Is Aurora or Chicago Heights Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Aurora is safer than Chicago Heights (Safety Score 54/100 vs 9/100), with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100,000 versus 3,965 for Chicago Heights — 60% lower. Aurora has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Aurora has a 97% lower rate.
Note: Aurora is 6.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Aurora — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Aurora, IL
Chicago Heights, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Aurora | Chicago Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,573.4 | 3,964.8 | -2,391.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 276.7 | 1,232.5 | -955.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.6 | 19.4 | -18.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.6 | 46.5 | +12.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.5 | 263.6 | -226.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 178.8 | 903.0 | -724.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,296.7 | 2,732.4 | -1,435.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 262.6 | 674.4 | -411.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 765.6 | 1,465.0 | -699.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 268.5 | 593.0 | -324.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aurora or Chicago Heights safer?
Aurora is safer with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100K vs 3,965 for Chicago Heights — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Aurora has a violent crime rate of 276.7 per 100K while Chicago Heights has 1,232.5. 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 Chicago Heights, IL
Chicago Heights, once home to the Illinois Steel Company, is a diverse southern suburb of Chicago. Its population is predominantly Black and Hispanic, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 25,802, Chicago Heights has a total crime rate of 3,964.8 per 100,000 residents.