Decatur 77 Exceptional
Decatur Livability #40 ranked city in Indiana#3,038 ranked city in the USARanks better than 89% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Decatur

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

What's it like Living in Decatur?

Decatur, Indiana is a medium-sized city with a population of 10,024 inhabitants. At 93%, the majority of the Decatur population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 0% Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Decatur is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 18 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Decatur can be a great experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Indiana, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Decatur and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Indiana and national averages.

Using data and statistics Decatur has received a livability score of 75 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 87th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Decatur would be considered a very livable city! Based on the scores for each individual category, Decatur has been rewarded with high marks for housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Decatur. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (F) and education (D).

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Decatur, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 169 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

The unemployment rate in Decatur has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.6%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Decatur market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Assuming that Decatur meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Decatur. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Decatur are simply unattainable. The median home price for Decatur homes is $189,102, which is 16.7% lower than the Indiana average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Decatur, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 6.7% lower than the Indiana average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Decatur

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      Decatur transportation information

      Statistic Decatur Indiana National
      Average one way commute18min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work85.9%83.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.5%8.9%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.7%2.1%2.8%
      Working from home1.3%3.5%4.6%
      Source: The Decatur, IN data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.