Decatur, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Decatur, TX

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Decatur crime rate is 41.5% 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 31 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 434 per 100,000 individuals, 17.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, Decatur recorded 204 property crimes, amounting to 2854 per 100,000 residents, 46.1% higher than the U.S. average.

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.

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 41% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.64 crimes per day - 0.08 violent crimes and 0.56 property crimes.

Has Crime in Decatur Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Decatur has decreased by 17.8% 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 47.6%, while property crime has decreased by 23%. 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 1.6%, 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.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Decatur, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 4.35 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

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 $165,500, 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