Decatur, AL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Decatur, AL

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Decatur is 29.7% higher 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 242 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 418 per 100,000 individuals, 13.2% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1501 property crimes, amounting to 2595 per 100,000 residents, 32.8% higher than the U.S. average.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Decatur has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 418 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Decatur stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Decatur, there were a total of 12 murders, translating to 21 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Decatur?

AreaVibes surveyed 25 local residents in Decatur to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 36% of people answered that there was very little crime in Decatur and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 64% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Decatur a Safe Place to Live?

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 30% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 4.78 crimes per day - 0.66 violent crimes and 4.11 property crimes.

Has Crime in Decatur Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Decatur has decreased by 31.3% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Decatur is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 6.1%, while property crime has decreased by 35%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Decatur.

Potential Causes for Crime in Decatur

Decatur reports an unemployment rate of 3.2%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Decatur crime rates.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Decatur stands at $141,000, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Decatur, the average monthly rent stands at $692, while the national average is $949 per month.

Decatur crime map