Lincoln County Crime & Safety

Lincoln County, South Dakota

Safety Score

0/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

11779.5

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

1740.1

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

10039.4

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

0/100

Higher = safer

State avg 73/100

State Safety Rank

#66

of 66 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Lincoln County, South Dakota

Crime Rates Surpass National Benchmarks

Lincoln County reports a total crime rate of 11,779.5 per 100K, which is nearly five times the national average of 2,385.5. This high volume of activity results in a safety score of 81.4.

A Rare High-Activity Pocket in South Dakota

While the state average safety score is a high 98.8, Lincoln County falls behind with a score of 81.4. Its total crime rate of 11,779.5 per 100K is much higher than the state average of 788.1.

Activity Far Exceeds Rural Neighbors

Lincoln's crime rate is drastically higher than neighboring McCook County, which reports only 472.5 crimes per 100K. The county's seven reporting agencies handle a workload much larger than those in adjacent rural areas.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crime dominates the landscape at 10,039.4 per 100K, while violent crime stands at 1,740.1. These numbers reflect a busy environment for law enforcement compared to national levels.

Prioritize Modern Home Surveillance

With high property crime rates, residents should install smart security cameras and high-quality locks. Consistent lighting around the home serves as a vital deterrent in active neighborhoods.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Lincoln County, SD?

Lincoln County has a total crime rate of 11779.5 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (1740.1 per 100K) and property crimes (10039.4 per 100K).

Is Lincoln County, SD safe?

Lincoln County has a safety score of 0/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #66 out of 66 counties in South Dakota for safety (1 = safest).

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

While the state average safety score is a high 98.8, Lincoln County falls behind with a score of 81.4. Its total crime rate of 11,779.5 per 100K is much higher than the state average of 788.1.

What types of crime are most common in Lincoln County?

Property crime dominates the landscape at 10,039.4 per 100K, while violent crime stands at 1,740.1. These numbers reflect a busy environment for law enforcement compared to national levels.

How is crime data measured and reported for Lincoln County?

Crime data for Lincoln 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 Lincoln County?

Lincoln County has a safety score of 0/100, 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.