Decatur, IL Crime Rate & Safety

Decatur, IL has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 5% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 272 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 48 chance for property crime. Decatur has lower crime than 36% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Decatur has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Approximately 87% of the city's 71 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Southside is one of the safest areas, while Phoenix Park has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Decatur is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Decatur are Southside, Boiling Springs, North Fork, Devonshire, and Bayshore. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Decatur include Phoenix Park, Central Business District, Fans Field, Concord, and Mueller Park. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Decatur is 367.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 3% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 272 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.8 per 100K (4% below average); aggravated assault at 266.9 per 100K (0% below average); robbery at 63.1 per 100K (15% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Decatur is 2,098.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 15% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 48 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 273.3 per 100K (1% above average); larceny/theft at 1,494.0 per 100K (7% above average); vehicle theft at 331.3 per 100K (4% above average).

Decatur's overall crime rate is 5% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (7% above average), while robbery is 15% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Decatur has lower crime than 36% of them.

Visitors to Decatur should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 15% 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. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Southside, Boiling Springs, North Fork.

Illinois as a whole has crime that is 3% above the national average. Decatur's crime rate is 5% below the national average, making it safer the typical Illinois city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Decatur, with an estimated rate of 1,494.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 7% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,099 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (368 per 100K) in Decatur, which is consistent with national trends.