| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Decatur/100k people | Alabama/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,706 | n/a (estimate) | 2,916 | 1,925 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 8.5 | 8.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 32 | n/a | 54.7 | 25.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 26 | n/a | 44.4 | 34.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 292 | n/a | 499.0 | 291.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 355 | n/a (estimate) | 607 | 360 | 359 |
| Burglary | 113 | n/a | 193.1 | 243.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,073 | n/a | 1,833.8 | 1,148.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 165 | n/a | 282.0 | 173.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,351 | n/a (estimate) | 2,309 | 1,565 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Decatur is 37.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 355 violent crimes reported in Decatur, equivalent to 607 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 69%. Additionally, Decatur recorded 1351 property crimes, amounting to 2309 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 31.2%.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Decatur. Based on the results of the surveys (26 responses), 35% of people felt that there was very little crime in Decatur and felt safe walking alone at night. While 65% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Decatur 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, Decatur has an overall crime rate that is 38% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 4.67 daily occurrences, comprising 0.97 violent crimes and 3.7 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Decatur as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Decatur. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Decatur has decreased by 32.7%. Violent crimes have increased by 55.7%, while property crimes have decreased by 41.5%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Decatur has a poverty rate of 15.5, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
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 Decatur, the cost of living is 13.87% lower than the national average.
Decatur has an average rental rate of $1,063 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Decatur | Alabama | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 156 | 9,968 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 4.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Alabama /100K | National /100K |
| Alabama | 10,698 | 231 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hillsboro, AL | 613 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Triana, AL | 2,374 | 59 | 374 | 433 |
| Priceville, AL | 3,767 | 129 | 566 | 695 |
| Somerville, AL | 667 | 122 | 608 | 729 |
| Mooresville, AL | 89 | 145 | 632 | 778 |
| Trinity, AL | 2,678 | 39 | 1,124 | 1,162 |
| Madison, AL | 52,584 | 211 | 1,327 | 1,538 |
| Decatur, AL | 55,434 | 607 | 2,309 | 2,916 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Novato, CA | 55,468 | 254 | 1,354 | 1,608 |
| Pinellas Park, FL | 55,392 | 234 | 2,206 | 2,440 |
| Kingsport, TN | 55,254 | 441 | 2,960 | 3,401 |
| West Sacramento, CA | 55,617 | 294 | 1,369 | 1,663 |
| Minnetonka, MN | 55,235 | 116 | 1,639 | 1,754 |
| Decatur, AL | 55,434 | 607 | 2,309 | 2,916 |
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