Pennington County Crime & Safety

Pennington County, South Dakota

Safety Score

5/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

3417.1

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

586.1

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2831.0

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

5/100

Higher = safer

State avg 73/100

State Safety Rank

#65

of 66 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Pennington County, South Dakota

Pennington County Exceeds National Crime Averages

With a total crime rate of 3,417.1 per 100,000, Pennington County sits well above the national average of 2,385.5. The county receives a safety score of 94.6. This reflects its status as a high-activity regional hub with significant law enforcement needs.

Crime Levels Above State Averages

Pennington's crime rate is over four times higher than the South Dakota state average of 788.1. Its safety score of 94.6 is also lower than the state average of 98.8. These figures indicate that residents face a higher statistical risk than those in most other South Dakota counties.

A Busy Hub Compared to Neighbors

The crime rate here is dramatically higher than in nearby Perkins County, which reports just 168.3 incidents per 100,000. Neighboring Potter County is also much quieter at 154.6. As a destination for tourism and commerce, Pennington experiences volume-related safety challenges its neighbors do not.

High Property Crime Drives Local Totals

Property crime is high at 2,831.0 per 100,000, significantly exceeding the national property crime average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also elevated at 586.1 compared to the national rate of 369.8. Residents should be aware that theft and burglary are the most common reported issues.

Essential Tips for Securing Your Property

Given the high property crime rate, robust home security is strongly recommended. Use deadbolts, security cameras, and alarm systems to discourage potential intruders. Community watch programs can also provide an extra layer of protection in higher-activity neighborhoods.

SimpliSafe Home Security

Professional 24/7 monitoring for Pennington County. No long-term contracts.

Get Protected →

ADT Security Systems

Trusted home security for Pennington County residents since 1874.

Get a Quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Pennington County, SD?

Pennington County has a total crime rate of 3417.1 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (586.1 per 100K) and property crimes (2831.0 per 100K).

Is Pennington County, SD safe?

Pennington County has a safety score of 5/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #65 out of 66 counties in South Dakota for safety (1 = safest).

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

What types of crime are most common in Pennington County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Pennington County?

Crime data for Pennington 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 Pennington County?

Pennington County has a safety score of 5/100, 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.