| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Centerville/100k people | South Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 1,033 | 1,948 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 309.9 | 4.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 103.3 | 51.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 22.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1 | n/a | 103.3 | 283.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 517 | 362 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 103.3 | 194.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 4 | n/a | 413.2 | 1,195.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 195.9 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 517 | 1,586 | 1,760 |

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Centerville crime rate is lower than the national average by 51.3%. Specifically, there were 5 violent crimes in Centerville, equivalent to 517 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 43.8%. Furthermore, Centerville recorded 5 property crimes, amounting to 517 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 70.7%.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Centerville has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 3 murders in Centerville, which is 310 murders per 100,000 people.
Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Centerville maintains a property crime rate of 517 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Centerville as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
The United States contends with some of the world's highest vehicle theft rates, with approximately 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a modest fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to have zero reported instances of stolen vehicles. Centerville stands out as one of these cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report, underscoring its commitment to a secure environment.
Determining whether Centerville is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Centerville has an overall crime rate that is 51% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.03 daily occurrences, comprising 0.01 violent crimes and 0.01 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Centerville as a potential place to establish residency.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Centerville crime rates. Centerville registers a population density of 1374.5 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Centerville, 90.4% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Centerville, the cost of living is 21.55% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | Centerville | South Dakota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1 | 995 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.1 | 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 |
| Worthing, SD | 1,071 | 122 | 535 | 657 |
| Beresford, SD | 2,460 | 192 | 1,106 | 1,299 |
| Volin, SD | 178 | 390 | 1,710 | 2,100 |
| Davis, SD | 97 | 410 | 1,797 | 2,207 |
| Viborg, SD | 823 | 432 | 1,894 | 2,326 |
| Hurley, SD | 424 | 442 | 1,935 | 2,377 |
| Irene, SD | 570 | 496 | 2,174 | 2,670 |
| Centerville, SD | 989 | 517 | 517 | 1,033 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Alanson, MI | 989 | 550 | 1,747 | 2,297 |
| North English, IA | 989 | 289 | 1,544 | 1,833 |
| Schurz, NV | 989 | 650 | 3,550 | 4,200 |
| Sheffield, PA | 989 | 346 | 2,021 | 2,368 |
| Clermont, GA | 989 | 172 | 884 | 1,056 |
| Centerville, SD | 989 | 517 | 517 | 1,033 |