Is Dekalb or Southfield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dekalb is safer than Southfield (Safety Score 21/100 vs 21/100), with a total crime rate of 2,907 per 100,000 versus 2,913 for Southfield — 0% lower. Dekalb has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Dekalb has a 100% lower rate.
Dekalb — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Southfield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dekalb, IL
Southfield, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dekalb | Southfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,907.4 | 2,913.0 | -5.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 393.0 | 493.0 | -100.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 1.3 | -1.3 |
| Rape Rate | 151.7 | 59.6 | +92.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 34.8 | 39.8 | -4.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 206.4 | 392.3 | -185.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,514.4 | 2,420.0 | +94.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 338.2 | 405.6 | -67.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,124.0 | 1,467.1 | +656.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 52.2 | 547.4 | -495.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dekalb or Southfield safer?
Dekalb is safer with a total crime rate of 2,907 per 100K vs 2,913 for Southfield — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dekalb has a violent crime rate of 393.0 per 100K while Southfield has 493.0. 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 Southfield, MI
Southfield, a Detroit suburb, is home to the landmark "Golden Triangle" of office buildings. Its diverse population has grown significantly since the mid-20th century, with many residents commuting to neighboring communities. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 75,454, Southfield has a total crime rate of 2,913.0 per 100,000 residents.