Is Alton or Joliet Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Joliet is safer than Alton (Safety Score 53/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,595 per 100,000 versus 3,640 for Alton — 56% lower. Alton has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Joliet has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Joliet is 6.1x 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
Joliet — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Alton, IL
Joliet, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Alton | Joliet | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,639.8 | 1,594.6 | +2,045.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 971.4 | 350.0 | +621.4 |
| Murder Rate | 12.1 | 0.0 | +12.1 |
| Rape Rate | 137.1 | 48.5 | +88.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 116.9 | 35.2 | +81.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 697.3 | 266.3 | +431.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,668.4 | 1,244.6 | +1,423.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 943.2 | 389.9 | +553.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,487.4 | 704.0 | +783.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 237.8 | 150.8 | +87.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alton or Joliet safer?
Joliet is safer with a total crime rate of 1,595 per 100K vs 3,640 for Alton — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Alton has a violent crime rate of 971.4 per 100K while Joliet has 350.0. Joliet 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 Joliet, IL
Joliet, a former steel town on the Des Plaines River, boasts the historic Rialto Square Theatre. This city southwest of Chicago has a diverse population, with a significant Hispanic community. With a safety score of 53/100 and a population coverage of 150,569, Joliet has a total crime rate of 1,594.6 per 100,000 residents.