Median Income
$58,867
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$132,900
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
53/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.7%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$804
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
52% lower than US avg
How Decatur Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population9,769
Median Age43.6 yrs
Density1,601/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans4.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,867
Per Capita$29,760
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty5.9%
County GDP$2,318M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$132,900
Rent$804
Ownership73.1%
Zillow$225,265
Housing Units4,567
Rent Burden25.4%
Crime
F
Violent53/100K
Property2,028/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault42/100K
Burglary212/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking18.8%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain40.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation801 ft (244 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.7%
High School+94.3%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score6.34
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute23 min
Broadband87.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Decatur a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Decatur receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Decatur offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Decatur is $58,867, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. Only 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Decatur is $132,900, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $804 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Decatur is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,028 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
12.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Decatur experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.6 inches, including 28.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Decatur has a population of 9,769 with a density of 1,601 people per square mile, spread across 5.8 square miles. The median age is 43.6 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (90%), with 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 4.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.6yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
The median household income in Decatur is $58,867, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,760 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $951, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 786 business establishments, including 53 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes. 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,867 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,760 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $951 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,720 |
| Gini Index | 0.388 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.9% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 786 |
| County GDP | $2,318M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 53 |
| Healthcare | 56 |
| Retail | 132 |
| Manufacturing | 63 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,039 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.29% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Decatur is $132,900, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $225,265, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $804 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $816 for a one-bedroom to $1,071 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,567 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $3,039. 25.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $132,900 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $225,265 |
| Median List Price | $166,400 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $166,400 |
| $/Sq Ft | $98 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.6% |
| Price Drops | 22.2% |
| Inventory | 18 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $804 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $768 |
| 1 Bedroom | $816 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,071 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,284 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,418 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.9% |
| Housing Units | 4,567 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,039 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.29% |
In Decatur, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 35.1% have high blood pressure. 18.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 26.4% are physically inactive. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,569. The dentist ratio is 1:2,576. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Decatur vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.1% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.8% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,569 |
| Dentists | 1:2,576 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,592 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.1% |
| Dental Visits | 55.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,648/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Decatur has a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 42.5 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 10.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,028 per 100,000, 3% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,784, burglary at 212, vehicle theft at 32 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Decatur receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Decatur vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 53.1/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 10.6/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 42.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,027.8/100K |
| 3% above US avg |
| Burglary | 212.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,783.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 31.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 29 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Decatur experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 40.6 inches. The area receives 28.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 801 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.7°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 801 ft (244 m) |
| Area | 5.8 sq mi (15.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,601/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8289°N, 84.9278°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Adams County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.6"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 85.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 45.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
150 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
147 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
96 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
42 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
65 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
72 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
150 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
20 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
145 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
29 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
112 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
480 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 57 fatalities, 1,114 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
14 km |
4 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
61 km |
13 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
71 km |
3 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
49 km |
4 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
61 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
97 km |
17 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
73 km |
3 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
37 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Mar 10, 1986 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
80 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Decatur has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 26°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Decatur. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Decatur
What is the population of Decatur?
Decatur has a population of 9,769 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,601 people per square mile, spread across 5.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Decatur expensive to live in?
Decatur is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $58,867, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $132,900 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $804 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Decatur safe?
Decatur is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,028 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Decatur receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Decatur?
Decatur has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.6 inches, with 28.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Decatur?
The job market in Decatur is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $951. There are 786 business establishments in the area, including 53 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Decatur?
The median home value in Decatur is $132,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $225,265. For renters, the median monthly rent is $804. Fair market rent is $816 for a 1-bedroom and $1,071 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,039.
How are the schools in Decatur?
Schools in Decatur score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.7% of adults in Decatur hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Decatur?
The obesity rate in Decatur is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.8% of adults are smokers. 26.4% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,569.
What is transportation like in Decatur?
The average commute in Decatur is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Decatur?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Decatur is 90% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 4.2% of the population are military veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
