Is Aurora or Champaign Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Aurora is safer than Champaign (Safety Score 54/100 vs 23/100), with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100,000 versus 2,781 for Champaign — 43% lower. Aurora has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Aurora has a 89% lower rate.
Aurora — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Champaign — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Aurora, IL
Champaign, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Aurora | Champaign | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,573.4 | 2,780.9 | -1,207.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 276.7 | 501.9 | -225.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.6 | 5.6 | -5.0 |
| Rape Rate | 58.6 | 68.2 | -9.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.5 | 91.7 | -54.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 178.8 | 336.4 | -157.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,296.7 | 2,279.1 | -982.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 262.6 | 574.5 | -311.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 765.6 | 1,472.1 | -706.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 268.5 | 232.5 | +36.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aurora or Champaign safer?
Aurora is safer with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100K vs 2,781 for Champaign — a 43% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Aurora has a violent crime rate of 276.7 per 100K while Champaign has 501.9. Aurora has lower violent crime.
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.
About Champaign, IL
Champaign, Illinois, home to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is a mid-sized city in East Central Illinois. Its flat prairie landscape and highly educated populace reflect its agricultural roots and academic focus. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 89,466, Champaign has a total crime rate of 2,780.9 per 100,000 residents.