Decatur, GA Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Decatur, GA

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Decatur is 22.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 32 violent crimes reported in Decatur, equivalent to 132 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 64.3%. Additionally, Decatur recorded 659 property crimes, amounting to 2717 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 39%.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Decatur?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Decatur. Based on the results of the surveys (41 responses), 29% of people felt that there was very little crime in Decatur and felt safe walking alone at night. While 71% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe 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 1.89 daily crimes, comprising 0.09 violent incidents and 1.81 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 residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Decatur. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Decatur has increased by 6.1%. Violent crimes have decreased by 44.8%, while property crimes have increased by 11.1%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Decatur

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Decatur crime rates. In Decatur, the poverty rate stands at 8.3%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Decatur crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Decatur has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Decatur stands at $547,300, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Decatur crime map