| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Brookings/100k people | South Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 311 | n/a (estimate) | 1,262 | 1,948 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 16.2 | 51.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 22.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 17 | n/a | 69.0 | 283.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 21 | n/a (estimate) | 85 | 362 | 359 |
| Burglary | 11 | n/a | 44.6 | 194.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 261 | n/a | 1,059.3 | 1,195.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 18 | n/a | 73.1 | 195.9 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 290 | n/a (estimate) | 1,177 | 1,586 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Brookings is 40.4% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 21 violent crimes reported in Brookings, equivalent to 85 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 76.3%. Additionally, Brookings recorded 290 property crimes, amounting to 1177 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 33.1%.
Brookings shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 85 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Brookings an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Brookings reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
AreaVibes surveyed 17 local residents in Brookings to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 76% of people answered that there was very little crime in Brookings and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 24% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Brookings a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Brookings crime rate is 40% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.85 crimes per day - 0.06 violent crimes and 0.79 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Brookings has increased by 58.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Brookings, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 22.2%, while property crime has increased by 71.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Brookings is a safe place to live.
Brookings has a poverty rate that stands at 17.6, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Brookings crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Brookings, 93.3% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
In Brookings, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.91 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Aurora, SD | 1,042 | 106 | 464 | 569 |
| Volga, SD | 1,990 | 114 | 499 | 613 |
| White, SD | 537 | 385 | 1,687 | 2,072 |
| Nunda, SD | 51 | 406 | 1,778 | 2,184 |
| Bruce, SD | 264 | 441 | 1,933 | 2,375 |
| Sinai, SD | 172 | 510 | 2,235 | 2,745 |
| Brookings, SD | 25,380 | 85 | 1,177 | 1,262 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Dinuba, CA | 25,393 | 579 | 2,188 | 2,768 |
| Fort Washington, MD | 25,402 | 320 | 1,563 | 1,883 |
| Westmont, IL | 25,356 | 55 | 1,051 | 1,106 |
| Rosemount, MN | 25,406 | 57 | 500 | 556 |
| Candler-McAfee, GA | 25,351 | 379 | 1,948 | 2,327 |
| Brookings, SD | 25,380 | 85 | 1,177 | 1,262 |
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