| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Belle Fourche/100k people | South Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 146 | n/a (estimate) | 2,452 | 1,948 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 67.2 | 51.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 16.8 | 22.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 67.2 | 283.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 9 | n/a (estimate) | 151 | 362 | 359 |
| Burglary | 90 | n/a | 1,511.3 | 194.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 42 | n/a | 705.3 | 1,195.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 84.0 | 195.9 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 137 | n/a (estimate) | 2,301 | 1,586 | 1,760 |
The Belle Fourche crime rates are 15.7% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 9 violent crimes in Belle Fourche (151 per 100,000 people), which is 57.9% lower than the national average and there were a total of 137 property crimes (2301 per 100,000 residents) which is 30.7% higher than average.
Belle Fourche showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
To determine if Belle Fourche is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Belle Fourche has a total crime rate that is 16% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.4 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.38 daily property crimes) in Belle Fourche.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Belle Fourche crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Belle Fourche has increased by 22.7% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 35.7% and property crime has increased by 30.5%.
Belle Fourche reports an unemployment rate of 6.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Belle Fourche crime rates.
The median home price in Belle Fourche is $234,350, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Belle Fourche, the average rental rates are $1,139 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Belle Fourche | South Dakota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 12 | 995 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | South Dakota /100K | National /100K |
| South Dakota | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Whitewood, SD | 1,014 | 208 | 208 | 416 |
| North Spearfish, SD | 2,322 | 86 | 379 | 465 |
| Spearfish, SD | 12,076 | 264 | 1,823 | 2,087 |
| Belle Fourche, SD | 5,832 | 151 | 2,301 | 2,452 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Warrenton, OR | 5,832 | 384 | 4,484 | 4,868 |
| Denair, CA | 5,832 | 448 | 1,917 | 2,366 |
| Mayflower Village, CA | 5,833 | 239 | 1,020 | 1,259 |
| Wappingers Falls, NY | 5,833 | 352 | 1,592 | 1,944 |
| Campbelltown, PA | 5,830 | 154 | 896 | 1,049 |
| Belle Fourche, SD | 5,832 | 151 | 2,301 | 2,452 |
Here are the best places to live in South Dakota
Check out the 10 safest cities in South Dakota
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
See the best places to live in Belle Fourche