hughes County, SD?

Hughes County has a total crime rate of 1875.1 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (409.8 per 100K) and property crimes (1465.3 per 100K).

Is Hughes County, SD safe?

Hughes County has a safety score of 25/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #59 out of 66 counties in South Dakota for safety (1 = safest).

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

What types of crime are most common in Hughes County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Hughes County?

Crime data for Hughes 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 Hughes County?

Hughes County has a safety score of 25/100, 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.