| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Decorah/100k people | Iowa/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 26 | n/a (estimate) | 343 | 1,540 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 13.2 | 35.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 18.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 105.6 | 187.2 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 9 | n/a (estimate) | 119 | 243 | 359 |
| Burglary | 4 | n/a | 52.8 | 199.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 11 | n/a | 145.2 | 962.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 26.4 | 135.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 224 | 1,297 | 1,760 |

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.
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.
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.
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.
| Item | Decorah | Iowa | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 19 | 3,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Iowa /100K | National /100K |
| Iowa | 6,040 | 205 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Calmar, IA | 1,011 | 230 | 1,230 | 1,460 |
| Ossian, IA | 828 | 241 | 1,285 | 1,526 |
| Fort Atkinson, IA | 390 | 251 | 1,341 | 1,593 |
| Ridgeway, IA | 263 | 277 | 1,476 | 1,753 |
| Burr Oak, IA | 206 | 282 | 1,503 | 1,785 |
| Spillville, IA | 438 | 285 | 1,523 | 1,808 |
| Castalia, IA | 172 | 309 | 1,647 | 1,956 |
| Decorah, IA | 7,825 | 119 | 224 | 343 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Brighton, MI | 7,828 | 111 | 1,229 | 1,339 |
| Newport, AR | 7,828 | 493 | 1,232 | 1,725 |
| Oceano, CA | 7,820 | 439 | 1,876 | 2,314 |
| River Oaks, TX | 7,830 | 220 | 1,194 | 1,414 |
| Perry, IA | 7,820 | 399 | 586 | 985 |
| Decorah, IA | 7,825 | 119 | 224 | 343 |