Decatur, IL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Decatur, IL

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Decatur is 36.8% higher 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 485 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 705 per 100,000 individuals, 90.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1702 property crimes, amounting to 2474 per 100,000 residents, 26.6% higher than the U.S. average.

Decatur is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 705 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Decatur is 1 in 142.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Decatur is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 16 murders in Decatur, which equates to 23 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Decatur being a very dangerous place to live.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Decatur?

AreaVibes surveyed 47 local residents in Decatur to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 26% of people answered that there was very little crime in Decatur and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 74% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

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 37% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 5.99 daily occurrences, comprising 1.33 violent crimes and 4.66 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?

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 6.1%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 29.3%, while property crime has decreased by 12.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Decatur.

Potential Causes for Crime in Decatur

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Decatur currently has an unemployment rate of 5.4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Decatur, 80.8% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

Decatur has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.48 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

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