| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Decatur/100k people | Indiana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 85 | n/a (estimate) | 846 | 1,692 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 9.9 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 69.6 | 33.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 34.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 9 | n/a | 89.5 | 239.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 169 | 313 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 39.8 | 176.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 57 | n/a | 567.0 | 988.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 69.6 | 213.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 68 | n/a (estimate) | 676 | 1,379 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Decatur is 60.1% 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 17 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 169 per 100,000 individuals, 52.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 68 property crimes, amounting to 676 per 100,000 residents, 61.6% lower than the U.S. average.
Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Decatur has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 676 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1760. Based on this report, Decatur remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Decatur residents. Out of the respondents (6 in total), 17% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Decatur were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 83% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Decatur a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Decatur crime rate is 60% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.23 crimes per day - 0.05 violent crimes and 0.19 property crimes.
Decatur has a population density of 1736.2 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Decatur crime rates.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Decatur, the cost of living is 13.91% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Decatur, there are 1.91 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
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 | Indiana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 18 | 8,766 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Indiana /100K | National /100K |
| Indiana | 12,315 | 198 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Berne, IN | 4,093 | 71 | 189 | 259 |
| Monroeville, IN | 1,355 | 130 | 572 | 702 |
| Ossian, IN | 3,452 | 141 | 619 | 760 |
| Convoy, OH | 1,135 | 131 | 689 | 820 |
| Bluffton, IN | 10,527 | 181 | 732 | 913 |
| Hoagland, IN | 928 | 310 | 1,368 | 1,678 |
| Monroe, IN | 884 | 356 | 1,568 | 1,924 |
| Decatur, IN | 10,024 | 169 | 676 | 846 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Corte Madera, CA | 10,023 | 171 | 729 | 900 |
| Hamburg, NY | 10,025 | 327 | 1,480 | 1,807 |
| Richmond Heights, FL | 10,026 | 194 | 1,033 | 1,228 |
| Uniontown, PA | 10,028 | 857 | 3,291 | 4,148 |
| Winfield, IL | 10,018 | 59 | 345 | 404 |
| Decatur, IN | 10,024 | 169 | 676 | 846 |
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