Meade County Crime & Safety

Meade County, South Dakota

Safety Score

20/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2082.1

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

330.3

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1751.8

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

20/100

Higher = safer

State avg 73/100

State Safety Rank

#62

of 66 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Meade County, South Dakota

Meade County Tracks Near National Norms

Meade County reports 2,082.1 crimes per 100K, placing it just under the national average of 2,385.5. It retains a respectable safety score of 96.7.

More Active Than the State Average

Meade's crime rate of 2,082.1 is significantly higher than the South Dakota average of 788.1 per 100K. Five reporting agencies contribute to this more comprehensive data profile.

Higher Activity Levels Than Neighbors

Meade's crime rate is more than triple that of Lyman County, reflecting its larger population and higher reporting. This indicates a busier public safety landscape compared to its rural neighbors.

Violent and Property Crime Mix

Property crime accounts for 1,751.8 per 100K, while the violent crime rate is 330.3. Residents are primarily affected by property-related incidents rather than personal safety threats.

Comprehensive Security is Recommended

With over 1,700 property crimes per 100K, home alarm systems and cameras are worthwhile investments. Staying connected with local law enforcement across the five agencies can help residents track trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Meade County, SD?

Meade County has a total crime rate of 2082.1 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (330.3 per 100K) and property crimes (1751.8 per 100K).

Is Meade County, SD safe?

Meade County has a safety score of 20/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #62 out of 66 counties in South Dakota for safety (1 = safest).

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

Meade's crime rate of 2,082.1 is significantly higher than the South Dakota average of 788.1 per 100K. Five reporting agencies contribute to this more comprehensive data profile.

What types of crime are most common in Meade County?

Property crime accounts for 1,751.8 per 100K, while the violent crime rate is 330.3. Residents are primarily affected by property-related incidents rather than personal safety threats.

How is crime data measured and reported for Meade County?

Crime data for Meade 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 Meade County?

Meade County has a safety score of 20/100, 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.