Is Decatur or Sandy Springs Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sandy Springs is safer than Decatur (Safety Score 52/100 vs 30/100), with a total crime rate of 1,602 per 100,000 versus 2,401 for Decatur — 33% lower. Decatur has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Decatur has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Sandy Springs is 4.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Decatur — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Sandy Springs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Decatur, GA
Sandy Springs, GA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Decatur | Sandy Springs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,401.3 | 1,601.6 | +799.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 132.7 | 141.1 | -8.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 1.0 | -1.0 |
| Rape Rate | 12.4 | 22.7 | -10.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 62.2 | 15.2 | +47.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 58.1 | 100.4 | -42.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,268.6 | 1,460.5 | +808.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 277.9 | 198.0 | +79.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,783.3 | 1,119.5 | +663.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 207.4 | 143.0 | +64.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Decatur or Sandy Springs safer?
Sandy Springs is safer with a total crime rate of 1,602 per 100K vs 2,401 for Decatur — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Decatur has a violent crime rate of 132.7 per 100K while Sandy Springs has 141.1. Decatur has lower violent crime.
About Decatur, GA
Decatur, a tree-lined city and the county seat of DeKalb, is known for its vibrant town square and independent businesses. It's home to Agnes Scott College, a historic women's college, and boasts a highly educated population, with a significant percentage holding graduate degrees. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 24,112, Decatur has a total crime rate of 2,401.3 per 100,000 residents.
About Sandy Springs, GA
Sandy Springs, a northern suburb of Atlanta, was incorporated in 2005 after a long history of community activism. It's home to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and has a diverse population. With a safety score of 52/100 and a population coverage of 105,580, Sandy Springs has a total crime rate of 1,601.6 per 100,000 residents.