Is Charlotte - Mecklenburg or Decatur Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Decatur is safer than Charlotte - Mecklenburg (Safety Score 13/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 3,471 per 100,000 versus 4,439 for Charlotte - Mecklenburg — 22% lower. Charlotte - Mecklenburg has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Decatur has a 32% lower rate.
Note: Charlotte - Mecklenburg is 14.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Charlotte - Mecklenburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Decatur — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charlotte - Mecklenburg, NC
Decatur, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charlotte - Mecklenburg | Decatur | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,439.0 | 3,471.0 | +968.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 733.7 | 603.5 | +130.2 |
| Murder Rate | 10.9 | 7.4 | +3.5 |
| Rape Rate | 24.9 | 45.6 | -20.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 130.4 | 94.2 | +36.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 567.0 | 454.9 | +112.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,705.3 | 2,867.5 | +837.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 427.1 | 927.4 | -500.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,518.2 | 1,532.4 | +985.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 760.0 | 407.8 | +352.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlotte - Mecklenburg or Decatur safer?
Decatur is safer with a total crime rate of 3,471 per 100K vs 4,439 for Charlotte - Mecklenburg — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charlotte - Mecklenburg has a violent crime rate of 733.7 per 100K while Decatur has 603.5. Decatur has lower violent crime.
About Charlotte - Mecklenburg, NC
Charlotte-Mecklenburg, a major financial hub, sits in the Carolina Piedmont. The region is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, reflecting its deep ties to motorsports. Its diverse population has grown significantly, making it North Carolina's largest county. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 1,003,130, Charlotte - Mecklenburg has a total crime rate of 4,439.0 per 100,000 residents.
About Decatur, IL
Decatur, a Central Illinois city, sits on the Sangamon River and boasts a rich agricultural heritage. It's home to Millikin University and a diverse population, with a significant portion of its residents identifying as African American. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 67,934, Decatur has a total crime rate of 3,471.0 per 100,000 residents.
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