Nelson Park Neighborhood, Decatur
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 44% of neighborhoods in Decatur
Safety at a Glance
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in Decatur
Is Nelson Park Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Nelson Park in Decatur, IL has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 152, which is 52% above the national average of 100. Nelson Park is safer than 44% of neighborhoods in Decatur.
Compared to the Decatur average (crime index 116), Nelson Park is 36% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 151, 51% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 55).
Nelson 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
|
146 | +46% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
151 | +51% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
55 | -45% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
113 | +13% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
110 | +10% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
134 | +34% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
124 | +24% | Moderate | |
How Nelson Park Compares
Crime index by category: Nelson Park vs Decatur average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Nelson Park Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Nelson Park Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Nelson Park, Decatur?
Nelson Park in Decatur, IL has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 152, which is 52% above the national average. Compared to the Decatur average, crime in Nelson Park is 36% higher. Nelson Park is safer than 44% of neighborhoods in Decatur.
Is Nelson Park a safe neighborhood in Decatur?
Nelson Park is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Decatur, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 151), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 55).
How does Nelson Park compare to the rest of Decatur?
Nelson Park's overall crime index is 152, compared to the Decatur average of 116. This means crime in Nelson Park is 36% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 116, and for property crime it is 123. 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 Nelson Park?
The most prevalent crime type in Nelson Park is Assault, with a crime index of 151 (51% 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 Nelson Park?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Scovill Gardens, Saint Mary's, Galloway Park and Lion's Park. These areas are close to Nelson Park and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Nelson Park?
Nelson Park has a population of approximately 389. The median household income is $57,341. The median home value is $39,883. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Nelson Park crime compare to the national average?
Nelson Park's overall crime rate is 52% above the national average (index 152 vs 100). Within Decatur, it is safer than 44% 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.