Hess Park Neighborhood, Decatur

Crime Rate & Statistics

B

Good safety — crime rates are below the national average

Safer than 21% of neighborhoods in Decatur

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 176 / 300 High
Violent Crime 173
73% above national avg
Property Crime 171
71% above national avg
City Ranking
21%
safer than other
Decatur neighborhoods

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in Decatur

Is Hess Park Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood has good safety. Hess Park in Decatur, IL has a safety grade of B. The overall crime index is 176, which is 76% above the national average of 100. Hess Park is safer than 21% of neighborhoods in Decatur.

Compared to the Decatur average (crime index 116), Hess Park is 60% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 186, 86% above average), while larceny / theft is the lowest risk (index: 159).

Highest Risk
Burglary · Index 186 (86% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 159 (59% above avg)

Hess Park Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Decatur city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
166 +66% High
Assault
169 +69% High
Robbery
176 +76% High
Rape
180 +80% High
Property Crime
Burglary
186 +86% High
Larceny / Theft
159 +59% High
Vehicle Theft
167 +67% High

How Hess Park Compares

Crime index by category: Hess Park vs Decatur average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Hess Park Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

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Hess Park Demographics & Context

Population
617
Median Income
$34,517
Home Value
$21,099
Median Age
35
Pop. Density
834/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 2%
Graduate Degree 0%

Housing

53%
47%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 68.7%
Black 15.4%
Hispanic 10.4%
Asian 0.1%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Hess Park, Decatur?

Hess Park in Decatur, IL has a crime safety grade of B as of 2026. The overall crime index is 176, which is 76% above the national average. Compared to the Decatur average, crime in Hess Park is 60% higher. Hess Park is safer than 21% of neighborhoods in Decatur.

Is Hess Park a safe neighborhood in Decatur?

Hess Park is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Decatur, earning a crime grade of B. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 186), while Larceny / Theft is the lowest risk (index: 159).

How does Hess Park compare to the rest of Decatur?

Hess Park's overall crime index is 176, compared to the Decatur average of 116. This means crime in Hess Park is 60% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 173, and for property crime it is 171. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.

What type of crime is most common in Hess Park?

The most prevalent crime type in Hess Park is Burglary, with a crime index of 186 (86% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Hess Park?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include The Elms, Greenwich / Virginia, French Quarters and Mound Park. These areas are close to Hess Park and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Hess Park?

Hess Park has a population of approximately 617. The median household income is $34,517. The median home value is $21,099. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Hess Park crime compare to the national average?

Hess Park's overall crime rate is 76% above the national average (index 176 vs 100). Within Decatur, it is safer than 21% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.

Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.