C-
23%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
16%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
31%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleDecatur/100k peopleTennessee/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime43n/a (estimate)2,6042,6242,119
Murder0n/a0.07.95.0
Rape1n/a60.637.437.5
Robbery0n/a0.058.460.6
Assault4n/a242.3488.6256.1
Violent crime5n/a (estimate)303592359
Burglary6n/a363.4251.8229.2
Theft28n/a1,695.91,443.61,272.1
Vehicle theft4n/a242.3336.7258.8
Property crime38n/a (estimate)2,3022,0321,760

Decatur crime map

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The Decatur crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Decatur as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Decatur crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Decatur crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Decatur, TN

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 higher than the national average by 22.9%. Specifically, there were 5 violent crimes in Decatur, equivalent to 303 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 15.7%. Furthermore, Decatur recorded 38 property crimes, amounting to 2302 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 30.8%.

In the most recently reported crime year, Decatur 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Decatur?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Decatur residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 5 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 100% of Decatur residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 0% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Decatur a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Decatur, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Decatur presents a total crime rate that is 23% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Decatur experiences an average of 0.12 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.1 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Decatur Increased Since Last Year?

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 Decatur 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 Decatur has decreased by 2.3% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 28.6% and property crime has decreased by 2.7%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Decatur

Decatur has a population density of 439.2 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Decatur crime rates.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Decatur, 78.8% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

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 $992, while the national average is $1,444 per month.

Compare Decatur, TN Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Decatur crime rates are 23% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Decatur are 16% lower than the national average
      • In Decatur you have a 1 in 39 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Decatur is safer than 25% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Decatur has decreased by 40%

      Decatur, TN Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Decatur (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Decatur (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Decatur

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Decatur is 1 in 331
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Decatur is 1 in 44
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Decatur is 1 in 39

        Year Over Year Crime In Decatur (per 100,000 people)

        Decatur police department

        Item Decatur Tennessee National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)511,551558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.13.63.3
        There are a total of 5 Decatur police officers. This results in 3.1 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 13.1% less than the Tennessee average and 4.4% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Tennessee

        State Total offenders Tennessee /100K National /100K
        Tennessee24,578412266
        There are a total of 24,578 sex offenders in Tennessee. This yields a total of 412 sex offenders in Tennessee per 100,000 residents which is 55% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Etowah, TN3,600161403565
        Spring City, TN2,3160615615
        Dayton, TN7,5102411,4331,674
        Riceville, TN7866052,0762,681
        Niota, TN8638002,7483,548
        Athens, TN14,4146223,6664,288
        Decatur, TN1,6673032,3022,604

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        South Bend, WA1,667113338450
        Port Gibson, MS1,66756366423
        Lookout Mountain, GA1,66760238298
        Crump, TN1,6672388181,056
        Coldwater, MS1,66882530611
        Decatur, TN1,6673032,3022,604
        Source: The Decatur, TN crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.