Lawrence County Crime & Safety

Lawrence County, South Dakota

Safety Score

29/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

1708.4

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

226.5

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1481.9

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

29/100

Higher = safer

State avg 73/100

State Safety Rank

#58

of 66 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Lawrence County, South Dakota

Safety Overview for Lawrence County

Lawrence County has a total crime rate of 1,708.4 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. It currently holds a safety score of 97.3.

Higher Activity Than State Average

The county's crime rate of 1,708.4 is more than double the South Dakota state average of 788.1. Its safety score of 97.3 is lower than the state's typical 98.8 mark.

An Active Regional Hub

With five reporting agencies, Lawrence County shows more crime activity than its more rural neighbors. This higher rate is often seen in counties with significant tourism and larger populations.

Property Crime Drives the Data

Property crime is the main factor here, with 1,481.9 incidents per 100K. The violent crime rate is significantly lower at 226.5 per 100K, though still above the state average.

Priority on Property Protection

Homeowners should prioritize security systems and deadbolts to deter theft and burglary. Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a property crime statistic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Lawrence County, SD?

Lawrence County has a total crime rate of 1708.4 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (226.5 per 100K) and property crimes (1481.9 per 100K).

Is Lawrence County, SD safe?

Lawrence County has a safety score of 29/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #58 out of 66 counties in South Dakota for safety (1 = safest).

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

The county's crime rate of 1,708.4 is more than double the South Dakota state average of 788.1. Its safety score of 97.3 is lower than the state's typical 98.8 mark.

What types of crime are most common in Lawrence County?

Property crime is the main factor here, with 1,481.9 incidents per 100K. The violent crime rate is significantly lower at 226.5 per 100K, though still above the state average.

How is crime data measured and reported for Lawrence County?

Crime data for Lawrence 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 Lawrence County?

Lawrence County has a safety score of 29/100, 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.