Is Dallas or Decatur Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Decatur is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 13/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,471 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 13% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Decatur has a 46% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 19.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Dallas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Decatur — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Decatur, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Decatur | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 3,471.0 | +541.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 603.5 | +56.9 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 7.4 | +6.3 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 45.6 | -9.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 94.2 | +74.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 454.9 | -14.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 2,867.5 | +484.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 927.4 | -463.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 1,532.4 | +254.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 407.8 | +692.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Decatur safer?
Decatur is safer with a total crime rate of 3,471 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 13% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Decatur has 603.5. Decatur has lower violent crime.
About Dallas, TX
Dallas, a major hub in North Texas, is known for its historic role in the oil industry and its sprawling urban landscape. The city boasts a diverse population exceeding 1.3 million within its city limits. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 1,321,500, Dallas has a total crime rate of 4,012.3 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.