Is Alton or Aurora Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Aurora is safer than Alton (Safety Score 54/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100,000 versus 3,640 for Alton — 57% lower. Alton has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Aurora has a 95% lower rate.
Note: Aurora is 6.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Alton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Aurora — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Alton, IL
Aurora, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Alton | Aurora | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,639.8 | 1,573.4 | +2,066.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 971.4 | 276.7 | +694.7 |
| Murder Rate | 12.1 | 0.6 | +11.5 |
| Rape Rate | 137.1 | 58.6 | +78.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 116.9 | 37.5 | +79.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 697.3 | 178.8 | +518.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,668.4 | 1,296.7 | +1,371.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 943.2 | 262.6 | +680.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,487.4 | 765.6 | +721.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 237.8 | 268.5 | -30.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alton or Aurora safer?
Aurora is safer with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100K vs 3,640 for Alton — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Alton has a violent crime rate of 971.4 per 100K while Aurora has 276.7. Aurora has lower violent crime.
About Alton, IL
Alton, Illinois, a river town on the Mississippi, is known for its limestone bluffs and as the site of the final Lincoln-Douglas debate. Located just north of St. Louis, it has a population of around 25,000. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 24,809, Alton has a total crime rate of 3,639.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Aurora, IL
Aurora, Illinois, "City of Lights," was the first in the U.S. to light its streets with electricity. Situated along the Fox River, it's the second-most populous city in Illinois. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 170,585, Aurora has a total crime rate of 1,573.4 per 100,000 residents.