| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Yankton/100k people | South Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 352 | n/a (estimate) | 2,242 | 1,948 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 6.4 | 4.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 82.8 | 51.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 6.4 | 22.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 28 | n/a | 178.4 | 283.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 43 | n/a (estimate) | 274 | 362 | 359 |
| Burglary | 13 | n/a | 82.8 | 194.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 282 | n/a | 1,796.4 | 1,195.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 14 | n/a | 89.2 | 195.9 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 309 | n/a (estimate) | 1,968 | 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 Yankton crime rate is higher than the national average by 5.8%. Specifically, there were 43 violent crimes in Yankton, equivalent to 274 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 23.7%. Furthermore, Yankton recorded 309 property crimes, amounting to 1968 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 11.8%.
When assessing the total crime rate in Yankton per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Yankton, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
Yankton maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Yankton, 1968 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
AreaVibes surveyed 12 local residents in Yankton to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 8% of people answered that there was very little crime in Yankton and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 92% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Is Yankton a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Yankton has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 6%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.96 daily incidents, encompassing 0.12 violent crimes and 0.85 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Yankton as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Yankton has decreased by 1.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Yankton is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 20.4%, while property crime has decreased by 1.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Yankton.
In Yankton, the current unemployment rate stands at 0.7%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Yankton crime rates.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Yankton crime rates. The population density in Yankton is 1784.4 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Yankton, the average rental rates are $958 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Yankton | South Dakota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 36 | 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 |
| St. Helena, NE | 97 | 222 | 1,645 | 1,867 |
| Bow Valley, NE | 99 | 242 | 1,787 | 2,029 |
| Volin, SD | 178 | 390 | 1,710 | 2,100 |
| Crofton, NE | 924 | 253 | 1,870 | 2,122 |
| Wynot, NE | 260 | 258 | 1,906 | 2,164 |
| Lesterville, SD | 106 | 403 | 1,767 | 2,170 |
| Gayville, SD | 382 | 415 | 1,816 | 2,231 |
| Yankton, SD | 15,183 | 274 | 1,968 | 2,242 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hampton Bays, NY | 15,184 | 145 | 655 | 800 |
| Franklin Park, PA | 15,190 | 74 | 215 | 289 |
| Grovetown, GA | 15,176 | 55 | 198 | 253 |
| Hereford, TX | 15,173 | 238 | 885 | 1,123 |
| Carthage, MO | 15,195 | 174 | 1,286 | 1,460 |
| Yankton, SD | 15,183 | 274 | 1,968 | 2,242 |
Here are the best places to live in South Dakota
See the best places to live in Yankton
These are the 10 cheapest cities in South Dakota
Safest Cities In The US