| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | DeKalb/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,169 | n/a (estimate) | 2,907 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 61 | n/a | 151.7 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 14 | n/a | 34.8 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 83 | n/a | 206.4 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 158 | n/a (estimate) | 393 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 136 | n/a | 338.2 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 854 | n/a | 2,124.0 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 21 | n/a | 52.2 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,011 | n/a (estimate) | 2,514 | 1,715 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in DeKalb is 37.2% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 158 violent crimes reported in DeKalb, equivalent to 393 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 9.4%. Additionally, DeKalb recorded 1011 property crimes, amounting to 2514 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 42.9%.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, DeKalb has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 393 violent crimes, while the national average reported 359. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.
In the most recently reported crime year, DeKalb registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of DeKalb residents. Out of the respondents (131 in total), 21% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in DeKalb were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 79% 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 DeKalb 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 DeKalb crime rate is 37% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 3.2 crimes per day - 0.43 violent crimes and 2.77 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in DeKalb crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in DeKalb has decreased by 5.6% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 34.2% and property crime has decreased by 1.3%.
In DeKalb, 88.3% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
In DeKalb, the cost of living is 4.05% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
In DeKalb, the average rental rates are $1,331 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 | DeKalb | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Illinois /100K | National /100K |
| Illinois | 32,213 | 263 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Waterman, IL | 1,801 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Maple Park, IL | 1,647 | 0 | 268 | 268 |
| Lily Lake, IL | 1,360 | 41 | 241 | 281 |
| Hampshire, IL | 6,080 | 36 | 352 | 388 |
| Big Rock, IL | 1,298 | 57 | 337 | 394 |
| Cortland, IL | 4,384 | 44 | 465 | 509 |
| Kingston, IL | 1,230 | 92 | 554 | 646 |
| DeKalb, IL | 44,075 | 393 | 2,514 | 2,907 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| North Miami Beach, FL | 44,034 | 583 | 2,913 | 3,495 |
| Brentwood, TN | 44,025 | 58 | 730 | 787 |
| Edmonds, WA | 44,023 | 260 | 3,001 | 3,261 |
| Fond du Lac, WI | 44,014 | 387 | 2,104 | 2,491 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 44,143 | 511 | 1,240 | 1,751 |
| DeKalb, IL | 44,075 | 393 | 2,514 | 2,907 |
Here are the best places to live in Illinois
Check out the 10 safest cities in Illinois
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Illinois
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Illinois