Decorah, IA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Decorah, IA

The Decorah crime rates are 87.8% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 12 violent crimes in Decorah (155 per 100,000 people), which is 58.2% lower than the national average and there were a total of 10 property crimes (129 per 100,000 residents) which is 93.4% lower than average.

Decorah proudly maintains an impressively low crime rate, registering at a mere 283, which sharply contrasts with the national average of 2324. This stark contrast firmly positions Decorah as one of the most secure residential destinations throughout the entire United States. The total crime rate takes into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 people, offering an invaluable assessment of the area's safety suitability for living.

Decorah 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.

Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Decorah maintains a property crime rate of 129 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1954. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Decorah as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.

The United States faces a global challenge with vehicle theft rates, averaging around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Interestingly, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to not report any stolen vehicles. In the latest crime report, Decorah was among these cities, with no reported vehicle thefts, reaffirming its commitment to safety and security.

Is Decorah a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Decorah 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 Decorah crime rate is 88% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.06 crimes per day - 0.03 violent crimes and 0.03 property crimes.

Has Crime in Decorah Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Decorah. 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 Decorah has decreased by 38.9%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 71.4%, while property crime has decreased by 65.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Decorah.

Potential Causes for Crime in Decorah

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 Decorah, 93.1% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Decorah, the cost of living is 14.39% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Decorah, the average rental rates are $652 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Decorah crime map