Is Aurora or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Aurora is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 54/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 61% 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: Chicago is 15.5x 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 — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Aurora, IL
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Aurora | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,573.4 | 4,012.2 | -2,438.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 276.7 | 539.9 | -263.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.6 | 17.5 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 58.6 | 58.8 | -0.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.5 | 335.3 | -297.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 178.8 | 128.3 | +50.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,296.7 | 3,472.4 | -2,175.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 262.6 | 294.8 | -32.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 765.6 | 2,318.8 | -1,553.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 268.5 | 858.9 | -590.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aurora or Chicago safer?
Aurora is safer with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Aurora has a violent crime rate of 276.7 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. 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 Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois, a major Midwest hub and birthplace of the skyscraper, sits on Lake Michigan's shores. Its diverse population of over 2.7 million people contributes to its vibrant arts and culture scene. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 2,638,698, Chicago has a total crime rate of 4,012.2 per 100,000 residents.