| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Pierre/100k people | South Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 345 | n/a (estimate) | 2,496 | 1,948 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 72.3 | 51.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 7.2 | 22.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 59 | n/a | 426.9 | 283.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 70 | n/a (estimate) | 506 | 362 | 359 |
| Burglary | 33 | n/a | 238.8 | 194.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 213 | n/a | 1,541.0 | 1,195.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 29 | n/a | 209.8 | 195.9 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 275 | n/a (estimate) | 1,990 | 1,586 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Pierre is 17.8% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Pierre, there were 70 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 506 per 100,000 individuals, 41% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 275 property crimes, amounting to 1990 per 100,000 residents, 13% higher than the U.S. average.
In the latest reported crime year, Pierre recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Pierre is very similar to the national average. Pierre had a property crime rate of 1990, while the national average was 1760. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.
What do the local residents think about crime in Pierre? Well, based on a recent survey of 17 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 71% of Pierre residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 29% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Pierre 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 Pierre crime rate is 18% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.95 crimes per day - 0.19 violent crimes and 0.75 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Pierre crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Pierre has increased by 5.5% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 55.6% and property crime has increased by 2.5%.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Pierre crime rates. In Pierre, the poverty rate stands at 14.8%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Pierre, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Pierre crime rates. For instance, in Pierre, the population density stands at 1106.5 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
| Item | Pierre | South Dakota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 34 | 995 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 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 |
| Fort Pierre, SD | 2,552 | 95 | 417 | 513 |
| Pierre, SD | 14,450 | 506 | 1,990 | 2,496 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Jericho, NY | 14,448 | 145 | 655 | 800 |
| Oak Park, CA | 14,446 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| Lake Wylie, SC | 14,454 | 166 | 749 | 915 |
| Hudson, WI | 14,446 | 115 | 1,648 | 1,763 |
| Dumas, TX | 14,460 | 154 | 1,601 | 1,755 |
| Pierre, SD | 14,450 | 506 | 1,990 | 2,496 |
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