Minnehaha County Crime & Safety

Minnehaha County, South Dakota

Safety Score

90/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Safe

Total Crime Rate

209.4

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

33.4

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

176.0

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

90/100

Higher = safer

State avg 73/100

State Safety Rank

#26

of 66 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Minnehaha County, South Dakota

Minnehaha County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Minnehaha County maintains an exceptional safety score of 99.7 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 209.4 per 100,000 residents is nearly 91% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This makes the county a standout for public safety on the national stage.

Leading South Dakota in Safety Performance

The county's total crime rate sits far below the South Dakota state average of 788.1 per 100,000. With a safety score of 99.7, Minnehaha outperforms the state average score of 98.8. Local law enforcement agencies report significantly fewer incidents than typical South Dakota jurisdictions.

Lower Crime Rates Than Regional Neighbors

Compared to nearby Moody County, which reports a rate of 803.7 per 100,000, Minnehaha is remarkably quiet. While it serves as a major population hub, its crime metrics remain much lower than those in Pennington County. This data reflects a high level of security for the region's largest metro area.

Property Crimes Outpace Violent Incidents

Property crimes account for 176.0 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 33.4. For perspective, the national violent crime rate is over ten times higher at 369.8. Residents are statistically much more likely to encounter minor theft than physical harm.

Maintaining Security in Your Neighborhood

While rates are low, property crimes still make up the majority of local incidents. Residents can help keep these numbers down by installing smart lighting and home security systems. Vigilance remains the best tool for preserving the county's high safety standing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Minnehaha County, SD?

Minnehaha County has a total crime rate of 209.4 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (33.4 per 100K) and property crimes (176.0 per 100K).

Is Minnehaha County, SD safe?

Minnehaha County has a safety score of 90/100, rated "Safe". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #26 out of 66 counties in South Dakota for safety (1 = safest).

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

What types of crime are most common in Minnehaha County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Minnehaha County?

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

Minnehaha County has a safety score of 90/100, 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.