Is Dekalb or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dekalb is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 21/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,907 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 44% lower. Dekalb has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Dekalb has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 37.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Dekalb — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dekalb, IL
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dekalb | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,907.4 | 5,219.0 | -2,311.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 393.0 | 595.3 | -202.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 8.4 | -8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 151.7 | 83.7 | +68.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 34.8 | 108.4 | -73.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 206.4 | 393.7 | -187.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,514.4 | 4,623.6 | -2,109.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 338.2 | 495.6 | -157.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,124.0 | 3,291.8 | -1,167.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 52.2 | 836.3 | -784.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dekalb or San Antonio safer?
Dekalb is safer with a total crime rate of 2,907 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dekalb has a violent crime rate of 393.0 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. Dekalb has lower violent crime.
About Dekalb, IL
DeKalb, Illinois, home to Northern Illinois University, is a city in DeKalb County, about 65 miles west of Chicago. It's known as the "Barb City" due to Joseph Glidden's invention of barbed wire here. The population is diverse, with a significant student presence. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 40,208, Dekalb has a total crime rate of 2,907.4 per 100,000 residents.
About San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.