Aberdeen, SD Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Aberdeen, SD Crime

What is Aberdeen's overall crime grade for 2026?

Aberdeen, SD earns an overall crime grade of A- for 2026, placing it among the safer small cities in the Great Plains region. This strong grade reflects a combination of low violent crime incidence, active community policing, and favorable socioeconomic indicators. With an unemployment rate of just 2.8% — well below the national average — and a poverty rate of 11.6%, Aberdeen's economic stability contributes directly to its above-average safety profile. An A- grade means residents face meaningfully lower crime risk than the majority of U.S. cities of comparable size.

How does Aberdeen's crime rate compare to national averages?

Aberdeen's A- overall crime grade signals that the city performs significantly better than the national baseline across most crime categories. With a population of 28,315 and a relatively low population density of 661 people per square mile, Aberdeen avoids the concentrated crime pressures seen in denser urban environments. Property crime — which nationally accounts for the vast majority of reported offenses — remains the primary concern in Aberdeen, as it does in most mid-sized Midwestern cities, but rates here trend well below national norms. Violent crime incidents are sporadic and do not define the day-to-day experience for most residents.

What types of crimes are most common in Aberdeen, SD?

Like most cities earning an A-range crime grade, Aberdeen's reported incidents skew heavily toward property crimes rather than violent offenses. Theft-related incidents — including shoplifting, vehicle break-ins, and burglary — represent the largest share of police reports citywide. Vandalism and substance-related offenses make up a secondary tier of reported activity. Violent crimes such as assault occur at a notably lower rate, contributing to the city's strong A- overall grade. The downtown corridor and higher-density residential pockets see a proportionally larger share of minor property incidents, while outlying residential neighborhoods report very low activity across all categories.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Aberdeen?

While Aberdeen earns an A- overall, safety levels do vary by area within the city. Residential neighborhoods on the north and northwest sides — including areas near Northern State University and the established subdivisions surrounding Nelson Park — consistently report lower incident rates and are widely regarded as family-friendly. The southeast residential corridors benefit from lower density and strong homeownership rates, which correlate with reduced property crime. Downtown Aberdeen sees higher foot traffic and a corresponding uptick in minor property incidents, though it also benefits from visible law enforcement presence. For the most current neighborhood-level picture, the interactive crime map on this page lets you filter by incident type and date range.

Is Aberdeen, SD a good place to live based on crime and safety data?

The data strongly supports Aberdeen as a livable, safe community. An overall crime grade of A-, combined with a median household income of $56,455, a median home value of $169,260, and an unemployment rate of 2.8%, paints a picture of a stable, low-risk environment. The poverty rate of 11.6% is moderate and consistent with many healthy small cities. Median rent of just $669 makes Aberdeen highly accessible financially, reducing economic stress that can sometimes correlate with higher crime. For families, retirees, students attending Northern State University, and remote workers seeking affordability, Aberdeen's A- safety grade combined with its cost-of-living advantages make it a compelling choice in the Midwest.

How can I use the Aberdeen crime map effectively?

The Aberdeen crime map on this page lets you visualize incident data geographically so you can make informed decisions about where to live, walk, or park. To get the most out of it: filter by crime category (property vs. violent) to understand what type of risk is present in a given area; use the date range filter to spot seasonal patterns or recent spikes; and zoom into specific neighborhoods like the areas around Nelson Park or the downtown blocks to compare incident density. Because Aberdeen holds an A- grade overall, you'll find most of the map relatively quiet — but the tool helps you identify the specific pockets that account for a disproportionate share of reports, so you can stay appropriately aware without overstating the city's risk level.