Decatur, MI Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Decatur, MI

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Decatur crime rate is 5.4% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Decatur, there were 8 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 478 per 100,000 individuals, 29.2% higher than the national average. Additionally, Decatur recorded 33 property crimes, amounting to 1971 per 100,000 residents, 0.9% higher than the U.S. average.

When evaluating the Decatur crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Decatur crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

In the latest reported crime year, Decatur recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Decatur exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1971 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1954 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Decatur maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

Is Decatur a Safe Place to Live?

Is Decatur a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Decatur has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 5%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.11 daily incidents, encompassing 0.02 violent crimes and 0.09 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Decatur as a potential place to call home.

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 38.8%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 42.9%, while property crime has decreased by 37.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Decatur.

Potential Causes for Crime in Decatur

In Decatur, 73.2% 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 Decatur, the cost of living is 23.22% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

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 $722, while the national average is $949 per month.

Decatur crime map