| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Scotland/100k people | South Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 127 | 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 | 127.4 | 283.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 127 | 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 | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 195.9 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 0 | n/a (estimate) | 0 | 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 Scotland crime rate is lower than the national average by 94%. Specifically, there were 1 violent crimes in Scotland, equivalent to 127 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 64.5%. Furthermore, Scotland recorded 0 property crimes, amounting to 0 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 100%.
Boasting a crime rate of 127, well below the national average of 2119, Scotland emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Scotland to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.
Scotland showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
In the United States, millions of property crimes are reported annually, making it extremely rare for any city to boast a property crime rate of zero. Remarkably, Scotland belongs to the select few hundred cities in this category. This distinction firmly establishes it as an exceptionally secure place to reside, characterized by its minimal incidence of property crimes. Such a commendable achievement reinforces the fact that the area is a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.
The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Scotland was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Scotland 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 Scotland crime rate is 94% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0 crimes per day - 0 violent crimes and 0 property crimes.
In Scotland, the poverty rate currently stands at 11.9%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Scotland crime rates.
In Scotland, the cost of living is 23.57% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Scotland, the average monthly rent stands at $705, while the national average is $1,444 per month.

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| Item | Scotland | South Dakota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1 | 995 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.2 | 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 |
| Tyndall, SD | 1,191 | 151 | 662 | 813 |
| Freeman, SD | 1,687 | 157 | 689 | 847 |
| Lesterville, SD | 106 | 403 | 1,767 | 2,170 |
| Tabor, SD | 444 | 423 | 1,854 | 2,277 |
| Menno, SD | 807 | 462 | 2,025 | 2,488 |
| Tripp, SD | 593 | 480 | 2,102 | 2,581 |
| Utica, SD | 58 | 514 | 2,251 | 2,764 |
| Scotland, SD | 677 | 127 | 0 | 127 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| White River, SD | 677 | 585 | 2,563 | 3,148 |
| Lyons, OH | 677 | 350 | 1,849 | 2,199 |
| Quilcene, WA | 677 | 422 | 3,192 | 3,614 |
| Nicholson, PA | 677 | 284 | 1,654 | 1,937 |
| Lake Hughes, CA | 677 | 469 | 2,006 | 2,476 |
| Scotland, SD | 677 | 127 | 0 | 127 |