Spearfish, SD Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Spearfish, SD

What is Spearfish's overall crime grade for 2026?

Spearfish earns an A- overall crime grade for 2026, placing it among the safest small cities in South Dakota and well above the national average for communities of its size. With a population of approximately 11,702 residents spread across a relatively low-density footprint of 269 people per square mile, the city's crime environment benefits from tight community bonds and a remarkably low unemployment rate of just 1.7%. An A- grade means that while Spearfish is not entirely free of incidents, the frequency and severity of crime here are substantially lower than what most Americans experience in comparable cities. Residents and prospective homebuyers can take real confidence from this rating.

What is the crime rate in Spearfish, and what types of crime are most common?

Spearfish's A- crime grade reflects a city where property crime — not violent crime — accounts for the overwhelming share of reported incidents. Thefts, vehicle break-ins, and occasional vandalism are the most frequently logged offense types, and they tend to cluster around higher-traffic commercial corridors rather than residential neighborhoods. Violent crime remains rare by any statistical measure. Several socioeconomic indicators help explain why: a median household income of $50,072, a median home value of $221,352, and an unemployment rate of 1.7% all correlate with lower crime environments. The city's poverty rate of 12.6% is the one metric that warrants monitoring, as it sits modestly above the state median, but it has not translated into elevated violent crime figures for Spearfish.

Which neighborhoods in Spearfish have the best safety profiles?

Based on available crime mapping data, the residential areas surrounding Black Hills State University and the established subdivisions on Spearfish's northern and western edges consistently show lower incident densities. The neighborhoods near Spearfish Canyon and the quieter streets feeding into Lookout Mountain Road benefit from lower population density and strong homeownership rates — both factors associated with reduced property crime. The downtown district sees a higher share of minor incidents simply due to foot traffic and retail concentration, which is typical of any small-city core. For the most granular, block-level picture, layering the interactive crime map with time filters for the past 90 days gives the clearest current snapshot of any specific area.

How does Spearfish's crime rate compare to the rest of South Dakota?

Spearfish's A- crime grade positions it favorably against both state and national benchmarks. South Dakota as a whole carries a higher-than-average property crime rate driven largely by its larger cities, which makes Spearfish's performance even more notable. The city's combination of low unemployment (1.7%), a stable median rent of $821 per month, and a compact, walkable layout at 269 residents per square mile creates conditions that consistently suppress crime rates in peer research. Compared to similarly sized South Dakota communities, Spearfish ranks in the top tier for overall safety, making it a standout destination for families and retirees evaluating relocation options in the region.

Is Spearfish a good place to live from a safety standpoint?

By virtually every measurable safety metric, Spearfish earns high marks. The city's A- overall crime grade is backed by a strong local economy — 1.7% unemployment, a median household income of $50,072, and a median home value of $221,352 that remains accessible relative to national housing costs. A median rent of $821 means housing stability is achievable for a broad cross-section of residents, which research consistently links to lower crime rates. The 12.6% poverty rate is the one figure worth watching, but it has not materially elevated crime outcomes here. For families, outdoor enthusiasts, and retirees alike, Spearfish combines the safety profile of a small, cohesive community with the amenities of a growing city — a combination that is increasingly hard to find at this price point in the Mountain West.

What practical steps can residents take to further reduce crime in Spearfish?

Even in a city with an A- crime grade, residents play a meaningful role in keeping that rating strong. The most impactful actions are straightforward: secure vehicles and remove valuables overnight (vehicle break-ins represent a disproportionate share of property crime reports in small cities like Spearfish), participate in or help organize neighborhood watch networks in areas like the downtown corridor and higher-density apartment zones near Black Hills State University, and report suspicious activity promptly to the Spearfish Police Department. Regularly reviewing the interactive crime map — filtering by incident type and date range — helps residents spot emerging patterns before they become entrenched trends. Community engagement is one of the primary reasons Spearfish has maintained its top-tier safety grade, and sustained participation is what keeps it there.