F
12%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
79%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
30%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleDecatur/100k peopleArkansas/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime32n/a (estimate)1,8752,5092,119
Murder0n/a0.07.35.0
Rape3n/a175.769.937.5
Robbery0n/a0.038.660.6
Assault8n/a468.7463.5256.1
Violent crime11n/a (estimate)644579359
Burglary5n/a292.9352.7229.2
Theft16n/a937.31,400.01,272.1
Vehicle theft0n/a0.0176.8258.8
Property crime21n/a (estimate)1,2301,9301,760

Decatur crime map

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The Decatur crime map by CrimeoMeter 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.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Decatur, AR

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Decatur is 11.5% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Decatur, there were 11 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 644 per 100,000 individuals, 79.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 21 property crimes, amounting to 1230 per 100,000 residents, 30.1% lower than the U.S. average.

When assessing the overall crime rate in Decatur 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, underscores the close alignment of reported Decatur crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

During the most recently reported crime year, Decatur experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

The United States contends with some of the globe's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, merely a small fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by vehicle theft reports. In this regard, Decatur stands out as one of those cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in its most recent crime report.

Is Decatur a Safe Place to Live?

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 12% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.09 daily occurrences, comprising 0.03 violent crimes and 0.06 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.

Has Crime in Decatur Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Decatur has decreased by 41.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Decatur, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 26.7%, while property crime has decreased by 47.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Decatur is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Decatur

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 Decatur crime rates. The population density in Decatur is 354.3 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Decatur, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.85, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Decatur is $162,444, compared to a national average of $326,622.

Compare Decatur, AR Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Decatur crime rates are 12% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Decatur are 79% higher than the national average
      • In Decatur you have a 1 in 54 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Decatur is safer than 13% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Decatur has decreased by 30%

      Decatur, AR Crime Quiz

         

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        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 156
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Decatur is 1 in 82
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Decatur is 1 in 54

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

        Decatur police department

        Item Decatur Arkansas National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)55,164558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.92.93.3
        There are a total of 5 Decatur police officers. This results in 2.9 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 3.2% less than the Arkansas average and 12.2% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Arkansas

        State Total offenders Arkansas /100K National /100K
        Arkansas8,875323266
        There are a total of 8,875 sex offenders in Arkansas. This yields a total of 323 sex offenders in Arkansas per 100,000 residents which is 21% 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
        Highfill, AR1,415183146329
        Cave Springs, AR4,97896256352
        Centerton, AR15,676145240385
        Elm Springs, AR2,53991303394
        Gentry, AR4,053300257557
        Tontitown, AR4,487129526655
        Bella Vista, AR29,519202489691
        Decatur, AR1,5846441,2301,875

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Bogart, GA1,58492474566
        Alton, IA1,58374395469
        Parsons, WV1,583108502609
        Edgeworth, PA1,5850186186
        Ferndale, PA1,585117681798
        Decatur, AR1,5846441,2301,875
        Source: The Decatur, AR crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.