A+
84%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
67%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
87%
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 peopleDecorah/100k peopleIowa/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime26n/a (estimate)3431,5402,119
Murder0n/a0.02.15.0
Rape1n/a13.235.237.5
Robbery0n/a0.018.760.6
Assault8n/a105.6187.2256.1
Violent crime9n/a (estimate)119243359
Burglary4n/a52.8199.1229.2
Theft11n/a145.2962.61,272.1
Vehicle theft2n/a26.4135.1258.8
Property crime17n/a (estimate)2241,2971,760

Decorah crime map

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The Decorah crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Decorah 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 Decorah crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Decorah 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 Decorah, IA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Decorah is 83.8% 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 Decorah, there were 9 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 119 per 100,000 individuals, 66.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 17 property crimes, amounting to 224 per 100,000 residents, 87.3% lower than the U.S. average.

Decorah proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 343, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2119. This stark contrast firmly positions Decorah as one of the most secure residential destinations throughout the entire United States. The total crime rate takes into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, offering an invaluable assessment of the area's safety suitability for living.

Decorah has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 119 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Decorah ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Decorah reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Decorah maintains a property crime rate of 224 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Decorah as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.

Is Decorah a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Decorah 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 Decorah crime rate is 84% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.07 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.05 property crimes.

Has Crime in Decorah Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Decorah. 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 Decorah has decreased by 27.8%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 28.6%, while property crime has decreased by 41.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Decorah.

Potential Causes for Crime in Decorah

In Decorah, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.3%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Decorah crime rates.

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. Decorah has a median home price of $344,701, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

In Decorah, the average rental rates are $985 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Compare Decorah, IA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Decorah crime rates are 84% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Decorah are 67% lower than the national average
      • In Decorah you have a 1 in 292 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Decorah is safer than 76% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Decorah has decreased by 22%

      Decorah, IA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Decorah (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Decorah, IA per 100,000 people. In Decorah, the total number of daily crimes is 4.49 times less than the Iowa average and 6.18 times less than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Decorah is 2.05 times less than the Iowa average and 3.02 times less than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Decorah has a daily crime rate that is 5.78 times less than the Iowa average and 7.85 times less than the national average.

        How Safe is Decorah (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Decorah, Iowa compared to other areas of Iowa, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Decorah safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Decorah is safer than 71% of Iowa cities, and 76% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Iowa, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Decorah. At this time, Decorah sees a above average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Decorah

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Decorah is 1 in 842
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Decorah is 1 in 446
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Decorah is 1 in 292
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Decorah? In Decorah, IA you have a 1 in 842 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 446 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 292 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Decorah.

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

        A good indicator of whether Decorah is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live can be determined by analyzing the year over year crime rate (per 100,000 people). The number of violent crimes in Decorah has decreased by 29%, while the property crime rate in Decorah has decreased by 18% year over year. The number of total crimes in Decorah has decreased by 22% year over year.

        Decorah police department

        Item Decorah Iowa National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)193,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.31.83.3
        There are a total of 19 Decorah police officers. This results in 2.3 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 29.4% greater than the Iowa average and 28.3% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Iowa

        State Total offenders Iowa /100K National /100K
        Iowa6,040205266
        There are a total of 6,040 sex offenders in Iowa. This yields a total of 205 sex offenders in Iowa per 100,000 residents which is 23% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Calmar, IA1,0112301,2301,460
        Ossian, IA8282411,2851,526
        Fort Atkinson, IA3902511,3411,593
        Ridgeway, IA2632771,4761,753
        Burr Oak, IA2062821,5031,785
        Spillville, IA4382851,5231,808
        Castalia, IA1723091,6471,956
        Decorah, IA7,825119224343

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Brighton, MI7,8281111,2291,339
        Newport, AR7,8284931,2321,725
        Oceano, CA7,8204391,8762,314
        River Oaks, TX7,8302201,1941,414
        Perry, IA7,820399586985
        Decorah, IA7,825119224343
        Source: The Decorah, IA 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.