Yankton County Crime & Safety

Yankton County, South Dakota

Safety Score

16/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2325.1

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

338.9

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1986.2

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

16/100

Higher = safer

State avg 73/100

State Safety Rank

#63

of 66 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Yankton County, South Dakota

Yankton County Aligns With National Safety Trends

Yankton County maintains a total crime rate of 2,325.1 per 100,000 residents, which sits just below the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a safety score of 96.3 out of 100, indicating a secure environment relative to the broader United States.

Safety Scores Trail South Dakota State Averages

While the county remains safer than many national peers, its total crime rate significantly exceeds the South Dakota state average of 788.1 per 100,000. Yankton's safety score of 96.3 also falls slightly behind the impressive state average of 98.8.

Comparing Yankton to Regional Neighbors

Local data shows Yankton navigates higher activity than more rural South Dakota counterparts, though it stays competitive with neighboring regional hubs. The presence of two reporting agencies ensures a more comprehensive look at local incidents than in many single-agency jurisdictions nearby.

Property Offenses Drive Local Crime Figures

Property crimes account for 1,986.2 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crime remains lower at 338.9 per 100,000. These figures mirror national distributions, where non-violent offenses represent the vast majority of law enforcement activity.

Proactive Security Enhances Yankton Neighborhoods

Residents can bolster their community's 96.3 safety score by investing in smart home technology and outdoor lighting. Simple steps like locking doors and joining neighborhood watch programs help keep property crime rates trending downward.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Yankton County, SD?

Yankton County has a total crime rate of 2325.1 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (338.9 per 100K) and property crimes (1986.2 per 100K).

Is Yankton County, SD safe?

Yankton County has a safety score of 16/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #63 out of 66 counties in South Dakota for safety (1 = safest).

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

What types of crime are most common in Yankton County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Yankton County?

Crime data for Yankton 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 Yankton County?

Yankton County has a safety score of 16/100, 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.