Brookings, SD Crime Rates: Stats & Map

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36%

Total crime NAT. AVG.

52%

Violent crime NAT. AVG.

33%

Property crime NAT. AVG.

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.

Statistic	Reported_incidents	_{/100k people}	Brookings_{/100k people}	South Dakota_{/100k people}	National_{/100k people}
Total crime	353	n/a (estimate)	1,488	2,114	2,324
Murder	0	n/a	0.0	4.3	6.3
Rape	12	n/a	50.6	55.8	40.0
Robbery	1	n/a	4.2	25.3	66.1
Assault	29	n/a	122.2	292.0	268.2
Violent crime	42	n/a (estimate)	177	377	370
Burglary	29	n/a	122.2	263.0	269.8
Theft	270	n/a	1,138.0	1,231.8	1,401.9
Vehicle theft	12	n/a	50.6	242.2	282.7
Property crime	311	n/a (estimate)	1,311	1,737	1,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Brookings, SD

The Brookings crime rates are 36% lower 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 42 violent crimes in Brookings (177 per 100,000 people), which is 52.1% lower than the national average and there were a total of 311 property crimes (1311 per 100,000 residents) which is 32.9% lower than average.

During the most recently reported crime year, Brookings experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Brookings?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Brookings residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 10 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 80% of Brookings residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 20% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Brookings a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Brookings, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Brookings presents a total crime rate that is 36% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Brookings experiences an average of 0.97 daily crimes, comprising 0.12 violent incidents and 0.85 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Brookings Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Brookings has increased by 80.1% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Brookings is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 55.6%, while property crime has increased by 84%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Brookings.

Potential Causes for Crime in Brookings

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Brookings crime rates. The population density in Brookings is 1799.3 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

In Brookings, the cost of living is 11.72% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Brookings, there are 1.91 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Brookings crime map

The Brookings crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Brookings as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Brookings crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Brookings crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.

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Crime Quick Facts

Brookings crime rates are 36% lower than the national average
Violent crimes in Brookings are 52% lower than the national average
In Brookings you have a 1 in 68 chance of becoming a victim of crime
Brookings is safer than 56% of the cities in the United States
Year over year crime in Brookings has increased by 90%

Brookings, SD Crime Quiz

Safest Places to Live in and Around Brookings

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Daily Crime In Brookings (per 100,000 people)

The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Brookings, SD per 100,000 people. In Brookings, the total number of daily crimes is 1.42 times less than the South Dakota average and 1.56 times less than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Brookings is 2.13 times less than the South Dakota average and 2.09 times less than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Brookings has a daily crime rate that is 1.33 times less than the South Dakota average and 1.49 times less than the national average.

How Safe is Brookings (higher is better)

Is Brookings safe in comparison to other cities in the state of South Dakota as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Brookings to other cities in the state and across the country, Brookings is 69% safer than other cities of South Dakota and 56% safer than other cities in the nation. Brookings has a ranks above average in comparison to other cities in the country.

Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Brookings

The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Brookings is 1 in 565

The chance of being a victim of property crime in Brookings is 1 in 77

The chance of being a victim of crime in Brookings is 1 in 68

Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Brookings, South Dakota? If you reside in Brookings, then there is a 1 in 565 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 77. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 68 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Brookings.

Year Over Year Crime In Brookings (per 100,000 people)

The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Brookings is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Brookings has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have increased by 64% in Brookings, while property crimes in Brookings have increased by 95%. Total crime has increased by 91% year over year.

Brookings police department

Item	Brookings	South Dakota	National
Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)	43	995	558,732
Police officers & civilians /1000 residents	1.9	2.2	3.3

There are a total of 43 Brookings police officers. This results in 1.9 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 14.2% less than the South Dakota average and 41.2% less than the National average.

Sex offenders in South Dakota

State	Total offenders	South Dakota_/100K	National_/100K
South Dakota	n/a	n/a	n/a

Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

City	Population	Violent crime_{/100k people}	Property crime_{/100k people}	Total crime_{/100k people}
Volga, SD	1,948	135	621	756
Aurora, SD	1,015	397	1,827	2,224
White, SD	518	453	2,086	2,538
Bushnell, SD	34	500	2,306	2,806
Nunda, SD	50	502	2,313	2,816
Bruce, SD	259	509	2,343	2,852
Sinai, SD	166	531	2,446	2,977
Brookings, SD	24,479	177	1,311	1,488

Cities with similar population

City	Population	Violent crime_{/100k people}	Property crime_{/100k people}	Total crime_{/100k people}
Watauga, TX	24,487	174	1,238	1,411
Collinsville, IL	24,489	228	1,919	2,147
Fort Washington, MD	24,468	374	1,535	1,909
Key West, FL	24,495	478	2,297	2,774
Dinuba, CA	24,455	472	2,277	2,749
Brookings, SD	24,479	177	1,311	1,488

Source: The Brookings, SD crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.