| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lead/100k people | South Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 557 | 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 | 5 | n/a | 163.7 | 283.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 164 | 362 | 359 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 65.5 | 194.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 9 | n/a | 294.7 | 1,195.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 32.7 | 195.9 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 12 | n/a (estimate) | 393 | 1,586 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Lead crime rate is 73.7% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Lead, there were 5 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 164 per 100,000 individuals, 54.4% lower than the national average. Additionally, Lead recorded 12 property crimes, amounting to 393 per 100,000 residents, 77.7% lower than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 557, significantly below the national average of 2119, Lead 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, Lead 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 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, Lead maintains a property crime rate of 393 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Lead as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
What do the local residents think about crime in Lead? Well, based on a recent survey of 5 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 60% of Lead residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 40% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Lead 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. Lead has a total crime rate that is 74% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.05 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0.03 daily property crimes) in Lead.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Lead. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Lead has decreased by 65.3%. Violent crimes have decreased by 54.6%, while property crimes have decreased by 68.4%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Lead crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Lead has an unemployment rate of 2.6%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
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 Lead crime rates. Lead registers a population density of 1500.7 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Lead, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.88 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Lead | South Dakota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 6 | 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 |
| Whitewood, SD | 1,014 | 208 | 208 | 416 |
| North Spearfish, SD | 2,322 | 86 | 379 | 465 |
| Sturgis, SD | 7,137 | 227 | 1,757 | 1,984 |
| Spearfish, SD | 12,076 | 264 | 1,823 | 2,087 |
| Central City, SD | 163 | 413 | 1,809 | 2,222 |
| Deadwood, SD | 1,630 | 991 | 2,406 | 3,397 |
| Lead, SD | 3,089 | 164 | 393 | 557 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Baltimore, OH | 3,089 | 147 | 776 | 923 |
| Milton, DE | 3,090 | 264 | 1,002 | 1,265 |
| Cliffwood Beach, NJ | 3,091 | 104 | 679 | 783 |
| Delphi, IN | 3,091 | 156 | 686 | 842 |
| Sherwood, WI | 3,091 | 44 | 181 | 225 |
| Lead, SD | 3,089 | 164 | 393 | 557 |
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