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DeKalb, AL Crime Rates

Key Findings

  • On average, there is approximately 1 violent crime occurring for every 1326 people in DeKalb.

  • DeKalb's violent crime rate is lower than the national average. It stands at 0.75 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

  • DeKalb's property crime rate is lower than the national average. It is recorded at 3.94 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    Last updated on January 30th, 2024 at 07:53 pm

    by | Jan 26, 2024

    Understanding the safety of a community is of utmost importance, whether you are considering relocation, permanent or temporary residence, work, or even just a visit. Here, we will delve deep into the crime data of DeKalb, shedding light on the county’s crime rate and providing valuable insights to assist you in making informed decisions.

     

    DeKalb, like any other county in Alabama, experiences various types of criminal activities. In order to gain a better understanding of the county’s crime landscape, it is helpful to categorize the offenses into three main categories: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.

    Total number of crimes in DeKalb, AL. This information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.

    Is DeKalb Safe? Crimes Breakdown

    Violent Property Other
    Total Number 54 282 451
    Rate per 1000 0.75 3.94 6.3

     

    Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 19 different types of crimes recorded in DeKalb. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.

     

    DeKalb’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    DeKalb has a lower violent crime rate compared to both Alabama and the national average. In DeKalb, the rate of violent crimes is 0.75 incidents per 1000 residents, while in Alabama it is 8.15 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: DeKalb vs. National Average

    Examining the violent crime rates in DeKalb compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in DeKalb in relation to the broader national landscape.

     

    DeKalb’s Violent Crimes Statistics

    Murder Rape Assault Robbery Kidnapping
    Total Number 1 2 49 0 2
    Rate per 1000 0.01 0.03 0.68 0 0.03
    Population 71,611

     

    United States Violent Crimes Statistics

    Murder Rape Assault Robbery Kidnapping
    Total Number 23,195 145,750 939,092 207,616 36,890
    Rate per 1000 0.07 0.44 2.83 0.63 0.11
    Population 331,889,360

     

    Insights into Violent Crimes in DeKalb

    • DeKalb’s murder crime rate is 0.01, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.07 by 86%.
    • On the other hand, the rape crime rate is 0.03, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.44 by 93%.
    • The assault crime rate of the county stands at 0.68, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.83 by 76%.
    • There are no robbery crimes reported in DeKalb.
    • The county’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.03, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.11 by 73%.

     

    DeKalb’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    DeKalb has a lower property crime rate compared to both Alabama and the national average. In DeKalb, the rate of property crimes is 3.94 incidents per 1000 residents, while in Alabama it is 29.26 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Property Crime Rates: DeKalb vs. National Average

    Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in DeKalb compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.

     

    DeKalb’s Property Crime Rate Statistics

    Burglary Arson Vandalism Blackmail Theft Vehicle Theft Identity Theft
    Total Number 41 5 70 0 121 37 8
    Rate per 1000 0.57 0.07 0.98 0 1.69 0.52 0.11
    Population 71,611

     

    United States Property Crimes Statistics

    Burglary Arson Vandalism Blackmail Theft Vehicle Theft Identity Theft
    Total Number 898,487 27,917 1,307,229 12,270 4,630,773 888,618 187,853
    Rate per 1000 2.72 0.08 3.94 0.04 13.95 2.68 0.87
    Population 331,889,360

     

    Insights into Property Crimes in DeKalb

    • DeKalb experiences a burglary crime rate of 0.57, which is lower than the national average of 2.72 by 79%.
    • The arson crime rate is 0.07, which is lower than the national average of 0.08 by 13%.
    • Vandalism is not a significant concern in DeKalb, with a crime rate of 0.98, which is lower than the national average of 3.94 by 75%.
    • There are no blackmail crimes reported.
    • Theft is not an area of focus, with a crime rate of 1.69 in DeKalb, which is significantly lower than the national average of 13.95 by 88%.
    • On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the county has a rate of 0.52, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.68 by 81%.
    • DeKalb faces a lower rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 0.11, which is 87% lower than the national average of 0.87.

     

    DeKalb’s Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs Offenses Weapon Law Violations Prostitution Animal Cruelty
    Total Number 437 10 0 4
    Rate per 1000 6.1 0.14 0 0.06
    Population 71,611

     

    United States Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs Offenses Weapon Law Violations Prostitution Animal Cruelty
    Total Number 1,290,858 267,955 11,565 16,497
    Rate per 1000 3.89 0.81 0.04 0.05
    Population 331,889,360

     

    Insights into Other Crimes in DeKalb

    • Drug offenses are a concern in DeKalb, with a rate of 6.1, which is higher than the national average of 3.89 by 57%.
    • Weapon law violations are another area of focus. The county’s weapon law violations rate is 0.14, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.81 by 83%.

     

    Conclusion

    In DeKalb County, the overall pattern of violent crime doesn’t notably pose challenges. However, there’s an area of concern regarding drug offenses, which surpass the national average. Addressing this elevated rate could be a focal point for law enforcement and community initiatives within the county

     

    Explore cities like Tallapoosa, AL, which have a similar violent crime rate to DeKalb. Also, explore places with a similar property crime rate like Marengo, AL.

    ¹For this analysis, we will focus on the more significant ones that directly affect people’s safety and well-being, rather than delving into less critical offenses like simple assaults, ATM frauds, and forgery.

    ²The FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) aims to enhance the quality of crime data collected by law enforcement agencies. It accomplishes this by capturing comprehensive details for each crime incident, including information about victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and the property involved in the crimes.