Near West Neighborhood, Decatur

Crime Rate & Statistics

C+

Moderate safety — crime is near or slightly above average

Safer than 10% of neighborhoods in Decatur

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 161 / 300 High
Violent Crime 164
64% above national avg
Property Crime 175
75% above national avg
City Ranking
10%
safer than other
Decatur neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Decatur

Is Near West Safe?

Somewhat — crime here is near the national average. Near West in Decatur, IL has a safety grade of C+. The overall crime index is 161, which is 61% above the national average of 100. Near West is safer than 10% of neighborhoods in Decatur.

Compared to the Decatur average (crime index 116), Near West is 45% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 180, 80% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 158).

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 180 (80% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Assault · Index 158 (58% above avg)

Near West 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
161 +61% High
Assault
158 +58% High
Robbery
169 +69% High
Rape
167 +67% High
Property Crime
Burglary
173 +73% High
Larceny / Theft
180 +80% High
Vehicle Theft
171 +71% High

How Near West Compares

Crime index by category: Near West vs Decatur average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Near West 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

See the crime score for a specific address

Near West Demographics & Context

Population
3,700
Median Income
$25,626
Home Value
$56,771
Median Age
29
Pop. Density
4,905/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 8.4%
Graduate Degree 10.3%

Housing

30%
70%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 49.1%
Black 43.2%
Hispanic 3.1%
Asian 0.7%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Near West, Decatur?

Near West in Decatur, IL has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 161, which is 61% above the national average. Compared to the Decatur average, crime in Near West is 45% higher. Near West is safer than 10% of neighborhoods in Decatur.

Is Near West a safe neighborhood in Decatur?

Near West has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 180), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 158).

How does Near West compare to the rest of Decatur?

Near West's overall crime index is 161, compared to the Decatur average of 116. This means crime in Near West is 45% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 164, and for property crime it is 175. 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 Near West?

The most prevalent crime type in Near West is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 180 (80% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.

What are safer neighborhoods near Near West?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Millikin Home, Millikin, Garfield Park and Old King's Orchard. These areas are close to Near West and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Near West?

Near West has a population of approximately 3,700. The median household income is $25,626. The median home value is $56,771. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Near West crime compare to the national average?

Near West's overall crime rate is 61% above the national average (index 161 vs 100). Within Decatur, it is safer than 10% 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.