| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Burke/100k people | South Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 347 | 1,948 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 22.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1 | n/a | 173.3 | 283.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 173 | 362 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 194.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1,195.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 173.3 | 195.9 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 173 | 1,586 | 1,760 |

The Burke crime rates are 83.6% 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 1 violent crimes in Burke (173 per 100,000 people), which is 51.7% lower than the national average and there were a total of 1 property crimes (173 per 100,000 residents) which is 90.2% lower than average.
With a crime rate of 347, significantly below the national average of 2119, Burke stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Burke 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.
Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Burke has a property crime rate of 173 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760. This is a good indicator that Burke is a safe place to live.
Is Burke a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Burke has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 84%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.01 daily incidents, encompassing 0 violent crimes and 0 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Burke as a potential place to call home.
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 Burke crime rates. The population density in Burke is 1296.6 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Burke, the cost of living is 21.93% 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 median home price in Burke is $161,971, 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.
| Item | Burke | South Dakota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1 | 995 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 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 |
| Gregory, SD | 1,501 | 152 | 668 | 820 |
| Dallas, SD | 94 | 475 | 2,081 | 2,556 |
| Burke, SD | 725 | 173 | 173 | 347 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cherry Valley, AR | 725 | 177 | 1,062 | 1,239 |
| Idaho City, ID | 725 | 289 | 921 | 1,210 |
| Jewett, OH | 725 | 421 | 2,221 | 2,642 |
| Payne Springs, TX | 725 | 0 | 1,194 | 1,194 |
| Anmoore, WV | 725 | 325 | 1,517 | 1,841 |
| Burke, SD | 725 | 173 | 173 | 347 |