| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Whitewood/100k people | South Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 416 | 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 | 2 | n/a | 207.9 | 283.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 208 | 362 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 194.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2 | n/a | 207.9 | 1,195.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 195.9 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 208 | 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 Whitewood crime rate is lower than the national average by 80.4%. Specifically, there were 2 violent crimes in Whitewood, equivalent to 208 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 42.1%. Furthermore, Whitewood recorded 2 property crimes, amounting to 208 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 88.2%.
Whitewood proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 416, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2119. This stark contrast firmly positions Whitewood as one of the most secure residential destinations throughout the entire United States. The total crime rate takes into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, offering an invaluable assessment of the area's safety suitability for living.
During the most recently reported crime year, Whitewood experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
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, Whitewood maintains a property crime rate of 208 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Whitewood as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
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. Whitewood was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.
Determining whether Whitewood 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, Whitewood has an overall crime rate that is 80% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.01 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 Whitewood as a potential place to establish residency.
In Whitewood, the poverty rate currently stands at 14.9%, 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 Whitewood crime rates.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Whitewood, the cost of living is 10.18% lower than the national average.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Whitewood are $1,043, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Whitewood | South Dakota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 3 | 995 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.2 | 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 |
| North Spearfish, SD | 2,322 | 86 | 379 | 465 |
| Lead, SD | 3,089 | 164 | 393 | 557 |
| Blucksberg Mountain, SD | 452 | 146 | 641 | 787 |
| 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 |
| Belle Fourche, SD | 5,832 | 151 | 2,301 | 2,452 |
| Whitewood, SD | 1,014 | 208 | 208 | 416 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Rand, WV | 1,014 | 304 | 1,419 | 1,723 |
| Wisner, LA | 1,014 | 724 | 3,196 | 3,920 |
| Milledgeville, IL | 1,014 | 0 | 503 | 503 |
| Duck Hill, MS | 1,014 | 257 | 1,665 | 1,922 |
| Stamping Ground, KY | 1,014 | 0 | 718 | 718 |
| Whitewood, SD | 1,014 | 208 | 208 | 416 |