C
21%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
6%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
23%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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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 peopleArkansas/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime32n/a (estimate)1,8473,0972,324
Murder0n/a0.010.26.3
Rape1n/a57.776.040.0
Robbery0n/a0.039.766.1
Assault5n/a288.5519.4268.2
Violent crime6n/a (estimate)346645370
Burglary4n/a230.8466.4269.8
Theft21n/a1,211.81,734.41,401.9
Vehicle theft1n/a57.7250.7282.7
Property crime26n/a (estimate)1,5002,4521,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Decatur, AR

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Decatur crime rate is lower than the national average by 20.6%. Specifically, there were 6 violent crimes in Decatur, equivalent to 346 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 6.4%. Furthermore, Decatur recorded 26 property crimes, amounting to 1500 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 23.2%.

The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Decatur is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Decatur reported 346 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 370.

Decatur showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

Is Decatur a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Decatur is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Decatur has a total crime rate that is 21% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.09 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.07 daily property crimes) in Decatur.

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 41.8%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 60%, while property crime has decreased by 35%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Decatur.

Potential Causes for Crime in Decatur

Decatur has a poverty rate that stands at 27.3, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Decatur crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

In Decatur, 55.3% 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 cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Decatur has a median home price of $92,700, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

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.
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Crime Quick Facts

  • Decatur crime rates are 21% lower than the national average
  • Violent crimes in Decatur are 6% lower than the national average
  • In Decatur you have a 1 in 55 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • Decatur is safer than 34% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in Decatur has decreased by 40%

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 289
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Decatur is 1 in 67
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Decatur is 1 in 55

        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, AR1,3831910191
        Cave Springs, AR4,859113257370
        Elm Springs, AR2,442107407514
        Centerton, AR15,345205424629
        Bella Vista, AR28,819220425645
        Gentry, AR3,963457361818
        Colcord, OK870264659922
        Decatur, AR1,5363461,5001,847

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Limestone, IL1,536108634742
        Eagle River, WI1,536131611742
        McCaysville, GA1,5361838451,029
        Bokeelia, FL1,53689540630
        Farwell, TX1,5350289289
        Decatur, AR1,5363461,5001,847
        Source: The Decatur, AR 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.