DeKalb County Crime & Safety

DeKalb County, Alabama

Safety Score

67/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

781.2

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

75.3

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

705.9

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

67/100

Higher = safer

State avg 40/100

State Safety Rank

#15

of 67 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in DeKalb County, Alabama

DeKalb County Is Significantly Safer Than Average

DeKalb County maintains a remarkable safety score of 98.8, far exceeding national benchmarks. Its total crime rate of 781.2 per 100K is less than one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Alabama Safety Standards

The county's total crime rate of 781.2 is significantly lower than the Alabama state average of 1,731.0. Its safety score also outperforms the state average of 97.3, marking it as a secure regional choice.

Outperforming Regional Neighbors in Security

DeKalb County is twice as safe as nearby Etowah County, which reports a crime rate over 2,215 per 100K. Residents here benefit from a much lower incident density than many surrounding North Alabama counties.

Low Violent Crime Defines Local Landscape

Violent crime in DeKalb is exceptionally rare at 75.3 per 100K, compared to 369.8 nationally. Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local reports, totaling 705.9 incidents per 100K.

Simple Steps Enhance Local Security

While rates are low, 14 reporting agencies recommend basic property precautions to maintain these standards. Installing smart locks and motion-activated lighting keeps DeKalb one of the safest spots in Alabama.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in DeKalb County, AL?

DeKalb County has a total crime rate of 781.2 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (75.3 per 100K) and property crimes (705.9 per 100K).

Is DeKalb County, AL safe?

DeKalb County has a safety score of 67/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #15 out of 67 counties in Alabama for safety (1 = safest).

How does DeKalb County crime compare to the Alabama average?

What types of crime are most common in DeKalb County?

Violent crime in DeKalb is exceptionally rare at 75.3 per 100K, compared to 369.8 nationally. Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local reports, totaling 705.9 incidents per 100K.

How is crime data measured and reported for DeKalb County?

Crime data for DeKalb County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

Why is DeKalb County safer than the Alabama average?

DeKalb County has a safety score of 67/100, which is above the Alabama average of 40/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.