Is Decatur or Waterloo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Decatur is safer than Waterloo (Safety Score 21/100 vs 21/100), with a total crime rate of 2,916 per 100,000 versus 2,921 for Waterloo — 0% lower. Decatur has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Waterloo has a 47% lower rate.
Decatur — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Waterloo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Decatur, AL
Waterloo, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Decatur | Waterloo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,915.5 | 2,920.8 | -5.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 606.7 | 476.0 | +130.7 |
| Murder Rate | 8.5 | 4.5 | +4.0 |
| Rape Rate | 54.7 | 39.2 | +15.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.4 | 34.7 | +9.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 499.0 | 397.7 | +101.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,308.9 | 2,444.8 | -136.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 193.1 | 586.0 | -392.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,833.8 | 1,658.5 | +175.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 282.0 | 200.4 | +81.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Decatur or Waterloo safer?
Decatur is safer with a total crime rate of 2,916 per 100K vs 2,921 for Waterloo — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Decatur has a violent crime rate of 606.7 per 100K while Waterloo has 476.0. Waterloo has lower violent crime.
About Decatur, AL
Decatur, "The River City," sits on the Tennessee River in Morgan County. This North Alabama city, historically a railroad hub, is now home to a diverse population of over 55,000 residents. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 58,514, Decatur has a total crime rate of 2,915.5 per 100,000 residents.
About Waterloo, IA
Waterloo, Iowa, a city in Black Hawk County, was once a hub for the Illinois Central Railroad. Situated along the Cedar River, its population is diverse, with a notable African American community. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 66,385, Waterloo has a total crime rate of 2,920.8 per 100,000 residents.