D
5%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
29%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
1%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleDecatur/100k peopleMichigan/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime41n/a (estimate)2,4491,9982,324
Murder0n/a0.06.96.3
Rape4n/a238.964.840.0
Robbery0n/a0.036.666.1
Assault4n/a238.9352.7268.2
Violent crime8n/a (estimate)478461370
Burglary3n/a179.2214.3269.8
Theft29n/a1,732.41,055.31,401.9
Vehicle theft1n/a59.7267.2282.7
Property crime33n/a (estimate)1,9711,5371,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Decatur, MI

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Decatur crime rate is 5.4% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Decatur, there were 8 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 478 per 100,000 individuals, 29.2% higher than the national average. Additionally, Decatur recorded 33 property crimes, amounting to 1971 per 100,000 residents, 0.9% higher than the U.S. average.

When evaluating the Decatur crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Decatur crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

In the latest reported crime year, Decatur recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Decatur exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1971 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1954 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Decatur maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

Is Decatur a Safe Place to Live?

Is Decatur 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, Decatur has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 5%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.11 daily incidents, encompassing 0.02 violent crimes and 0.09 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Decatur as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Decatur Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Decatur. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Decatur has decreased by 38.8%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 42.9%, while property crime has decreased by 37.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Decatur.

Potential Causes for Crime in Decatur

In Decatur, 73.2% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

In Decatur, the cost of living is 23.22% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased 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 Decatur, the average monthly rent stands at $722, while the national average is $949 per month.

Decatur crime map



The Decatur crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Decatur as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Decatur crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Decatur crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
New Real Estate Listings in Decatur Area
Search Homes for Sale in Decatur, MI

Compare Decatur, MI Crime

      vs

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Decatur crime rates are 5% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Decatur are 29% higher than the national average
      • In Decatur you have a 1 in 41 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Decatur is safer than 21% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Decatur has decreased by 38%

      Decatur, MI Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Decatur

        See all the best places to live around Decatur
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Decatur?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Decatur?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Decatur poll results

        Daily Crime In Decatur (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Decatur (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Decatur

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Decatur is 1 in 210
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Decatur is 1 in 51
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Decatur is 1 in 41

        Year Over Year Crime In Decatur (per 100,000 people)

        Decatur police department

        Item Decatur Michigan National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)510,515558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.82.13.3
        There are a total of 5 Decatur police officers. This results in 2.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 33.2% greater than the Michigan average and 15.3% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Michigan

        State Total offenders Michigan /100K National /100K
        Michigan40,460414266
        There are a total of 40,460 sex offenders in Michigan. This yields a total of 414 sex offenders in Michigan per 100,000 residents which is 56% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Lawrence, MI9180197197
        Marcellus, MI1,140220733953
        Cassopolis, MI1,6842967101,007
        Lawton, MI1,5331081,2431,351
        Watervliet, MI2,0822451,3461,590
        Hartford, MI2,5885241,1281,651
        Bangor, MI2,1354532,0122,465
        Decatur, MI1,9354781,9712,449

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Salem city, AR1,9353121,1871,499
        Avoca, AR1,9366542,4873,141
        Kenvil, NJ1,934101705806
        Osseo, WI1,934125581705
        Langdon, ND1,936116826942
        Decatur, MI1,9354781,9712,449
        Source: The Decatur, MI crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.