Decatur, AR Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Decatur, AR

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Decatur crime rate is lower than the national average by 20.6%. Specifically, there were 6 violent crimes in Decatur, equivalent to 346 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 6.4%. Furthermore, Decatur recorded 26 property crimes, amounting to 1500 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 23.2%.

The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Decatur is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Decatur reported 346 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 370.

Decatur showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

Is Decatur a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Decatur is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Decatur has a total crime rate that is 21% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.09 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.07 daily property crimes) in Decatur.

Has Crime in Decatur Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Decatur. 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 Decatur has decreased by 41.8%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 60%, while property crime has decreased by 35%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Decatur.

Potential Causes for Crime in Decatur

Decatur has a poverty rate that stands at 27.3, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Decatur crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

In Decatur, 55.3% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city 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 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. Decatur has a median home price of $92,700, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

Decatur crime map