| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Decatur/100k people | Tennessee/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 43 | n/a (estimate) | 2,604 | 2,624 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 60.6 | 37.4 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 58.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 242.3 | 488.6 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 303 | 592 | 359 |
| Burglary | 6 | n/a | 363.4 | 251.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 28 | n/a | 1,695.9 | 1,443.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 242.3 | 336.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 38 | n/a (estimate) | 2,302 | 2,032 | 1,760 |

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 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.
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.
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%.
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.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Decatur | Tennessee | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 5 | 11,551 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.1 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Tennessee /100K | National /100K |
| Tennessee | 24,578 | 412 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Etowah, TN | 3,600 | 161 | 403 | 565 |
| Spring City, TN | 2,316 | 0 | 615 | 615 |
| Dayton, TN | 7,510 | 241 | 1,433 | 1,674 |
| Riceville, TN | 786 | 605 | 2,076 | 2,681 |
| Niota, TN | 863 | 800 | 2,748 | 3,548 |
| Athens, TN | 14,414 | 622 | 3,666 | 4,288 |
| Decatur, TN | 1,667 | 303 | 2,302 | 2,604 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| South Bend, WA | 1,667 | 113 | 338 | 450 |
| Port Gibson, MS | 1,667 | 56 | 366 | 423 |
| Lookout Mountain, GA | 1,667 | 60 | 238 | 298 |
| Crump, TN | 1,667 | 238 | 818 | 1,056 |
| Coldwater, MS | 1,668 | 82 | 530 | 611 |
| Decatur, TN | 1,667 | 303 | 2,302 | 2,604 |