Dekalb, IL Crime Rate & Safety

Dekalb, IL has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 6% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 233 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 41 chance for property crime. Dekalb has higher crime than 71% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Dekalb has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Dekalb is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in Dekalb is 429.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 13% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 233 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.2 per 100K (4% above average); aggravated assault at 313.4 per 100K (17% above average); robbery at 74.3 per 100K (1% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Dekalb is 2,423.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 32% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 41 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 266.2 per 100K (1% below average); larceny/theft at 1,772.7 per 100K (26% above average); vehicle theft at 384.8 per 100K (21% above average).

Dekalb's overall crime rate is 6% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (26% above average), while burglary is 1% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Dekalb has higher crime than 71% of them.

Visitors to Dekalb should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 32% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods.

Illinois as a whole has crime that is 3% above the national average. Dekalb's crime rate is 6% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Illinois city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Dekalb, with an estimated rate of 1,772.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 26% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,424 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (429 per 100K) in Dekalb, which is consistent with national trends.